The former UConn superstar and 2025 WNBA Rookie of the Year will participate in the three-day camp at Duke University, where 18 players will begin preparations for the 2026 FIBA World Cup and the 2028 Olympics.
UConn’s longtime coach Geno Auriemma said simply receiving an invitation is the first big step, and he believes Bueckers will easily adjust to whatever role Team USA asks of her. Her first season with the Dallas Wings, he added, showed she can compete confidently at the highest level.
The camp will include several players from the 2024 Olympic gold-medal squad such as Chelsea Gray, Brittney Griner, Kahleah Copper, Kelsey Plum, and Jackie Young alongside rising stars like Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, Cameron Brink, and JuJu Watkins. Ten players, including Bueckers, will be attending their first senior national team camp.
Bueckers already has a long history with USA Basketball, winning youth-level gold medals in 2017, 2018, and 2019, and earning MVP honors at the 2019 U19 World Cup.
Team USA is coming off dominant runs in international play, with four straight World Cup titles since 2010 and eight consecutive Olympic gold medals. With longtime guards Sue Bird and Diana Taurasi now retired from international competition, Auriemma noted that the team has no clear heir at point guard opening the door for a new leader to emerge. Whether that becomes Bueckers remains to be seen.
After an illustrious UConn career capped by a 2025 national championship, multiple Player of the Year awards, and historic tournament achievements, Bueckers was drafted No. 1 by the Dallas Wings. She delivered an outstanding rookie season, averaging 19.2 points, 5.4 assists, and 1.6 steals, earning All-WNBA Second Team honors and an All-Star starting nod.
The USA camp will be led by Duke coach Kara Lawson, with support from WNBA coaches Natalie Nakase, Nate Tibbetts, and Stephanie White.
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