I Know I've Dealt With Some Injuries

New York Liberty star Sabrina Ionescu said she was "kind of, but not really" surprised to be left off the Team USA roster for the 2026 FIBA Basketball World Cup, while acknowledging the depth of talent and her injury history. "I know I've dealt with some injuries. Obviously, there's so much talent.

You kinda never know; it could go any way. I don't know if surprised is the right word. Yeah, it just is what it is, Ionescu told reporters.

"Disappointed, of course. That's obviously something I wanted to participate in, but I think it's just maturity. I understand how difficult it is.

I'm excited for a lot of the new faces that get to go and have the opportunity to do the World Cup, she added, per The Athletic's Annie Costabile. USA Basketball unveiled its 12-player roster earlier this week, featuring four-time MVP A'ja Wilson, All-Stars Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers, and Kelsey Plum, among others. Other notable snubs included Indiana Fever's Kelsey Mitchell and Minnesota Lynx rookie Olivia Miles.

Ionescu, in her seventh season with New York, is averaging 16.2 points, 4.7 assists, and 4.1 rebounds per game, having played 20 of the Liberty's 32 games this season. She was not selected for this year's All-Star Game, though she is a four-time All-Star and helped the Liberty win the 2024 championship. Ionescu won a gold medal with Team USA at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, France.

Several Olympic teammates, including Napheesa Collier, made the World Cup roster. Collier has played just five games for Minnesota this season after returning late, but the Lynx are strong title contenders. Ionescu's Liberty teammate Breanna Stewart will represent the team and USA.

Other selections include Atlanta Dream's Angel Reese, Phoenix Mercury's Kahleah Copper, and Las Vegas Aces' Jackie Young. The World Cup is scheduled for 2026. This article was originally published on Newsweek Sports.