Caitlin Clark Enters FIBA World Cup With MVP Momentum as Chiney Ogwumike Praises Her Qualifying Tournament Dominance

Caitlin Clark has looked like herself in the last few games, as the league goes into an extended break from Aug. 31 to Sep. 17 for the 2026 FIBA World Cup. Team USA has a good mix of young and veteran stars, but seven players on the 12-woman roster will be making their international debuts. Former player-turned-analyst Chiney Ogwumike shared her thoughts on the matter.

Clark is averaging 22.5 points and 8.4 assists per game this season after a topsy-turvy start. She has recovered well after widespread criticism for her lack of shooting numbers. She was also the MVP when Team USA played in the qualifiers earlier this year.

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Ogwumike addressed the lack of international experience in the squad but hailed the overpowering talent the team packs. Speaking on Chiney Today on Friday, she said:

“International experience will be important because I believe seven of the 12 players on Team USA roster are making their World Cup debuts… And it’s important to also note that in the qualifying tournament, Caitlin Clark was the qualifying tournament MVP. So they might make their debut, but they could also be the MVP.”

This time, the FIBA World Cup tournament will feature an elite Team USA side filled with talent to challenge for the gold. Moreover, Clark’s recent form will help her fire from the get-go.

Clark led the Indiana Fever to a win over the Connecticut Sun in their last game before the break with 34 points and 12 assists. She has also garnered MVP conversations after her recent performance in August.

WNBA analyst mistakenly gives Olivia Miles laurels for a record still held by Caitlin Clark

WNBA analyst Zena Keita, on The Athletic’s show No Offseason, shared her thoughts on the MVP conversations this season. However, the co-host mistakenly praised Minnesota Lynx’s Olivia Miles for holding the all-WNBA rookie assists record. However, this is still under Clark’s name.

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A user shared the clip on X and wrote:

“I’m sorry this makes me laugh so hard. Zena Keita has the most horrible takes especially when it comes to Caitlin Clark”