COLORADO SPRINGS (USA) - A'ja Wilson is returning to USA national team duties and was the standout name on a 15-strong roster announced for an upcoming training camp in Phoenix.
Taking place April 1-3, the gathering will see the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 and Paris 2024 MVP take center stage, with several other Olympic gold medalists from two years ago also on board.
Both Napheesa Collier and Sabrina Ionescu, as well as Stefanie Dolson, who won a 3x3 gold in the French capital, will all return alongside Wilson. The quartet missed the recent FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 Qualifying Tournament in Puerto Rico.
Meanwhile Monique Billings, Paige Bueckers and Rae Burrell are returnees from the squad that impressed and went unbeaten last month, picking up wins against the hosts, Spain, Italy, Senegal and New Zealand.
As anticipated, Bueckers caught the eye on her senior tournament debut in San Juan and lived up to the hype.
Cameron Brink, Veronica Burton, Rickea Jackson, JuJu Watkins and Bueckers all attended the previous USA camp held back in December 2025.
In addition, Burton, Collier, Dolson, Jackson and Brittney Sykes have all competed at past editions of the FIBA Women’s AmeriCup - as has Mikayla Blakes, although this is the first time she will appear at a senior national team camp.
Kayla Thornton will make her USA Basketball debut, with Azura Stevens also grabbing a place, having been involved previously.
Once again, the depth of talent at the USA's disposal is also highlighted by the quality of those not attending the camp, including the likes of Breanna Stewart and Caitlin Clark who was TISSOT MVP in San Juan.
The camp will be led by head coach Kara Lawson of Duke University. She will be assisted by court coaches Niele Ivey of Notre Dame, Natalie Nakase of Golden State Valkyries, Shea Ralph of Vanderbilt University, Nate Tibbetts of Phoenix Mercury and Stephanie White of Indiana Fever. USA Women’s National Team Managing Director, Sue Bird will evaluate players prior to naming the team for the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup in Berlin.
FIBA