Team USA coach says she never spoke with Wilson about World Cup absence

Following the news that A’ja Wilson would be unavailable for the FIBA World Cup, coach Kara Lawson had to adjust lineup without communicating with Wilson. Following the news that Las Vegas Aces center A’ja Wilson would be unavailable for the FIBA World Cup, Team USA coach Kara Lawson said she had to adjust her projected starting lineup without directly communicating with Wilson about the decision. Lawson said Tuesday morning that her communication regarding Wilson’s absence came through Sue Bird rather than directly with the four-time MVP. “I didn’t have any conversation with A’ja,” Lawson said. “That was more with Birdie.” Bird has served as the managing director of the USA Basketball Women’s National Team since May 2025. We’ve got to really focus on ourselves.” Wilson has won two Olympic gold medals and two FIBA World Cup gold medals with Team USA. She was named MVP of the Paris 2024 Olympics and was selected to the Olympic All-Star Five in both 2020 and 2024.

Missing media or need the complete publisher report? Open Las Vegas Review-Journal ↗