Paige Bueckers took the WNBA realm by storm last year. Despite the Dallas Wings failing to make an impact, the 24-year-old clinched the Rookie of the Year award. And she carried the same momentum with her into the Unrivaled. Suiting up for the Breeze BC, the UConn Huskies’ star had some amazing moments.
Interestingly, she is now standing at a major crossroad. Owing to her electric surge, Bueckers is all set to wear the Team USA jersey. While there were some concerns about the 2025 NCAA champion’s availability, everything looks settled now. And ahead of her big moment, Sue Bird gave her some important messages.
What Did Sue Bird Tell Paige Bueckers During The Team USA Camp?
Back in December, the likes of Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese teamed up with the Wings’ star in Durham. However, coming into a completely different setting, the 2025 WNBA All-Star became shy and had trouble expressing herself. But the Team USA managing director spotted it immediately and walked up to give her some important lessons.
Recalling her exchange, Bueckers said on Saturday that Bird asked her to be a bit louder. Detailing her message further, Bird herself reflected, “Yeah, I did say that to her last camp. She likes talking shit, so I appreciate that — that’s the type of vocal that I like.”
Sue Bird wants Paige Bueckers to be chirpyhttps://t.co/mZr5ctO6Su
— Debmallya Chakraborty (@DebmallyaC93340) March 9, 2026
She further added, “Paige has really demonstrated that she can be a connector, and it’s about bringing that out of her. She’s a young player, first time on the senior national team, so there could be a tendency to fall into the background. You want somebody like Paige, who is a connector, to just be herself. So I was encouraging that.”
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Surely, the upcoming FIBA World Cup qualifiers will be a major stepping stone for the WNBA star. And till now, the 2025 WNBA All-Rookie Team has shown some promising signs. In her December camp, the 24-year-old star dodged Clark’s defence to drill a three-pointer, establishing herself as an elite star.
Meanwhile, as FIBA World Cup qualifiers are approaching, Bueckers had an important message to share.
Paige Bueckers Is Honored To Represent Her Country On The Big Stage
The Wings’ star has had a lot of success in her short career. But there’s nothing like the feeling of representing one’s own country. Coming into the side as the team’s fresh face, Kara Lawson and Bird both have shown a lot of faith in her. And thus, she is determined to make it count.
“Every time I step on the court, I feel like I’m representing something much bigger than myself. And then to be able to put USA across your chest — it’s truly an honor,” said the 2025 All-NBA Second Team.
Paige Bueckers (@paigebueckers1) on wearing the Team USA (@usabasketball) jersey from Hopkins to Dallas to the world stage 🌎🏀
— Rob Tiongson (@RobTiongson) March 7, 2026
"Every time I step on the court, I feel I'm always representing something so much bigger than myself."#TeamUSA #WNBA @DallasWings @ThePodiumFinish pic.twitter.com/9KcgKawYYP
Thus, with the launching pad all set, all eyes will be on how the WNBA star performs for her country.