Paige Bueckers is all set for Team USA’s tournament opener on Friday against China. She is expected to be a key player for the national squad at the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup.
The two-time WNBA All-Star last suited up for the U.S. during the FIBA Women’s World Cup Qualifying Tournament in San Juan, Puerto Rico, in March. She averaged 10.6 points, 2.2 assists and 2.8 rebounds in five games. Bueckers is now tasked with helping Team USA defend its World Cup title in Berlin, Germany.
Bueckers is joined by fellow WNBA stars Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese and Napheesa Collier, among others.
Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
During the buildup to the tournament, the players were asked some personal questions about their teammates. One of the questions was about who they would and wouldn’t want as seatmates on the team bus.
Breanna Stewart, Kahleah Copper and Sonia Citron all said they wouldn’t want Bueckers sitting next to them. Copper noted that the Dallas guard will “talk my ear off.”
Bueckers caught wind of the comments and decided to respond.
“That’s funny because this video just came out,” Bueckers said. “A lot of people said me not to sit next to.”
Bueckers then shared her own non-seatmate preferences.
“Chelsea (Gray) ‘cause she said me,” Bueckers stated. “Soni (Citron) said she would sit next to me, but she would not sit next to me. So I’m gonna say the same for her.
“I would sit next to everybody, except Soni.”
Team USA’s first game will be a rematch of the 2022 FIBA Women’s World Cup Final. The U.S. beat China in that championship game, en route to winning the gold medal. Bueckers and Co. are looking to get the same result on Friday.
