One of the most talented players to ever play women’s basketball, Tamika Catchings, has decided it is in her best interest not to play in the FIBA World Cup with USA Basketball.
Catchings wrote on Instagram that her decision was made to “let her body heal.”
“I have fought long and hard on the decision to participate in the World Championships this year,” she wrote on Instagram. “Due to the injuries and recommendations of ‘letting my body heal’ to fully recover, I am stepping back from this year’s competitions.”
Catchings has been tossing about the decision. She is proud and honored to play for her country. However, a back injury kept the 35-year-old out the first 17 games of the season and she was upset with her postseason play. She’s done playing overseas, where most WNBA players spend their winters, but she still trains harder than anyone.
Last Wednesday, after the Indiana Fever fell to the Chicago Sky in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals thus ending their season, Catchings was noncommittal about her USA Basketball participation, which isn’t like her.
“I don’t know, ” she said, still frustrated by the way her 13th season in the WNBA concluded. “I don’t know what I’m going to do.”
Team USA opens training camp Monday in Annapolis, Maryland and will hold three practices there before concluding the week with a scrimmage. They’ll hold a few exhibition games before taking off for Stade Pierre de Coubertin, Paris, France on Sept. 16.
The FIBA World Cup, hosted by Turkey, will be played Sept. 27 to Oct. 5 so it is a month-long commitment.
Catchings has been a key part of USA Basketball for more than a decade now. She had a gold medal from both the 2002 and 2010 World Championships, and a bronze from 2006. The team is 97-21 all-time in World Cup action. They are dominant around the world, and Catchings has helped them to gold medals in the past three Olympic games (2004, 2008, 2012). She is committed to play in the 2016 Olympics.
“USA ball has been a blessing to me and an honor to play for over the years,” Catchings continued. “I am fully ready to cheer on the ladies who make the World Championship team as they represent the USA. Thanks to everyone for understanding. God Bless!”
Candace Parker and Monica Wright have also opted out. Seven players won’t be at camp because they are competing in the WNBA Finals, which began on Sunday between Chicago and Phoenix.
Catchings’ teammate, Briann January, is the only Fever play competing for a spot on the 12-member team.