Caitlin Clark's 'Solo Act' Problem: Why Team USA Doesn't Trust Her, Says Jason Whitlock

Iowa native Caitlin Clark faced fresh criticism Saturday after a quiet 1-point performance off the bench in Team USA's 76-66 semifinal win over Spain at the FIBA World Cup. Podcaster Jason Whitlock doubled down on his claim that the former Iowa Hawkeyes star still struggles to play alongside other elite talents, calling her game a 'solo act.'

What happened in Team USA's semifinal win over Spain?

Clark entered the game with 3:49 remaining in the first quarter, the fourth player off the bench for coach Kara Lawson. Spain led 16-11 at that point. The three-time WNBA All-Star finished with just 1 point, 1 rebound, 1 assist, and 2 turnovers as the Americans survived a tough challenge to reach Sunday's championship game against France.

One sequence in the first quarter drew Whitlock's attention. After helping force a turnover, Clark pushed the ball in transition with Angel Reese running ahead. Reese was briefly open for a pass, but Clark kept possession, pulled the ball back out, and eventually missed a contested 3-pointer at the buzzer.

Why does Jason Whitlock say Team USA doesn't trust Clark?

Whitlock used that play to repeat a criticism he has leveled at Clark before. 'CC can be an all-time great. However, her decision-making has to improve. They don't trust her decision-making. It's not racism. She did not learn to play with other great players at Iowa. It hampers her in the W and international stage. Solo act,' he said.

Whitlock dismissed earlier criticism of Lawson's decision to bring Clark off the bench as 'content farm milking.' He argues that Clark's development at Iowa, where she was the focal point of the offense, left her unprepared to share the court with other stars.

Does the criticism hold up against Clark's numbers?

Clark averages 8.5 assists per game in her WNBA career, but her turnovers are a concern. She is committing 5.1 errors per outing in three seasons with the Indiana Fever. Her playmaking has carried over to the World Cup, where she entered the semifinal leading Team USA with 28 assists.

However, Lawson has relied heavily on Chelsea Gray and Jackie Young as primary ballhandlers. They had 9 and 10 assists, respectively, before the semis. Paige Bueckers has also handled creation duties with the second unit, and Breanna Stewart can facilitate from the frontcourt.

Whitlock's claim that Team USA does not trust Clark's decision-making is his interpretation of her bench role, not an explanation offered by Lawson. Still, his larger point stands: Clark has room to grow when playing alongside other elite talent.

Can Clark answer the critics in the World Cup final?

Clark will get one more chance to respond on the biggest stage. Team USA faces France for the championship on Sunday. A strong performance would serve as a timely rebuttal to Whitlock's 'solo act' critique.

For Iowa fans who watched Clark dominate at Carver-Hawkeye Arena, the criticism may sting. But Whitlock's argument is not about her talent, which he acknowledges could make her an all-time great. It is about whether she can adapt her game to fit a system where she is not the only star.

What does this mean for Clark's future?

Clark's development in the WNBA and internationally will determine how close she comes to reaching that all-time-great status. Her ability to reduce turnovers and trust her teammates will be key. Sunday's final against France offers a chance to show growth on the world stage.

This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.