Linnae Harper to replace A’ja Wilson on U23 National Team, Wilson out with groin strain

From USA Basketball:

Six-time USA Basketball medalist Linnae Harper (Ohio State/Chicago, Ill.) will join the 2017 USA Basketball Women’s U23 National Team. A’ja Wilson (South Carolina/Hopkins, S.C.), who was named to the team on Aug. 4, will not be able to play due to a groin strain.

“I’m just very grateful for the opportunity,” Harper said. “This past week (at the U23 national team training camp) was great for me, being able to play with the best players and coaches in the country. I’m very excited that I have the chance to compete and represent the USA again and play in Tokyo.”

Harper will join teammates Ariel Atkins (Texas/Duncanville, Texas); Monique Billings (UCLA/Corona, Calif.); Kalani Brown (Baylor/Slidell, La.); Jordin Canada (UCLA/Los Angeles, Calif.); Asia Durr (Louisville/ Douglasville, Ga.); Sabrina Ionescu (Oregon/Walnut Creek, Calif.); Brittany McPhee (Stanford/Normandy Park, Wash.); Kelsey Mitchell (Ohio State/Cincinnati, Ohio); Jamie Nared (Tennessee/Portland, Ore.); Arike Ogunbowale (Notre Dame/Milwaukee, Wis.); and Mercedes Russell (Tennessee/Springfield, Ore.).

“We wish A’ja the best and a speedy recovery,” said Jeff Walz, USA U23 and University of Louisville head coach. “We are excited to welcome Linnae, and I’ve got no doubt that she will pick things up quickly.”