Chemistry is the key for Reese | FIBA Basketball

SAN JUAN (Puerto Rico) – As soon as this exciting new generation of USA superstars were thrust together for the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2026 Qualifying Tournament in San Juan, the spotlight was guaranteed to be brighter than ever before.

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Not least because everyone was intrigued to see how the likes of Angel Reese, Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers would gel together for a nation looking to write a new chapter in their illustrious and unrivaled history.

Hugely exciting for fans of the sport globally and integral to the decisions over the final USA roster for Berlin, this key trio landed on the island with the competitive juices flowing and amidst unprecedented attention.

With a quite staggering combined Instagram following of almost 12 million, every interaction, play and performance was always destined to be dissected – and in some cases, forensically analyzed.

But such outside ‘noise’ isn’t going to blow Angel Reese off course in her determined mission of delivering for her country and doing what it takes for USA to continue their dominance.

“Team chemistry is everything,” she declared.

“I mean, some of us have played with each other on our respective teams, but we have to come together and find your role. Everybody’s not going to be able to do everything that they do on their respective team.

“So, figuring out what works for you, what you can do best, and bring it to the table and do it their way” insisted Reese.

Shooting more than 61 percent from the field, the forward has been super smart on the court so far. She’s posted a string of cameo performances that underline her mindset – along with a fine double-double against Puerto Rico.

“It’s been great,” said the 23 year-old.

“International play is always good to see how much people love women’s basketball. It’s really cool for everyone to come out and enjoy the game and celebrate all of us.

“It is really cool,” stressed Reese.

Her experiences with USA have not only been shaped by a handful of successful days in San Juan. Unlike fellow stars Clark and Bueckers, the Maryland native also has prior experience of a senior tournament having played at the FIBA Women’s AmeriCup in Mexico.

And, while this is her first foray into the global scene, the comparisons are bringing a nice vibe so far.

She mused: “I think it’s been about the same. The physicality is the same. The fans’ support is the same. Yeah, just having a lot of fun here!”

There’s still work to be done as USA look to sign off a perfect campaign on the last day of action against Spain – a team that should pose their stiffest test.

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That should serve to focus the mind of Reese and this next generation of ballers even more intently, since extending the already outstanding USA dynasty will indeed take chemistry – as well as their stellar level of collective talent.

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