Miami – A modern era is dawning for USA Women’s Basketball, one fueled by youthful energy and a willingness to embrace a competitive spirit. As longtime stars Diana Taurasi and Sue Bird have stepped away from the court, a fresh core of players, including Sky star Angel Reese, Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers, and Kiki Iriafen, are poised to craft their senior national team debuts. For Reese, the opportunity is particularly meaningful, recalling childhood memories of watching FIBA World Cup games with her grandmother.
The spotlight intensifies as TNT is set to broadcast the FIBA World Cup qualifying tournament, beginning this week in Puerto Rico, and the World Cup itself in September in Berlin. This increased visibility marks a significant shift, offering fans greater access to the games and showcasing this emerging generation of talent. The team, handpicked by USA Basketball Managing Director Sue Bird, is already making waves with a distinctive identity.
The “Young and Turnt Crew” Takes Shape
At a training camp at Duke University, Bueckers coined the term “Young and Turnt Crew” to describe the burgeoning group. “Every time we step on the court, you observe passion, you see fire, you see a competitive spirit about us, whether it be in the way that we show our emotions, the way we show our passion, the way we talk our stuff,” Bueckers explained. Bird, a five-time Olympic gold medalist, wholeheartedly approves of the group’s vocal nature, stating, “That’s the type of vocal I like.”
Bird, now leading the program as managing director, emphasized the importance of allowing the young players to be themselves while providing guidance. “I think there’s enough veteran leadership here that can allow [the young core] to be themselves but also guide them along the way,” she said. “And that’s exactly what it was for me when I was first coming through USA Basketball.” The veterans, including three-time Olympic gold medalist Breanna Stewart, are prepared to serve as mentors, sharing their experience and insights.
Reese’s Opportunity and the Team’s Dynamic
Angel Reese may find a significant role in Puerto Rico, particularly given an injury to Aliyah Boston and the absence of A’ja Wilson and Alyssa Thomas. With a thinner post rotation – consisting of Dearica Hamby, Iriafen, and Monique Billings – Reese is expected to see considerable minutes at both power forward and center. “You come here, and you’re a sponge to whatever position they position you out as,” Reese said. “Everybody here can score. Everybody’s the star of their team. So you come here and try to find your role and your fit.”
The team’s guard play is particularly strong, featuring “Point Gawd” Chelsea Gray, Jackie Young, and Kelsey Plum. Kahleah Copper, a former Sky star and Reese’s “big sister,” also brings valuable experience, having played a key role in the 2024 gold-medal game in Paris. Despite the presence of established veterans, Bird doesn’t believe age dictates experience level, noting Bueckers’ potential as a vocal leader.
Preparing for International Competition
For Caitlin Clark, the qualifying tournament represents her first competitive action since dealing with injuries during the 2025 WNBA season. She spent the offseason rebuilding her conditioning by playing five-on-five with former men’s college players and professionals, and feels she has regained her mental and physical edge. Many of the players acknowledged they haven’t had extensive five-on-five practice recently, but are eager to get back on the court together.
The tournament, running from Wednesday to March 17, begins with a game against Senegal. While Team USA has already qualified for the World Cup, other teams will be fiercely competing for a spot. Bird stressed the unique challenges of international play, noting the increased physicality. “Globally, you have to understand that when you put that jersey on, it’s different,” she said. “People come at you different.”
Bueckers even playfully acknowledged Reese as the second-best trash-talker on the team, behind herself, highlighting the competitive fire that defines the “Young and Turnt Crew.” Reese expressed her excitement about the opportunity, stating, “It’ll be so much fun. People are already messaging me about being in Puerto Rico, and they can’t wait to see all of us.”
As the team prepares to compete, the focus remains on embracing their individual strengths and building a cohesive unit. The upcoming tournament in Puerto Rico will be a crucial step in establishing this new era of USA Women’s Basketball and setting the stage for success at the World Cup and beyond.
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