USA Basketball

[Iluvacc2]

The 2026 USA Women’s World Cup Qualifying Team has been announced.



Obviously A’ja, Phee, and Stewie will be on the final World Cup Team, health withstanding.

“The roster features 2024 Olympic gold medalists Kahleah Copper, Chelsea Gray, Kelsey Plum and Jackie Young. Dearica Hamby and Rhyne Howard won the 3x3 bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Games.

Plum is a two-time World Cup champion (2022, 2018), while Copper and Gray each have one World Cup title (2022).

Aliyah Boston, who has represented the USA in many junior and senior competitions, will compete for the USA for the first time since the 2024 FIBA Women’s Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Antwerp, Belgium.

Paige Bueckers, Sonia Citron, Caitlin Clark, Kiki Iriafen and Angel Reese will make their senior national team competitive debuts”.

 

[GamecockFam]

Since we're not focused on qualifying, I assume this is more of a chemistry / fit / experience thing for the next generation of Olympics teams. Of course they have a few vets to help guide and teach -- I assume that is why they have Copper, Gray, Plum and Young there.

 

[packwrap]

Nice team. Happy for all, thrilled for Citron! She really elevated her game in yr 1 of WNBA and this is a nice reward.

 

[GamecockFam]

Any idea on the depth chart? They have a log jam at PG.

5 Boston, Reece
4 Hamby, Iriafen
3 Copper, Howard/Citron
2 Young, Plum
1 Gray, Bueckers/Clark

 

[GamecockFam]

I don't think Gray or Young will play that much. Basically they'll start each half to set the tone and only return if they're struggling.

 

[packwrap]

Bueckers, Clark and even Citron are combo guards, so plenty of flexibility.

At some point in their USA career Bueckers and Clark can even play side by side.

 

[WBBTakeover]

Since we're not focused on qualifying, I assume this is more of a chemistry / fit / experience thing for the next generation of Olympics teams. Of course they have a few vets to help guide and teach -- I assume that is why they have Copper, Gray, Plum and Young there.

Copper, Gray, Plum, and Young are there to retain their spots. They know what must be done and are willing to do the work.

Not sure where Sabrina is, though.

 

[Iluvacc2]

Since we're not focused on qualifying, I assume this is more of a chemistry / fit / experience thing for the next generation of Olympics teams. Of course they have a few vets to help guide and teach -- I assume that is why they have Copper, Gray, Plum and Young there.

Since they’ve already qualified for the 2026 World Cup, I’m sure it’s more along the lines of what you’re saying.

 

[cancontent]

Copper, Gray, Plum, and Young are there to retain their spots. They know what must be done and are willing to do the work.

Not sure where Sabrina is, though.

Believe it's because she's dealing with an injury that's keeping her out of Unrivaled.

 

[cancontent]

While not on the roster, Stewart will be at the next training camp.

 

[oldude]

Bueckers, Clark and even Citron are combo guards, so plenty of flexibility.

At some point in their USA career Bueckers and Clark can even play side by side.

I think you will see a good deal of Paige & CC on the court together in this upcoming tournament. They are going to be the starting backcourt for USA basketball for many years to come.

 

[GamecockFam]

Did anyone watch today's game? Usually these games don't air on live TV but apparently there was enough interest for TNT to air the games. I missed today's game but got the rest saved and ready to record.

Box score: USA vs Senegal - Group Phase - FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 Qualifying Tournament San Juan, Puerto Rico | FIBA Basketball

Game highlights:

 

[Basingstoke]

I was able to watch it live on MAX.

 

[JellyBean]

Did anyone watch today's game? Usually these games don't air on live TV but apparently there was enough interest for TNT to air the games. I missed today's game but got the rest saved and ready to record.

Box score: USA vs Senegal - Group Phase - FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 Qualifying Tournament San Juan, Puerto Rico | FIBA Basketball

Game highlights:

I could not wait to get home to watch the game. Tru TV on this end. I like the rotations. A few fan sites were not happy with the way their player was utilized. It is always going to be tough getting so many players the right number of minutes and in this day and age, fans of players are never happy. But I was happy with the rotations and the dominance of Team USA.