Team USA roster discussions have already started for the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup.

Basketball analyst Rachel Annamarie DeMita recently weighed in with her personal 12-player roster, and Alyssa Thomas didn’t make the cut.

DeMita built her roster based on current form rather than career résumé, pulling from recent WNBA play and observations from Team USA training camp at Duke.

“My selections are purely off of the basketball that we’ve seen this far,” she said, explaining that she wanted to prioritize fitness and performance over legacy.

That approach directly impacted Alyssa Thomas’ spot on her roster. DeMita praised the veteran forward’s versatility, calling her “a Swiss Army knife” and pointing to her WNBA triple-double record.

However, when comparing options for international play, DeMita leaned toward Kahleah Copper instead. “If I take Kahleah Copper, that means that I am not taking Alyssa Thomas,” she said, noting Copper’s heavier minutes and role in recent Team USA appearances.

Fit and Pace Were Key Factors

DeMita explained that FIBA play favors speed, flexibility, and players who can cover multiple positions, areas where she felt Copper currently had the edge. She also acknowledged that Thomas is closer to the later stage of her career, which factored into her decision.

The rest of DeMita’s projected roster featured established stars like A’ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, and Nafisa Collier, along with younger talents such as Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers, Aaliyah Boston, and Angel Reese. 

DeMita acknowledged the choice would be controversial and said roster decisions often come down to fit and vision. She also added that plenty can change before the 2026 World Cup, but for now, her picks have reopened the conversation about how Team USA should be built.

Written by

Kalzang Uzor Gurung

Edited by

Oajaswini Prabhu