Team USA’s throne in women’s basketball will be under strain as they begin their campaign as defending champions at the FIBA World Cup in Germany. While they remain the most talented team in the tournament,

The United States looks to secure its fifth consecutive World Cup gold medal as the tournament rolls on through Sept. 13. USA TODAY Sports' Studio IX is ranking the full Team USA roster according to how important each player might be to the country's title hopes. Here's USA TODAY's ranking* of the 12 Team USA players on the FIBA World Cup roster:

China was already facing a huge challenge against Team USA. A lost passport has now taken one of its most important players out of the World Cup.

For now, Carrington will support Team USA in their quest for a gold medal at the World Cup. One of the stars on the team is Carrington's rumored partner, Jackie Young of the Las Vegas Aces.