Team USA showed its power, quality, and chemistry at the FIBA World Cup qualifiers as the defending champions won all games with large margins. While rookies attracted much praise, captain Kelsey Plum pointed out the veterans’ role in the games and lauded their impact.
During the post-game interviews, Paige Bueckers spoke about her versatile role in the team while Caitlin Clark mentioned her duty to facilitate the plays on the floor. The Los Angeles Sparks star, though, highlights each veteran’s contributions in wins.
Kelsey Plum With High Praise For Team US Veterans
Although the rookies of Team USA stole the limelight in the competition, New Zealand Coach’s reaction to Jackie Young’s game highlighted the importance and key role that the vets played in the team’s success.
Plum recently opened up on the same and said, “Kah is a gamer….I remember that gold medal game. Kah had a massive impact in winning that game. And she’s someone that’s not afraid of the moment. Same with Chels, same with Jack, Dearica…We’ve won together, so there’s a different level of chemistry”
Kelsey Plum on veteran experience on Team USA
— Moreau Sports Media Prod Co. (@MoreauSportsCo) March 18, 2026
"Kah is a gamer….I remember that gold medal game. Kah had a massive impact in winning that game. And she's someone that's not afraid of the moment.
Same with Chels, same with Jack, Dearica…We've won together, so there's a… pic.twitter.com/AbbXCtyIhg
“When we talk about chemistry, that’s, I think, the biggest factor personally. Playing in these games because, you know, a lot of these teams get an opportunity to practice with each other, play with each other year-round. And we are kind of playing against each other. And then we kind of get put in a situation where it’s high stakes, high pressure, and you really have to, like, form that chemistry,” Plum added.
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Earlier, Angel Reese spoke about chemistry being the key factor in Team USA’s success, and the captain explained the situation in detail, highlighting the veteran stars’ role.
The player herself was very clinical with her plays and also earned a special recognition at the end of the qualifier games.
Kelsey Plum Earns Place In All-Star Five At FIBA World Cup Qualifiers
FIBA World Cup Qualifiers might be a preliminary tournament for the mega event, but the intensity and competition were at the highest level. Teams like New Zealand and Spain made their presence felt against Team USA, while Pirto Rico and Italy also proved their improvements on the floor.
At the end of the tournament, organizers put together an All-Star five for the competition and from Team USA, Caitlin Clark and Kelsey Plum made the cut. The veteran guard was a stabilizing force for her team. She balanced her game with scoring, her experience in the FIBA context, and extremely clean play. Invaluable.
The other three players included in the All-star five are Megan Gustanson from Spain, Cecilia Zandalasini from Italy and Puerto Rican star Imani McGee-Stattord.