Caitlin Clark hadn’t appeared in a sanctioned basketball game in almost eight months before the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup qualifying tournament.
After a lengthy rehab process, Clark was ready to return to the court and make her senior national team debut for Team USA. Many people kept expectations low for the former Iowa superstar, not knowing what to expect after a long layoff from the game. Clark demolished those expectations and then some.
In five games with Team USA in the qualifying tournament, Clark helped lead her squad to an undefeated record while playing some incredible basketball in the process. Her performance in those games earned her another accolade for the collection. Clark was named MVP of the tournament.
IT’S OFFICIAL. CAITLIN CLARK IS YOUR TISSOT MVP. 🌟#FIBAWWC x #WeOwnTheGamepic.twitter.com/QNONqdifSq
— FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup (@FIBAWWC) March 18, 2026
Clark finished the tournament averaging 11.6 points, 6.4 assists, and 1.6 rebounds per game, while also scattering four steals and two blocks across those five games. She shot 53% from the field and 37% from behind the arc, efficiently leading the offense for Team USA. She did all of that while primarily coming off the bench, which makes it all the more impressive.
While Team USA had already clinched its spot in the 2026 FIBA World Cup before the tournament, this was still a great opportunity for Clark to get back on the court and shake some rust off. While the future of the 2026 WNBA is still uncertain, there’s no doubt that Clark will be ready to go whenever the Indiana Fever take the court again.
It was a difficult second season in the WNBA for Clark, who battled numerous ailments across an injury-riddled campaign. If her play in this tournament is any indication, she’s back to full health, and the rest of the WNBA will be in deep trouble when they play the Fever.
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This article originally appeared on Hawkeyes Wire: Caitlin Clark named FIBA Women’s World Cup qualifying tournament MVP
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