Caitlin Clark had a disappointing 2025 WNBA season with the Indiana Fever. While the point guard secured her second All-Star nod, averaging 16.5 points, 5.0 rebounds and 8.8 assists, Clark was limited to just 13 games. Still, the Fever advanced all the way to Game 5 of the semifinals without her before falling to the Las Vegas Aces.
But following her recovery, Clark made her return to the court during the WNBA offseason, making her senior debut for Team USA at the 2026 FIBA World Cup qualifying tournament. Averaging 11.6 points, 1.6 rebounds and 6.4 assists per game in Puerto Rico, Clark led the United States to a perfect 5-0 record, winning Group A. For her play, Clark was also named the TISSOT MVP.
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Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) looks on during a WNBA game.Erica Denhoff/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
(Erica Denhoff/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Before becoming a WNBA star, Clark made a name for herself during her college career with the Iowa Hawkeyes, setting the NCAA’s all-time scoring record. She wore No. 22 in college, a number that has since been retired by Iowa, and has continued wearing it with the Fever after previously wearing No. 11 in high school at Dow
However, with No. 11 already taken by Los Angeles Sparks guard Rae Burrell, Team USA gave Clark the No. 12 jersey. The number was popularized by former Phoenix Mercury guard Diana Taurasi during her time with Team USA, as she wore No. 12 while winning six Olympic gold medals.
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And on Monday, Taurasi joined SI’s Grant Young for an online interview. When asked about Clark wearing her No. 12, Taurasi noted that she “couldn’t think of anyone better to take it.”
“I mean, it’s so cool,” Taurasi said. “To see Caitlin not only wear the USA jersey, but the No. 12. I spent two decades wearing that jersey, and that number, and I couldn’t think of anyone better to take it and put it on and just have an amazing career. And Caitlin will do that. She had a great qualifiers down in Puerto Rico. It’s just going to be fun to watch her play this Summer in Germany and the Olympics. No one better to wear the 12 and Caitlin’s going to put some gold medals on that jersey.”
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Clark and the Fever will open the 2026 WNBA season against the Dallas Wings on May 9.
Related: Caitlin Clark’s Change in Physical Appearance Draws Attention
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Mar 23, 2026, where it first appeared in the WNBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.