SAN JUAN (Puerto Rico) - You might expect the patience of Paige Bueckers to have been tested to the limit after an extended wait to suit up for her country again, but the playmaker is feeling nothing but blessed to be back in the USA mix.
With two games now behind her at the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 Qualifying Tournament in Puerto Rico, it's been worth the wait.
An astonishing 2,418 days since she previously stepped out for USA at the FIBA U19 Women's Basketball World Cup in Bangkok, Thailand, Bueckers has been able to do exactly what she did back in the day - showcase her amazing skills and potential to extend USA's dominance on the global stage.
Deservedly MVP of that tournament in the Thai capital, a lot of water has flowed under the bridge since. Superstar status has been attained - evidenced by more than 3 million Instagram followers and fuelled by her outstanding contributions under legendary playcaller Geno Auriemma at UConn.
I've had a long drought of being able to represent my country, but it's just been a long time coming
Now cementing her reputation further by taking her long-awaited opportunity with the senior team, after a quiet debut against Senegal, she found her voice against Puerto Rico.
Adding a a classy 16 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists, she was awarded TCL Player Of The Game and also now leads USA in efficiency and steals - as well as being in the top three for assists and rebounds too.
"I haven't played USA basketball since I was like in high school, so I feel like I've had a long drought of being able to represent my country, but it's just been a long time coming," reflected Bueckers with FIBA.basketball.
"Just wearing it for the first time, I think, on the U16 junior national team, it was such an honor. I was super blessed and grateful to be able to make that team and start building my relationship with USA Basketball from then.
"Through a lot of ups and downs, a lot of adversity through a very unique journey of my own."
The experience of playing and winning the FIBA U19 Women's Basketball World Cup title, as well as the FIBA U17 Worlds a year earlier has certainly had a positive impact in Bueckers' flourishing career. While now a long time ago, she remembers those days with fondness. "Yeah, it was really fun - just the whole experience," stated the guard.
"Being able to build relationships with people you compete against all the time, and finally to be able to come together and be on the same team to join forces and compete against other people is really fun.
"A lot of the fun things were off the court too, just like playing card games, hanging out, and just being goofy. Then obviously winning and showing our dominance on the court. It was really fun as well."
Now writing this new senior chapter, Bueckers is keen to hit the ground running at a time when USA feel like a team in renewal as they usher in this exciting generation.
It's one that also includes the likes of backcourt partner, Caitlin Clark, with both standouts looking to lock down their spots for September's main event in Berlin.
So, what is the mission exactly in San Juan? "Just to build the foundation of what we want, the senior national team to look like," insisted Bueckers.
"We've got a mix of vets and a mix of first year players. So to build that chemistry and really decide how we want to play with each other and for each other and for our country, and wear that jersey with pride."
Helping to ensure the transition goes smoothly is the one and only Sue Bird. Now Managing Director of the USA Women's Team, as well as FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 Global Ambassador. "There's no better person to learn from than her," confirmed Bueckers.
"And for her to be around the team, having all the experience that she has, having the voice that she has, and the leader that she is. She's a great person to learn from and lean on for experience."
Bueckers and USA will next face Italy on Saturday March 14, followed by New Zealand and Spain.
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