Paige Bueckers is set to play a part in the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup and has opened up on the phone call she received to confirm her place in the team.
The USA begin their tournament on Friday and are set to face off with China in their first group game.
It remains to be seen if Bueckers will start the game, but Paige is looking forward to being allowed to ‘compete with and against the best players in the world’.
Paige Bueckers was woken up by call confirming she’s going to FIBA Women’s World Cup
As quoted by USA Basketball, Bueckers revealed that she found out she was going to the World Cup after being woken up by a call from Briana Gould and Sue Bird.
She said: “I always believe in divine timing. I woke up, my phone was buzzing, and it was [Briana Gould].
“I answered, it was her and Sue [Bird] on the line, and they said that I made the team and they were really excited, looking forward to the World Cup in Berlin.”
She continued: “It’s a full circle moment. I started when I was at the U16 level. It never gets old, being able to compete with and against the best players in the world, trying to be one of the 12 that represent your country at the highest level.”
Paige is part of a 12-woman team that features some big names, including Caitlin Clark.
The full roster list is as follows: Aliyah Boston, Paige Bueckers, Sonia Citron, Caitlin Clark, Napheesa Collier, Kahleah Copper, Chelsea Gray, Rhyne Howard, Kiki Iriafen, Angel Reese, Breanna Stewart, Jackie Young.
A’ja Wilson and Kelsey Plum were also expected to compete in Germany this month, but they have since withdrawn for health reasons.
But even without Wilson, Team USA are probably the favourites to go on and clinch the gold medal, given they have done so at the last four tournaments.
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