On Thursday morning WNBA legend and five-time Olympic gold medalist Sue Bird unveiled the Team USA FIBA World Cup roster during an appearance on the “Today” show. The 12-player roster was devoid of two popular names and that quickly drew the ire of many fans.
ESPN’s Alex Philippou shared the names of the players chosen in a tweet on X. “USA Basketball announced its roster for the upcoming FIBA World Cup: Aliyah Boston, Paige Bueckers, Caitlin Clark, Napheesa Collier, Kahleah Copper, Chelsea Gray, Rhyne Howard, Kelsey Plum, Angel Reese, Breanna Stewart, A’ja Wilson, Jackie Young,” she said.
But fans quickly asked where were Indiana Fever star Kelsey Mitchell and rookie sensation Olivia Miles of the Minnesota Lynx.
Fans Wanted The Duo, But Bird Gives Reasons Why They Weren’t Chosen
In the aftermath of the roster being revealed fans took to X to voice their frustration of the aforementioned players being left off.
“We wanted Kelsey Mitchell and Olivia Miles,” one fan said.
Bird, the four-time WNBA champion and four-time FIBA Cup World Champion had this to say about Miles not being chosen for the team. She stated that while attending USA Basketball training camps isn’t a prerequisite to being chosen for the team, it does help the coaches and decision-makers determine how players fit as a unit into the USA Basketball environment and how they fit the coach’s system.
Similar to Cailtin Clark durin gthe last Olympics in 2024, Miles didn’t participate in any of the camps as she finished her college season.
Bird: “She played with USA Basketball before. She will undoubtedly be in the mix for teams in the future.”
While Mitchell has played for Team USA in the U23 Four Nations Tournament in 2017 and the 3×3 Women’s AmeriCup in 2021, she also didn’t attend recent Team USA basketball camps as she studies for her doctorate degree. Also her lack of senior 5×5 international experience didn’t help her cause either.
Fans Don’t Agree
Social media went wild, with some fans talking recklessly and some actually being sensible about the decision.
“Mitchell could have easy taken grays spot. Olivia can wait and earn her bones like they told CC22. After having recorded breaking rookie year,” a fan said.
“Mitchell is studying for her PhD. Miles was at TCU missed training. Their time will come,” another fan said.
“No problem here with me, they are doing their thing where it counts more for their respective teams ….” someone else replied.
“Don’t understand why they are left out. Two of the best, top five at minimum guards in the league,” a puzzled observer offered.
“Mitchell is better than Paige by far but isn’t gay so Paige goes. Miles should replace brick throwing Reese,” a person quipped.
Numbers Say Both Are Deserving
Mitchell ranks prominently near the top of WNBA scoring and offensive efficiency metrics, making her a high-output guard whose production relative to positional peers stands out analytically.
Miles, the runaway WNBA Rookie of the Year candidate, has showcased strong advanced metrics and playmaking numbers as a standout emerging guard, leading many analysts to look at her value-add numbers.
But, with only 12 spots on the team, they were the odd two out.
