When Caitlin Clark suits up for the United States at the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup, she'll be wearing a number that carries serious weight. No. 12 has been synonymous with Diana Taurasi for nearly two decades, but the legendary guard is more than happy to pass the torch.
Taurasi, a six-time Olympic gold medalist and three-time World Cup champion, spent her entire national team career rocking No. 12. Now, as Clark prepares to lead the new generation, Taurasi is fully behind the Indiana Fever star inheriting the digits.
“It’s so cool to see Caitlin not only wear the USA jersey, but number 12. I spent two decades wearing that jersey and that number, and I couldn’t think of anyone better to take it and put it on and just have an amazing career,” Taurasi said, via CBS Sports. “And Caitlin will do that. She had a great qualifier down in Puerto Rico. It’s just going to be fun to watch her play in the summer, in Germany, and then the Olympics. No one better to wear the 12, and Caitlin’s going to put some gold medals on that jersey, you know.”
It's a passing of the guard that feels both symbolic and practical. Taurasi's resume is unmatched, but Clark has already shown she can thrive on the international stage. During the qualifying tournament in Puerto Rico, she averaged 11.6 points and 6.4 assists per game, proving she's not just a scorer but a playmaker who can elevate everyone around her.
The question now is whether Clark will crack the starting lineup when the World Cup tips off. CBS Sports' Jack Maloney projects Aliyah Boston, Chelsea Gray, Napheesa Collier, Breanna Stewart, and Jackie Young as the starters. That would put Clark in a bench role, but she's already demonstrated she can be effective coming off the pine.
For Clark, wearing No. 12 is more than just a jersey number. It's a link to the player who defined American basketball for a generation. And with Taurasi's blessing, she can carry that legacy forward without any added pressure.
The U.S. opens its World Cup campaign this Friday against China. It's a chance for Clark to write her own chapter in a story that Taurasi helped author.
Clark's rise has been one of the most talked-about stories in women's basketball, and she's already faced plenty of scrutiny, from on-court incidents to media controversies. But with Taurasi's seal of approval, she can focus on what matters most: winning.
As the World Cup approaches, all eyes will be on Clark to see if she can live up to the hype. If Taurasi's words are any indication, she's already on the right track.
