Has Caitlin Clark found a new bestie on Team USA? A former rival is falling for her charisma

Caitlin Clark appears to have found a new Team USA friend in Kelsey Plum as the United States women’s national basketball team prepares for the upcoming FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup qualifying tournament in Puerto Rico.

Clark arrived at the national team minicamp without one of her closest teammates, Aliyah Boston, who withdrew from the roster after suffering an injury while playing in the Unrivaled offseason league.

Another Team USA player and Clark friend, Sonia Citron, also pulled out because of a lower-body injury. The absence of Boston – Clark’s teammate with the Indiana Fever – was notable.

The pair developed a strong bond during Clark’s first two WNBA seasons after initially facing each other as college rivals when Clark’s Iowa Hawkeyes defeated Boston’s South Carolina Gamecocks in the 2022 NCAA Tournament.

Clark and Plum seem to be getting along well

But Clark has quickly built chemistry with Plum during Team USA activities. Several moments shared on social media have highlighted the growing camaraderie between the two guards.

In one video posted by USA Basketball, Plum was seen dancing as she walked onto the court before playfully nudging Clark as the pair entered together, drawing a smile from the Fever star.

Another clip circulating online showed Clark knocking down three-pointers while Plum watched from a nearby chair. Plum jokingly shouted “About time. Finally!” after a made shot, prompting a playful exchange between the two.

Plum and Clark shared a fun moment during training

Clark teased Plum about missing a pass during practice, saying, “You yell at me for not passing you the ball, and then you run in all excited to shoot a layup, and you can’t even catch my pass.”

The Sparks star insisted she had secured the pass, sparking more laughter between the pair as teammates looked on.

With the tournament running from March 11 to March 17, Team USA will rely on a mix of established stars and emerging talent as it looks to secure qualification for the next Women’s World Cup. For Clark, the camp has already produced at least one new friendship as the team prepares for international competition.