Team USA retires ‘wrongfully detained’ Brittney Griner’s jersey number for Basketball World Cup

Team USA says Brittney Griner’s jersey won’t be worn at the World Cup, as calls continue for the star to be released from a Russian prison.

SAITAMA, JAPAN - AUGUST 08: Brittney Griner #15 of Team United States reacts during the first half of the Women's Basketball final game between Team United States and Team Japan on day sixteen of the 2020 Tokyo Olympic games at Saitama Super Arena on August 08, 2021 in Saitama, Japan. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Team USA’s basketball World Cup campaign got off to the perfect start on Thursday with a comfortable 87-72 win over Belgium in Sydney.

After concerns their full squad wouldn’t arrive in time for their first game, it was all smooth sailing for the Americans.

Watch every game of the 2022 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup Live & Free on ESPN with Kayo Freebies. Register now, no credit card required.

Captain Breanna Stewart led the charge, finishing with a game-high 22 points, along with four rebounds and three assists.

Team USA are aiming to win their fourth consecutive FIBA World Cup and are red-hot favourites to win the tournament, which is being held on Australian soil for the first time since 1994.

Breanna Stewart wasted no time acclimatising to Australia, leading all scorers with 22 as USA got their World Cup defence started on the right foot 👍🇺🇸#FIBAWWC x @tcl_globalpic.twitter.com/xh9odZJH2q

— FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup (@FIBAWWC) September 22, 2022

Breanna Stewart starred for Team USA in their first game. (Photo by BRENDON THORNE / AFP)

But the US is competing without teammate Brittney Griner, who is currently detained in a Russian prison on drug possession charges.

The 31-year-old athlete was charged with drug smuggling for possessing vape cartridges with cannabis oil and was sentenced to a nine-year jail term by a Russian court in August.

Stewart took to social media after the game, calling on US President Joe Biden to help bring Griner home.

It has been 216 days since our friend, Brittney Griner, has been wrongfully detained in Russia. It is time for her to come home. @WhiteHouse@potus@vp , we are paying attention and we are counting on you. #WeAreBG

— Breanna Stewart (@breannastewart) September 22, 2022

USA Basketball said none of its players will wear Griner’s No. 15 at the World Cup, with her jersey to be temporarily retired for the campaign.

The governing body tweeted: “USA Basketball continues to keep BG in our thoughts as we take the court in Sydney. In her honour, no U.S. player will wear BG´s No. 15 in this competition. #WeAreBG.”

Brittney Griner’s No. 15 is being temporarily retired. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

“The mindset is just trying to stay strong for her and doing what we can,” coach Cheryl Reeve said.

“It’s on their minds every day. It’s heavy, it is really, really heavy especially as we participate in this USA basketball competition.

“She’s such a big part of many of our lives, so it’s challenging.”

Griner is one of the biggest stars in world basketball. The 206cm centre won a WNBA title with the Phoenix Mercury in 2014, and has claimed two Olympic gold medals and two World Cup titles.

Australia will play its first game tonight against France. The Opals who are aiming to win the World Cup for the first time since 2006.

Australian basketball legend Lauren Jackson is in the Opals squad and will cap a remarkable comeback when she steps on the court.

Watch every game of the 2022 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup Live & Free on ESPN with Kayo Freebies. Register now, no credit card required.

FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup

Sydney Olympic Park Sep 22-Oct 1

Tickets on sale www.ticketek.com.au

Originally published as Team USA retires ‘wrongfully detained’ Brittney Griner’s jersey number for Basketball World Cup