Team USA has been unstoppable in the FIBA World Cup qualifiers, with rookies and veterans syncing well in games to destroy the opposition. The team won each game comfortably before facing the tough opponent, Spain, in the final matchup. While teams are helpless to defend the USA offence led by the rookies, a recent conversation about Jackie Young highlights a respect for the experienced guard.
The four-time All-Star was one of the key factors in the Aces’ recent championship run. She even broke multiple records with her offensive gameplay during the WNBA finals. So, leaving her ‘open for shots’ would be a big mistake, and the New Zealand Coach understands the consequences.
New Zealand Coach Praises Jackie Young’s Offense
Team USA took control of the game right from the first quarter against the New Zealand national team as Kara Lawson eyes her fourth win as head coach of the national side. Starting for the first time for Team USA, Caitlin Clark showed her two-way play in the game.
While the Fever star was lethal on the court, other stars also delivered at the highest level against the Tall Ferns. During the timeout, New Zealand Coach Natalie Hurst was drawing up a defensive play for the next possession, but one of her players interrupted, looking to correct the flow. Coach stopped her and said, “But mate its Jackie Young. If she takes the shot, you gonna go.”
The Aces guard is one of the most efficient shooters on the team with 70% conversion from the range. She is also the fifth-highest scorer for Team USA despite playing for only a limited time, as the 28-year-old star looks to play a more significant role in the game. The depth in Team USA makes the side one of the most dominant forces in the competition, and the praise for the three-time champion is an example of the same.
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Off the court, the player is having fun and looking to train her ‘friend’ Angel Reese, as she revealed a secret in her recent interview.
Jackie Young Looking To Teach Special Skills To Angel Reese
The Chicago Sky forward has a strong connection and bond with nearly every player in Team USA, where she takes pride in sharing off-court adventures with them. The Former Notre Dame star also revealed that the 2024 rookie has a special request for her and asked her to teach juggling.
In a recent press conference, Young said, “Angel wants me to teach her how to juggle, so we will see. I brought the tennis balls, so let’s see.”
Angel Reese wants Jackie Young to teach her how to juggle.
— haus hoops | wbb (@haushoops) March 7, 2026
"I brought the tennis balls. So, we'll see." – Jackie 😭 #USABWNT
(via The Ballers Magazine | YouTube) pic.twitter.com/2CpZ6Q2NvV
The player took up the hobby in the offseason and calls it ‘good for neuroplasticity’. She often shows off her skills on social media, and AR5 is now also looking to master them.