Mar 7, 2026; Duluth, GA, USA; Duke Blue Devils head coach Kara Lawson on the sideline against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the second quarter at Gas South Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Team USA has played well throughout the FIBA World Cup, recently picking up a dominant 106-54 win over the Czech Republic.
Head coach Kara Lawson has kept this talented core competitive as Team USA sets its sights on another FIBA World Cup championship. However, she has faced criticism throughout the tournament.
Much of the criticism has centered on Lawson’s rotations, notably her decision to bring Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark off the bench despite her status as one of the team’s biggest stars.
Team USA’s bench also features other stars such as Paige Bueckers and Angel Reese, giving Lawson plenty of talent to work with throughout the tournament.
Despite being 3-0 in the group stage, some fans on social media have even gone so far as to say Lawson does not deserve to win the FIBA Women’s Basketball Cup Best Coach award.
Which coach deserves to be named the #FIBAWWC Best Coach?
VOTE https://t.co/1xF34J8XbQ pic.twitter.com/beGC7pqUnA
— FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup (@FIBAWWC) September 9, 2026
Fans Question Kara Lawson ‘Best Coach’ Candidacy
“Certainly not Kara Lawson. With that roster, and the teams USA have played so far, Team USA seems underachieving, not fun to watch,” one user wrote.
“Kara Lawson’s load with the United States is pretty cut out with that WNBA elite construct at her disposal — let her sit out this!” added another.
One user added, “Not Kara Lawson, that’s for sure.”
“Clearly, it ain’t Kara Lawson,” said another.
“Any coach except for USA!!!!”
“Anyone but the worthless, useless Lawson.”
The coach of the tournament field is certainly competitive, with several experienced coaches leading teams throughout the FIBA World Cup.
The field features established names like Sandy Brondello, the current head coach of the Toronto Tempo, along with Mike Thibault, who is one of the most winningest coaches in WNBA history.
France, which has also proven to be one of the better teams throughout the tournament, under coach Jean-Aimé Toupane, remains a favorite to take home the award.
Meanwhile, Lawson has been criticized for snubbing Caitlin Clark in all three group stage games.
Regardless, Clark has seen some action throughout the tournament, despite coming off the bench. This, at times, reminds the world why she is well regarded as one of the best players in the world.
Her 14-point, 11-assist double-double in Team USA’s opener against China broke the record for most assists in a World Cup game and marked the first double-digit-assist game in a World Cup game since 1998.
She chipped in with nine points and seven assists in Team USA matchup against the Czech Republic. She is currently averaging 8.0 points,2 .7 rebounds while leading the team in assists at 6.3 per game.
As Team USA prepares to take on Hungary in the quarterfinals on Thursday, Lawson will have another chance to silence her critics and prove she’s found the right formula. And Clark will have a better chance to prove she deserves a bigger role in the rotation.