Sabrina Ionescu Responds to Being Left off Team USA Roster
New York Liberty star Sabrina Ionescu responded to whether she was surprised by being left off the Team USA roster.
Team USA announced its roster for the 2026 FIBA Basketball World Cup, with 12 WNBA players including Aja Wilson, Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers, and Kelsey Plum. Notably, four-star player Sabrina Ionescu was absent. Ionescu, speaking about her exclusion, admitted she was somewhat, but not entirely, surprised. She acknowledged the immense talent and noted the difficulty in selecting just twelve players.
While disappointed, Ionescu understood the decision and praised the incoming roster. The Liberty star, in her seventh WNBA season, averages 16.2 points, 4.7 assists, and 4.1 rebounds per game. She has made 20 appearances for the Liberty this season, with twelve games remaining before the playoffs. Ionescu wasn't among the 2024 All-Stars but was a vital part of the Liberty's 2024 championship team and previously represented Team USA at the 2024 Summer Olympics, securing a gold medal.
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