Caitlin Clark was selected for the senior USA Basketball team ahead of the 2026 FIBA World Cup, and it did not take long for her to notice just how different the international game feels.

Speaking during her first senior Women’s National Team training camp, Clark called the experience both exciting and eye-opening. After working her way through the junior national team system, she is now adjusting to a completely new level of basketball.

“It feels good,” Clark said. “I was a little nervous, not because of anything specific, but I haven’t been out here in a while. Just lacing them up and being in a competitive practice like this, it’s really fun.”

Physically, Clark said she feels good and confident about her fitness. The bigger adjustment, though, has nothing to do with conditioning.

“The WNBA is one thing, but FIBA is completely different,” Clark explained. “There are similarities, but there are also a lot of differences. You need a healthy balance of both.”

She made it clear that a mix of young talent and proven veterans is needed for a game like FIBA. With the current USA Team having this perfect blend, the International Basketball that demands experience, especially when the rules and pace change, is something they can tackle.

That is where veterans like Sue Bird and Kelsey Plum stand out. Clark specifically mentioned Kelsey Plum, a two-time WNBA champion and Olympic gold medalist, as someone who makes a real impact just by being on the floor.

“I was around Plum a lot today,” Clark said. “Her energy is always great. She’s won gold, she’s been through this, and she knows what USA Basketball is all about. That energy matters.”

Clark said the competitive atmosphere of camp is unlike anything she has experienced before. “Everybody loves basketball here. Everybody wants to be the best,” she said. “You can feel it.”

And she ended by saying, “To be at a senior national team camp, that’s a dream come true.”

For now, her approach is simple. Enjoy being back on the court, learn from the veterans, and adjust to a game that looks nothing like the WNBA.

Written by

Kalzang Uzor Gurung

Edited by

Oajaswini Prabhu