The Australian Opals' FIBA World Cup campaign has suffered a major blow with captain Sami Whitcomb withdrawing from the tournament which tips off next week in Germany.
ESPN understands the star guard and prolific scorer will not play through circumstances pertaining to the on-going management of a knee injury which delayed her start to the current WNBA season and has restricted her court time for the Phoenix Mercury.
Whitcomb, 38, hurt her left knee during practice in May, underwent arthroscopic surgery to remove a loose body and made her 2026 season debut on July 9. In the first year of a two-year contract with Phoenix, the dual WNBA champ is averaging 16.5 minutes and 4.9 points, 2.1 assists and 1.8 rebounds across 15 games.
The Olympic and dual World Cup medallist played 15 minutes of game time in the Mercury's 94-84 loss to Washington on Wednesday.
It's a huge setback for the Opals, from both a talent and leadership standpoint, just nine days out from their tournament-opening game on September 4 against Puerto Rico.
Widely regarded as a glue player and natural leader, Whitcomb has established herself as an experienced and consistent performer at international level and when she last wore the green and gold, at the FIBA World Cup Qualifying Tournament in Türkiye in March, earned tournament MVP and All-Star honours.
ESPN has contacted Whitcomb and Basketball Australia for comment.
