A’ja Wilson and Kelsey Plum have already announced their absence from the 2026 FIBA World Cup due to health issues. That has also brought significant criticism of Wilson, as she was the most important piece of Team USA’s squad. Meanwhile, WNBA analyst Sabreena Merchant backed the three-time WNBA champion against the naysayers.
Wilson has averaged 26 points, 9.4 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.4 steals, and 2.0 blocks per game this season. Her numbers are enough proof of her impact on the floor. Meanwhile, she has also suffered back injuries on and off.
Merchant addressed that in her latest take on “No Offseason: The Athletic Women’s Basketball Show”:
“My understanding is this is sort of a load management situation where the World Cup, if you get to the final, is six games in 10 days. Plus, you’ve got your regular season games afterwards and then a full postseason run… That is a lot of load on somebody who has a back issue, which seems like the very worst thing to travel with and play with.”
Merchant also underlined Wilson’s past participation in the national tournaments at the U17 and U19 levels in college. She also noted the decision would’ve been difficult for the superstar forward, “probably why this decision took so long to get to.”
Wilson will get a much-needed break, as she won’t be taking part in the tournament. When the regular season resumes on Sept. 17, she could be much more energized to take on the opposition.
A’ja Wilson reportedly missed the FIBA World Cup as she was not feeling 100%A’ja Wilson reportedly had back issues last week and was featured on the injury list. However, she managed to suit up for the Las Vegas Aces. ESPN reported that she has not been feeling 100% for some time, and her team believed the travel and continuous games could exacerbate the situation.
ESPN analyst Alexa Philippou shared on X:
“A’ja Wilson, the four-time WNBA MVP, has not been 100% for some time, a source close to the situation told ESPN, and there was a concern that the World Cup’s grueling schedule could exacerbate the situation.”
A’ja Wilson was the most crucial frontcourt piece on Team USA’s roster. Though Washington Mystics’ Kiki Iriafen, who averages 15.3 ppg and 9.4 rpg, will replace her, she will have big shoes to fill. Meanwhile, it would mean added responsibility for the Fever forward Aliyah Boston.
READ MORE: Caitlin Clark Grabs Early FIBA MVP Momentum As Team USA’s Berlin Campaign Begins
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