Team USA’s recent training camp featured some of the most exciting new players. Rookie sensation Paige Bueckers, as well as Angel Reese, Caitlin Clark, Cameron Brink, Veronica Burton, and Sonia Citron, made their debut. Each one of them had a truly fruitful experience with the young hoopers and veterans alike. Chicago Sky star Reese reflected on how grateful she was to have received this opportunity.
Speaking to “USA Basketball” following the camp, Reese said:
“You want to be surrounded and play with the best. To be the best, you got to be with the best and you got to beat the best. So, I’m just thankful to be able to be here with the best. I’m not gonna take this moment for granted. I am so thankful. “
Angel Reese also revealed what she learned from some of the veterans and her peers, such as Chelsea Gray, Kahleah Cooper, and Aliyah Boston. She added:
“I take a lot of things from other people. From communication to even just ball handling – Like being around players like Chelsea, where she does the behind the backs and you have to be ready for it. And just being able to feel Kah [Kahleah Cooper]’s energy, being able to see Aliyah post up and post deep, and being able to take those things and implement it within yourself, I think it goes to show the growth and how we can just compete in the W and come back here [in] USA and be together and be here for one goal that’s the championship and to win gold medal.”
Selected by Sue Bird in September as the U.S. women’s basketball coach, former player Kara Lawson led the training camp from Dec. 12-14 alongside WNBA coaches Nate Tibbetts (Phoenix), Stephanie White (Indiana), and Natalie Nakase (Golden State).
Team USA will compete in the 2026 FIBA World Cup qualifiers in March against Italy, New Zealand, Puerto Rico, Senegal, and Spain. However, their spot in the tournament is already secured after winning the 2025 Women’s AmeriCup.
Angel Reese Gives Major Update About Her Future At Chicago Sky
Earlier in the 2025 season, Angel Reese got into a rift with her team, the Chicago Sky, after she publicly criticized the team’s roster and direction. This led to her receiving a half-game suspension, and thus, fans started speculating about her future. While the team’s GM, Jeff Pagliocca, called Reese’s comments “detrimental,” she apologized and was later confirmed to be on the roster.
However, many believed that her relationship with the Sky had been strained, and she could be looking elsewhere for her future in the W.
Reese recently provided an update about her future, affirming that she plans to return to Chicago after a rocky second season. She said:
“I’m under contract, so yes, I plan on returning to the Sky,” Reese said Friday from USA Basketball training camp. “[I’m] continuing to talk to [coach] Tyler [Marsh] and building that relationship with [general manager] Jeff [Pagliocca] and Tyler.”
Last season, Reese led the league in rebounds per game (12.6) and double-doubles (23), while averaging 14.7 points and 3.7 assists per game. Without Reese, the Sky went 1-13 last season, finishing 10-34 overall and missing the playoffs for a second year in a row. Reese added that she had fully recovered from her back injury, which had limited her to just 30 games in 2025.
Read More:
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
