A’ja Wilson and Kelsey Plum are not playing for Team USA against Hungary in the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup quarterfinal. Neither player is on the US roster for the tournament after both withdrew before it began, with USA Basketball citing health reasons.
Why is A’ja Wilson not playing for Team USA?
She was the team’s leading scorer at the 2024 Paris Olympics and was the MVP of the 2022 FIBA Women’s World Cup. Plum had played only once since August 9 before Team USA’s World Cup roster was finalized. Both replacements are Washington Mystics teammates and joined the 12-player World Cup roster in their place.
USA Basketball did not publicly disclose a specific injury or medical diagnosis when announcing her withdrawal. The four-time WNBA MVP had been carrying a heavy workload for the Las Vegas Aces, and reports have pointed to the need for rest and recovery as a possible factor. More recently, Aces coach Becky Hammon provided an update on Wilson’s condition. Wilson’s absence is a major blow to Team USA. Unlike Wilson, Plum’s physical problem has been more clearly identified. She had been dealing with a calf/lower-leg injury for much of the WNBA season. The Phoenix Mercury subsequently ruled her out for the remainder of the WNBA regular season. Their inclusion allowed Team USA to maintain a full roster heading into the tournament despite the late withdrawals.
Hammon said Wilson’s back soreness had not cleared and that some days were worse than others, according to USA TODAY .
