The torch has officially been passed in USA Basketball, and the legend holding it couldn't be happier. Diana Taurasi, whose No. 12 jersey became synonymous with two decades of American dominance, has given her full-throated blessing to its new bearer: Caitlin Clark.
A Legacy Number Finds Its New Home
When Clark was announced for Team USA's upcoming competitions, fans quickly noticed the number on her back—the same 12 that Taurasi wore while collecting a staggering six Olympic gold medals and three FIBA World Cup titles. In a recent interview, Taurasi was asked about seeing the iconic digits on the rookie phenom. Her response was nothing short of gracious and full of pride for the next generation.
"It's so cool," Taurasi told Sports Illustrated. "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. And Caitlin will do that."
More Than Just a Number
This isn't just about fabric and stitching. Taurasi's number represents an era of unparalleled success for the women's national team. Passing it to Clark, who typically wears No. 22 for the Indiana Fever, signals a profound changing of the guard. Taurasi isn't just accepting it; she's championing it.
"No one better to wear the 12, and Caitlin's going to put some gold medals on that jersey. I know it," Taurasi declared, already projecting championship success for the young star. She added how excited she is to watch Clark develop on the international stage this summer in Germany and at the Paris Olympics.
The transition highlights the incredible growth of the WNBA, where veteran legends and electrifying rookies are pushing the sport to new heights. Stories like Taurasi's Take: WNBA's New CBA Deal Hailed as Milestone for Women's Sports show how foundational players are paving the way for newcomers like Clark, whose own future is looking brighter than ever, especially with reports that Caitlin Clark's 2026 Salary Skyrockets 700% Under New WNBA Deal.
Who Made the Call?
In a humorous aside, Taurasi revealed she had no official say in who inherited her number. She joked that her longtime friend and teammate Sue Bird, known for her basketball IQ, might have been the architect behind the symbolic move.
"Once I'm out of things, I'm out," Taurasi said with a laugh. "Sue, you know, she's a little bit more calculated than people think. So maybe that was a Sue job."
This moment of mentorship and support stands in beautiful contrast to the often-hyped rivalries in sports. It echoes the spirit of unity seen in other uplifting stories, like when the Clark and Reese Rivalry Melted Away in a Viral Team USA Sportsmanship Moment. It's a reminder that at the highest level, respect often wins out.
Taurasi's endorsement is the ultimate welcome for Clark to the national team stage. It's a message that the legacy of USA Basketball's No. 12 is in capable hands, ready to write its next glorious chapter. The GOAT has spoken, and her confidence in the new era is absolute.
