Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese have both played well for Team USA in the FIBA Women’s World Cup Qualifying Tournament in Puerto Rico. Both WNBA superstars are representing the U.S. at the senior level for the first time in their respective careers, and both have proved why they are considered by many as the future of women’s basketball.
Clark got her first start for Team USA on Sunday against New Zealand. The Indiana Fever guard registered 14 points on 6-of-11 shooting, to go along with six assists, one rebound, two steals and two triples in 23 minutes of play.
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Reese, on the other hand, has been relegated to a bench role after starting Team USA’s opening game. In Sunday’s 101-46 blowout win over New Zealand, the Chicago Sky forward logged nine points, four rebounds, two blocks and two steals in 18 minutes.
Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese (5) reacts to a flagrant foul from Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22).Grace Smith/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
(Grace Smith/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
FIBA has announced the MVP candidates for the tournament in Puerto Rico. A total of 15 players were named from six different teams across the qualifiers.
FIBA announced Reese as one of the candidates for the Most Valuable Player award. Despite coming off the bench in three out of the United States’ four games, the 6-foot-2 forward is still averaging 7.5 points on a highly efficient 61.1% shooting. Reese also leads the tournament in rebounding with 8.0 per game, along with 1.3 steals in 16.3 minutes per contest.
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Apart from Reese, four other players from Team USA were named MVP contenders, including Clark. The Fever star ranks third in the tournament in average points (12.8) and first in assists (6.3). Clark is also averaging 1.5 rebounds and 2.3 triples in 20.9 minutes per contest.
Paige Bueckers, Rhyne Howard and Jackie Young are also candidates for the MVP title.
Team USA has one final game scheduled as they look to go unbeaten in five games. They will close out the tournament on Tuesday with a matchup against a 3-1 Spain side.
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Related: Caitlin Clark’s Actions With Angel Reese Cause a Stir in Team USA Win
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Mar 17, 2026, where it first appeared in the WNBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.