In a brief scare during the USA Women’s National Team training camp at Duke University, star guard Paige Bueckers rolled her ankle in a scrimmage session on Sunday The injury occurred midway through an intense drill as Bueckers, the 2025 WNBA Rookie of the Year with the Dallas Wings, drove to the basket against veteran defender Chelsea Gray.
Trainers immediately attended to Bueckers, who limped off the court with assistance. Initial evaluations by USA Basketball medical staff described the incident as a minor ankle sprain, with no structural damage detected. Bueckers was seen icing the ankle on the sideline and remained in good spirits, joking with teammates Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese.
“It’s just a tweak – nothing serious,” Bueckers said after practice. “I’ve been through worse, and I’m not letting this slow me down. Excited to get back out there tomorrow.”
Head coach Kara Lawson confirmed the minor nature of the injury, stating, “Paige is day-to-day. She’s tough as nails, and we expect her to participate fully for the rest of camp. This group is building something special, and a little roll won’t stop her.”
The camp, marking Bueckers’ senior national team debut, has been a showcase for the next generation of USA stars. Alongside rookies like Clark, Reese, and Cameron Brink, Bueckers has impressed with her playmaking and defense, earning praise from managing director Sue Bird for her leadership among the “young and turnt” core.
Bueckers’ history with injuries – including past knee issues in college – makes any setback noteworthy, but sources close to the team emphasize this is precautionary. She returned to limited drills later in the session and is slated to scrimmage Sunday.
As Team USA prepares for the 2026 FIBA World Cup, Bueckers’ presence highlights the program’s bright future. Fans breathed a sigh of relief, with the 24-year-old poised to continue shining on the international stage.
