Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Image

Chicago Sky Star Angel Reese Reacts to Team USA Announcement

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Rolly Gacelo | Last updated Feb 12, 2026 1:28 AM ET

Team USA for the FIBA Women’s World Cup Qualifying Tournament has decided to blend youth and international experience with the selection of multiple first-time senior team players, like WNBA stars and former college rivals Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark. Other debutants in the senior team are Paige Bueckers, Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen.

Other players named to the 12-woman team are Clark's Indiana Fever teammate Aliyah Boston and 2024 Olympic gold medalists Kahleah Copper, Chelsea Gray, Kelsey Plum and Jackie Young.

Dearica Hamby, who played in the 2024 Olympics 3x3 event and won the bronze medal, is also part of the group. Completing the roster is Rhyne Howard who last wore Team USA colors in 2021.

Chicago Sky's Reese, fresh off a successful second season in the WNBA, celebrated the selection through an Instagram story.

"More Barbie hoops. Such an honor to represent the country. ," she wrote in her repost of the USA Basketball's Instagram post.

Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese attempts a free throw shotKamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

The USA Women's team will be in full force in the tourney, with national team coach Kara Lawson at the helm. She brings quality deputies with Natalie Nakase ( Golden State Valkyries), Nate Tibbetts ( Phoenix Mercury) and Stephanie White (Fever) serving as her assistants.

The team will have one full month to prepare, with the qualifying tournament scheduled from March 11 to 17 in Puerto Rico.

Team USA is the defending champion in the FIBA Women’s World Cup after dominating the last edition. Led by Finals MVP A'ja Wilson, it went undefeated on the way to the finals, where it beat China, 83–61. The American team overpowered all of its opponents by double digits, with China putting up the most convincing fight in a 14-point loss during the group stage.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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