Angel Reese arrived at her first senior national team camp knowing the Los Angeles Olympics were still years away, yet the message inside the gym was unmistakable.
Team USA‘s long term vision is already in motion, and the Chicago Sky forward believes the next generation is being trusted sooner than ever to help carry it forward.
The December training camp, led by head coach Kara Lawson and managing director Sue Bird, served as an early checkpoint on the road to the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup and, ultimately, the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
For Reese, the experience confirmed that USA Basketball is intentionally weaving its most dynamic young players into the program well ahead of the sport’s most anticipated global stage.
“They didn’t just select us for no reason,” Reese said. “They know that we can bring something to the table.”
“It’s everybody’s dream,” Reese said of the Olympics. “You want to play for your country. I think 2028 is really important because you get to play in your country and play in LA.”
A changing guard without losing the standard
Team USA is coming off a dramatic 67-66 gold medal win over France at the Paris Olympics, a game anchored by veteran leaders such as A’ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart.
Those stars are still expected to factor into future plans, but the absence of longtime cornerstone Diana Taurasi and the natural evolution of the roster have created space for a new core to grow.
Sue Bird has been careful to strike a balance in her messaging. She has emphasized the value of experience in high pressure Olympic moments while also suggesting that the women’s team could become one of the defining storylines of the Los Angeles Games.
That vision is difficult to separate from the sport’s rising visibility, driven in large part by players like Reese, Clark, and Bueckers.
Reese noted that building relationships was a central focus of camp. She spent significant time alongside Bueckers, with both players viewing the opportunity as a foundation rather than a final audition.
Bueckers echoed that sentiment, saying the young group wants to “bring the energy, soak up everything, and grow.”
Reese‘s trajectory suggests she is ready for that responsibility. A national champion at LSU, she was selected seventh overall in the 2024 WNBA Draft and quickly emerged as one of the league’s most productive forwards.
Across her early WNBA career, she has averaged a double double, set a rookie rebounding record, earned All Star honors, and secured a spot on the All Rookie team.
For Reese, the decision to spend her offseason with USA Basketball instead of resting was intentional. The goal is clear, even if the timeline is long.
The road to LA28 will involve competition, patience, and difficult roster choices. But after her first taste of Team USA, Reese is confident the future has already been invited into the room and is determined to help keep Olympic gold at home.
Read the full article here
