UPDATE:Rising Star Lexi Hull Steps Up for USA Women’s Basketball, Replacing Kelsey Plum amid..
Excitement is buzzing in the basketball world as USA Basketball officially welcomes Indiana Fever standout Lexie Hull to the national team roster, replacing two-time Olympic gold medalist Kelsey Plum amid her ongoing personal family matters. This seamless transition, announced today, injects fresh energy into the squad gearing up for the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup qualifiers, where the U.S. aims to extend its legendary dominance.
Hull, the 26-year-old Stanford alum and sixth overall pick in the 2022 WNBA Draft, brings a dynamic blend of sharpshooting and lockdown defense. Averaging 7.2 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.8 assists in the 2025 season, she’s evolved into a versatile wing who thrives in high-stakes moments. A key piece of Stanford’s 2021 NCAA championship squad, Hull has USA Basketball pedigree, including gold with the 2023 3×3 Pan American team and silver at the 2022 FIBA 3×3 U23 World Cup. “This is a dream come true,” Hull shared in a team statement. “I’m honored to wear the USA jersey and contribute to our winning tradition. Let’s keep the streak alive!”
Plum’s departure, though bittersweet, underscores the program’s support for athletes’ well-being. The Las Vegas Aces (now Sparks) icon, fresh off her 2024 Paris Olympics heroics (12.4 PPG), cited family priorities following her recent divorce. “Kelsey’s impact is eternal,” said USA Basketball’s Jenny Boucek. “Lexie’s fire and readiness make this a thrilling pivot.”
Teammates are already raving. Aces coach Becky Hammon tweeted: “Lexi Hull? That’s the steal we needed! Go light it up for USA.” With Hull’s perimeter prowess complementing stars like A’ja Wilson and Sabrina Ionescu, the U.S. looks primed to crush foes like Australia in qualifiers. This roster refresh not only fills a gap but elevates the team’s depth, proving USA Basketball’s bench is as unbreakable as its legacy.
As Hull laces up, the message is clear: The future is bright, and the gold hunt continues.
