‘Pretend You Just Solved the World Cup’ — Jason Whitlock Pushes Back on Calls for Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese To Start for Team USA

On Sep 12, 2026

Team USA has reached the semifinals of the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup after cruising past Hungary 108-56 in the quarterfinals. Kara Lawson’s squad is now preparing to face Spain, with a place in the final on the line.

But before the Americans take the floor, BlazeTV host Jason Whitlock has some words for Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese.

Jason Whitlock’s Recent Comment Regarding Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese

In a recent episode of “Fearless,” Whitlock pushed back against calls for the two young stars to receive bigger roles in Team USA’s lineup.

He argued that Clark and Reese should not be hyped simply because they have produced during easy minutes against weaker teams in games that quickly turned into blowouts.

“You do not evaluate Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, and Paige Bueckers against reserve units on really inferior rosters in the second half of blowouts and then pretend you just saw the World Cup. You evaluate them against the opponent that nearly stole gold when A’ja was still on the team,” Whitlock said in his video.

Whitlock’s point was that international basketball should be judged differently. According to him, scoring or making plays when Team USA is already comfortably ahead does not automatically prove that a player is ready to dominate against elite competition.

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He believes the real test will come when the Americans face a team capable of applying serious pressure. France, in particular, stands out. The French team nearly knocked off Team USA in the 2024 Olympic gold-medal game, when A’ja Wilson was still part of the American roster.

Whitlock did not stop there. He also discussed concerns surrounding how Clark and Reese could be handled against stronger opponents.

He suggested that Lawson is worried, whether justified or not, that Clark’s style of play could be specifically targeted and physically disrupted by Gabby Williams.

“Lawson is worried, right or wrong, that Caitlin’s game gets hunted by Gabby Williams the same way it gets nudged off the schedule in San Francisco. She is worried, right or wrong, that Angel Reese’s offensive aggressiveness turns into fouls, stalled possessions, and a night that blows up in America’s face when the margin is one possession,” Whitlock added in his video.

Williams has been one of France’s biggest threats at the World Cup. Entering the semifinals, she was averaging 17.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 2.5 steals per game while shooting 54.3% from the field and 50.0% from three-point range.

France has advanced to the final. If Team USA beats Spain, the Americans will face France for the championship.

The comments from Whitlock come as Clark and Reese have primarily come off the bench for Lawson during the World Cup. Their roles have naturally created debate among fans who believe the two stars should be starting.

At the same time, their production has fluctuated during the tournament. Against Hungary, Clark finished with 10 points and nine assists in 20 minutes. Reese recorded nine points and six rebounds on 4-of-5 shooting in almost 18 minutes.

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With Spain waiting in the semifinals, Lawson’s approach is starting to make more sense. Team USA may not need its biggest stars to dominate every game.

Instead, the coaching staff appears focused on finding the right combinations and preparing the team for the toughest moments ahead.

This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.

Crédito: Link de origem