The December national team camp offered more than just drills and evaluations. Led by head coach Kara Lawson and managing director Sue Bird, the gathering quietly signaled a shift in philosophy. Younger stars like Angel Reese, Caitlin Clark, and Paige Bueckers were not invited as placeholders for tomorrow. They were treated as building blocks for what comes next, starting with the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup and building toward the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
For Reese, the experience confirmed what many fans have sensed over the past year. USA Basketball sees the sport changing and wants its most dynamic young players involved early. Reese made it clear that selection alone was meaningful. The coaching staff believes this new wave has something real to contribute, not just long term potential but immediate impact. That belief has helped reshape how players like Reese view their Olympic timeline.
The context makes this shift even more notable. Team USA is coming off a narrow gold medal win over France at the Paris Olympics, a game defined by experience and poise from veterans like A’ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart. While those leaders remain central figures, the absence of longtime cornerstone Diana Taurasi has opened space for new voices. Rather than delaying the transition, USA Basketball appears determined to blend eras without sacrificing its championship standard.
Caitlin Clark’s presence looms large in that vision. Her impact on the WNBA has already extended beyond the court, elevating visibility and fan engagement league wide. Reese understands that momentum and sees it as part of a broader movement. Alongside Clark and Bueckers, the next generation brings star power, competitive edge, and a connection to younger audiences that could define the Los Angeles Games. The fact that these players are learning together now may prove just as important as individual talent.
Relationship building was a key focus throughout the camp. Reese spent significant time alongside Bueckers, with both players approaching the experience as a foundation rather than a final audition. Bueckers emphasized energy, growth, and absorbing everything possible, a mindset that matched Reese’s approach. These early bonds could shape future Team USA chemistry in high pressure moments when trust matters most.
Reese’s rapid rise supports the confidence being placed in her. A national champion at LSU, she entered the WNBA as the seventh overall pick in the 2024 draft and immediately made her presence felt. Averaging a double double, setting a rookie rebounding record, earning All Star recognition, and landing on the All Rookie team all point to a player ready for bigger stages. Choosing to spend her offseason with USA Basketball instead of resting underscores how seriously she views the opportunity.
The road to LA 2028 will not be simple. Competition for roster spots will be fierce, patience will be tested, and difficult decisions lie ahead. Yet Reese left camp convinced that the future is already in the room. If Team USA’s recent moves are any indication, Caitlin Clark and her peers may not be waiting as long as anyone once thought to chase Olympic gold on home soil.
Comment Section Prompt
Do you think Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark will be key pieces of Team USA by the 2028 Olympics, or should the veterans still lead the way? Share your thoughts below.
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Caitlin, of course. Reese? I hope she can put aside all the frufru activities, get in the gym, and become the player she wants to be. Good luck