This past weekend, some of the brightest stars in women’s basketball gathered at Duke University for the USA Basketball Women’s National Team training camp. Among them was Indiana Fever’s own Caitlin Clark, who joined 16 other top players in a high-intensity showcase of talent, determination, and teamwork. Fans and analysts are already buzzing about the players who stood out and what this camp could mean for the upcoming 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup.
USA Basketball’s training camp at Duke University brought together 17 of the country’s elite women’s basketball players, including both seasoned veterans and promising first-timers. Ten players attended the senior camp for the first time, including Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers, Angel Reese, and Cameron Brink. For many of these young stars, this was their first chance to train alongside the Olympic gold medalists and experienced WNBA professionals, offering a rare glimpse into the future of Team USA.
Veteran players like Kahleah Copper, Chelsea Gray, Kelsey Plum, and Jackie Young brought leadership and experience to the camp. Copper and Gray, both gold medalists from the Paris Olympics, showcased their ability to guide the younger athletes while staying sharp for potential World Cup play. Aliyah Boston, who has represented the US in both junior and senior competitions, also impressed with her consistency and poise on the court.
The camp’s structure highlighted intense scrimmages and matchups between the younger talent and the more experienced players. Clips shared on social media showed Paige Bueckers going head-to-head with seasoned WNBA stars, while Caitlin Clark made her presence felt with her signature scoring ability and playmaking skills. Coaches emphasized teamwork, strategy, and adaptability, giving every player a chance to shine in different roles.
While attendance at this camp is not required for upcoming USA Basketball events, it serves as a key step in evaluating potential roster members for the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup in Berlin. Notably absent were other top stars like Breanna Stewart, A’ja Wilson, and Sabrina Ionescu, who are likely to feature prominently in future competitions. The camp also gave insight into players who could become household names by the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, as Team USA continues its streak of dominance in international women’s basketball.
USA Basketball’s head coach, Duke’s Kara Lawson, led the weekend sessions with the help of WNBA assistants, including Natalie Nakase, Nate Tibbetts, and Stephanie White. Their guidance ensured a professional-level environment, pushing athletes to elevate their skills while testing their chemistry with teammates. Fans watching the scrimmages saw flashes of brilliance, from precise shooting and lockdown defense to explosive athletic plays that left no doubt about the level of talent in this new generation of players.
As the week concluded, the camp proved to be more than just a showcase. It offered fans a chance to see the future of Team USA, with rising stars like Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers poised to make a major impact. The blend of youth and experience set the stage for a thrilling 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup, giving basketball enthusiasts plenty to discuss and anticipate. Each player left with something to prove, and fans will be watching closely to see who earns a spot on the final roster.
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