WASHINGTON DC (USA) - For this FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup Qualifying Tournament 2022, the veteran leadership dynamic on Team USA has shifted without the likes of Diana Taurasi or Sue Bird.

One of the players that has adapted to taking on that role is guard Jewell Loyd.

"Knowing that we have ability to make each other better, it's super important, so it's about the journey and that's what we're trying to do right now."

Learning and applying

Loyd, 28, has previously said that she doesn't see herself as a veteran just yet, but she's learned from the best.

Those players like Taurasi, Bird, and Brittney Griner have made sure to prepare other players like Loyd for moments like this, and Loyd is embracing it.

"I'm pretty comfortable, I think [as a leader and floor general]," said Loyd. "I think that's kind of where my career is right now and experience wise, I think that's kind of the role that I fit right now. It helps that I have Chelsea [Gray] here with me and Ariel [Atkins] as well."

"I think this is a team effort. It's not just my responsibility. I think all of us have it, so I feel pretty good."

She learned from the best

Loyd also shared what she's learned from Team USA veterans that she carries with her, applying those things to this team.

"Honestly, don't get too high, don't get too low," she said. "I think for us, we're always excited to be with each other and play at a high level of basketball. Knowing that we have ability to make each other better, it's super important, so it's about the journey and that's what we're trying to do right now."

Road through the Qualifying Tournament

In USA's 84-75 win over Belgium on Day 2 of the tournament, Loyd recorded 6 points and 2 rebounds on 2-of-4 shooting from three-point in 19 minutes.

This is the fourth time that Loyd is representing the USA senior national team after she also played at Tokyo 2020, FIBA Women's Olympic Qualifying Tournament 2020 in Belgrade, Serbia and FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2018.

Loyd and her USA teammates will look to carry their winning momentum forward for one more game in this tournament against Puerto Rico on Saturday at 16:30 CET.

FIBA