Spain basketball star Megan DiLeo weighs in on Caitlin Clark’s World Cup bench role ahead of semifinal
Spain's Megan DiLeo has dismissed the idea that Caitlin Clark coming off the bench gives Spain any edge ahead of their FIBA Women's World Cup semifinal in Berlin on Saturday. USA coach Kara Lawson has started veteran Chelsea Gray ahead of Clark at point guard throughout the tournament despite Clark's superior statistics, but DiLeo insisted Clark's impact is unaffected by when she enters the game, adding that the USA squad is deep and talented regardless of who takes the floor. The clash carries extra significance as a reunion between former Iowa Hawkeyes team-mates, with DiLeo having helped recruit Clark to the university before their careers overlapped there.
Both players have been in strong form heading into the last four. DiLeo, a naturalised Spanish citizen and 2025 WNBA champion with the Las Vegas Aces, scored 16 points as Spain beat Australia 89-66 in the quarter-final, while the USA thrashed Hungary 108-56, with Clark contributing 10 points and a game-high nine assists. The USA previously beat Spain 84-70 in World Cup qualifying in March, when Clark was named tournament MVP, and DiLeo said she has not spoken to Clark since arriving in Germany but is looking forward to seeing her old friend on court.
In short
- Spain's Megan DiLeo says Clark's bench role won't help Spain in semi-final
- DiLeo and Clark are former Iowa team-mates reuniting at the World Cup
- USA (unbeaten) faces Spain in Berlin on Saturday for a final spot
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Starting Chelsea Gray ahead of Caitlin Clark can be defended as a way to value experience, establish a steady opening rhythm and use Clark’s scoring and playmaking against opponents as the game develops. A bench role need not diminish her influence, especially in a deep USA squad where several players can shape the contest.
The case against
Clark’s superior statistics and strong recent form make a case for starting her, giving the USA’s most productive guard the earliest chance to set the pace and build momentum. Starting Gray instead may seem to underuse Clark’s current impact, though the best lineup choice also depends on coaching strategy and how the players work together.
Explained simply
The FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup is an international tournament in which national teams compete for the world title. Spain and the United States have both reached the semi-finals, where a win would take either team into the final.
Caitlin Clark is a point guard for the United States, while Megan DiLeo represents Spain. DiLeo is a naturalised Spanish citizen; the pair also knew each other as team-mates at the University of Iowa.
The United States has a deep squad, with experienced players such as Chelsea Gray alongside Clark. The teams have met before in qualifying, and their semi-final brings together players with both international and university connections.
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