Paige Bueckers opens up on the ‘easy decision’ that led to her representing Team USA at the FIBA WC

Photo by Edgardo Medina/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Dallas Wings star Paige Bueckers discussed her real motivations behind representing Team USA at the 2026 FIBA World Cup in the middle of the WNBA season.

The WNBA will take a two-week break till September 16 as the 2026 FIBA World Cup is held in Germany, with multiple top WNBA stars representing Team USA at the tournament.

This includes Bueckers, who will play her first major senior international tournament for Team USA at this event.

Paige Bueckers highlights the appeal of representing Team USA

Bueckers spoke about her decision to play for Team USA at the World Cup, highlighting how it’s always been one of her dreams, and that representing the USA is the dream of every American athlete.

“It’s an easy decision, being able to represent the United States. Whether it’s at camp or at a tournament, at the Olympics or the junior level, at any level, you are honored to wear those three letters across your chest.”

“It’s a childhood dream of mine, and any basketball player at this level wants to compete for a gold medal with USA across their chest.”

Photo by Edgardo Medina/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Bueckers made her senior team debut for Team USA in the qualifying phase for the World Cup, averaging 5.3 points, 1.4 rebounds, 1.1 assists, and 0.9 steals over five wins.

Team USA has won the Gold at the last four FIBA World Cups, with there only being three editions since 1979 where Team USA lost out on the top spot.

Paige Bueckers will play a key role for Team USA at the 2026 FIBA World Cup

Bueckers will feature in a talented guard core that will include Caitlin Clark, Napheesa Collier, Chelsea Gray, Jackie Young, Kahleah Copper, and Sonia Citron.

Bueckers is expected to play a bigger role than the cameos she had in the qualifying phase. With A’ja Wilson dropping out of the tournament, Bueckers will be relied upon to provide a scoring punch.

Clark and Collier might be the lead guards, with Gray also getting a favorable rotational spot due to her experience. Bueckers will have to earn her role through production, but she is well-placed to do so.

Bueckers is heading to the World Cup after averaging 20.5 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 5.9 assists for the playoff-bound Dallas Wings.

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