In a significant shift from her illustrious playing career, Sue Bird has embraced her role as the first managing director of the U.S. women's national basketball team. Since taking on this position nearly 16 months ago, Bird has been diligently crafting a potential roster for the upcoming FIBA Women's World Cup, which is set to commence with a match against China on Friday.
Bird, who is renowned for her remarkable achievements on the court—including five Olympic gold medals and four World Cup championships—now finds herself under a different kind of pressure. Unlike the control she experienced as a player, Bird must now make decisions that will impact the team without the ability to directly influence the game from the court. "It’s my decisions I have to stand on and I feel really confident with this team," Bird stated, reflecting on the unique challenges of her new role.
As she prepares for the tournament, Bird's roster includes a blend of seasoned veterans like Breanna Stewart and a host of newcomers, including Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers, and Angel Reese. Notably, Napheesa Collier is also set to make her World Cup debut after missing the 2022 tournament due to maternity leave. Bird has utilized her notes app extensively to brainstorm roster ideas, drawing on her experiences from past teams to guide her selections.
"You can kind of see it comes down to needing five post players and wanting some versatility in that group," Bird explained. She emphasized the importance of having a balanced team, noting that while the term 'guards' encompasses a variety of players, a solid foundation typically requires around seven guards. However, the final roster decisions depend heavily on player availability.
In the lead-up to the tournament, Bird faced unexpected challenges as key players A'ja Wilson and Kelsey Plum were ruled out due to health issues. This last-minute adjustment required Bird to quickly reassess her strategy and identify suitable replacements. "I was already kind of like thinking about if things didn’t work out with her health wise, we’d have to pivot," Bird remarked, highlighting her adaptability in navigating these hurdles.
Bird's leadership has garnered praise from USA Basketball CEO Jim Tooley, who noted her extensive knowledge of the international basketball landscape, both as a player and in her current role. Tooley commended Bird's thoughtfulness and commitment to the selection process, indicating that her experience is invaluable as the team prepares for global competition.
Looking ahead, Bird's contract with USA Basketball extends through the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028, providing her with the opportunity to further shape the future of women's basketball in the U.S. As the World Cup approaches, Bird's focus will be on assembling a cohesive team capable of continuing the legacy of excellence established by previous U.S. squads.
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