UConn star Azzi Fudd can’t wait to see Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers play together for Team USA during the FIBA World Cup Qualifying Tournament. The Americans have already booked a spot after winning the FIBA AmeriCup in July, but they will still test their mettle in Puerto Rico.
In an interview with Sports Illustrated’s Grant Young, Fudd shared her thoughts about the Clark-Bueckers partnership, particularly on offense:
“This squad is full of talent. … They’re gonna draw the defense in so many different ways. People are gonna be wide open. You have to pick your poison.”
The Team USA that ran roughshod over opponents in the FIBA AmeriCup was comprised of college players. This version, which will compete from March 11-17 in Puerto Rico, is stacked with WNBA stars led by Caitlin Clark and Azzi Fudd’s girlfriend, Paige Bueckers.
Clark and Bueckers are two of the WNBA’s best scorers and playmakers. If opposing teams try to double-team them, the two will relish setting their teammates. Team USA’s roster also includes Monique Billings, Rae Burrell, Kahleah Copper, Chelsea Gray, Dearica Hamby, Rhyne Howard, Kiki Iriafen, Kelsey Plum, Angel Reese and Jackie Young.
The Indiana Fever guard is averaging 18.5 points, 8.5 assists and 1.7 steals per game in two seasons. Bueckers is putting up 19.2 ppg, 5.4 apg and 1.6 spg in her first season with the pros. Together, they could cause havoc on the opposition.
Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers Have Olympic Gold Medallists on Team USA To Lean On
Team USA coach Kara Lawson might not even start Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers, who are making their senior team debuts. Lawson could open games with Chelsea Gray, the newly crowned 2026 Unrivaled MVP, and Jackie Young or Kelsey Plum. Gray, Young and Plum are two-time Olympic gold medallists, veteran guards who can offer invaluable experience and mentorship.
Clark and Bueckers have international basketball experience as part of Team USA’s junior teams. This time, they will compete against the best from other countries. They could use all the help they could get from veterans who have led the Americans to Olympic glory.
Kahleah Copper, who plays shooting guard, and power forward Dearic Hamby are also Olympic gold medal winners. Hamby won hers in the 3-on-3 tournament in the 2024 Paris Olympics.
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