Ex-NCAAB player slams ‘frustrating’ Team USA veterans while confirming a divide with young stars

Former college basketball player Rachel A. Demita has criticised the way Team USA’s veterans and younger stars have been discussed during the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup, claiming there is “definitely a divide” around the squad.

The Americans have already reached the quarterfinals after three straight group-stage wins, with Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers and Angel Reese among the younger players making an impact.

Team USA has still leaned heavily on its veteran core, with Chelsea Gray, Jackie Young, Kahleah Copper, Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart starting all three group games.

Demita believes the numbers suggest the younger group deserves more responsibility. A lineup featuring Clark, Bueckers, Rhyne Howard, Aliyah Boston and Reese has recorded a 76+ net rating, compared with 34+ for the veteran starting five.

Speaking on her podcast, Demita said: “And honestly, something that’s kind of been frustrating me around this World Cup is the discourse around the veterans and the youngins because there seems to be a divide. In a time where we should all just be rooting for Team USA, there’s definitely a divide in how we look at certain players or certain lineups.”

She was particularly critical of the commentary surrounding the younger players.

“Guys, these youngins – it’s not like they’re teenagers. It’s not like the young intern squad is a bunch of teenagers. They’re 24, 25, 26 years old. They’re professional basketball players,” Demita said.

Her point is backed by the production of several younger players. Clark leads Team USA in assists at 6.3 per game, while Bueckers is averaging 10.3 points and Reese is collecting six rebounds per game.

However, Demita is not suggesting the veterans should simply be pushed aside. Stewart remains among the team’s leading scorers and rebounders, while Young leads the Americans at 11.3 points per game.

There is another challenge waiting in the knockout rounds, too. Demita has warned that France could pose a serious threat after winning its three preliminary games by an average of 43 points and moving to No. 1 in the FIBA power rankings.

Team USA faces Hungary on September 10, with the pressure now increasing as the Americans chase a fifth straight title. How Lawson balances experience with the younger stars could become one of the biggest decisions of the tournament.

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