Sparks’ Nneka Ogwumike among USA Basketball roster finalists

Sparks forward Nneka Ogwumike is among trio of stars with Southern California ties named among the 16 finalists for the 2018 USA Basketball Women’s World Cup Team, it was announced Tuesday.

In addition to Ogwumike, Chino’s Diana Taurasi (of the Phoenix Mercury) and San Bernardino’s Layshia Clarendon (of the Connecticut Sun) made the cut.

A two-time defending World Cup gold-medal winner, the USA will compete in the 2018 FIBA World Cup, Sept. 22-30, in Tenerife, Spain.

The final 12-member 2018 USA World Cup Team will be selected by the USA Women’s National Team Player Selection Committee prior to the start of the World Cup. Sparks general manager Penny Toler is a member of that selection committee.

Before World Cup play begins, the United States will play in a four-team tournament in Antibes, France, Sept. 15-17, when it will face Canada, France and Senegal.

On Monday in an exhibition against Japan, Ogwumike — who this week also was awarded the WNBA’s season-long Community Assist Award — scored 22 points and registered 10 rebounds in the United States’ 102-87 victory.

The Sparks would like to congratulate @Nnemkadi30 on being named one of the 16 Finalists for the @usabasketball World Cup Roster. She dropped 22 points and grabbed 10 rebounds in last night’s 102-87 win over Japan.

PRESS RELEASE: https://t.co/PMeyPPy4ma#GoSparks #All4LA pic.twitter.com/GbDLflwibv

— Los Angeles Sparks (@LA_Sparks) September 11, 2018

NEWS: Sixteen finalists named for 2018 USA Women’s World Cup Team #USABWNThttps://t.co/fs04yJorKm

— USA Basketball (@usabasketball) September 11, 2018

12.09.2018No comments