Geno Auriemma’s recent remarks tying Paige Bueckers to UConn icon Sue Bird came as he reacted to her latest milestone with USA Basketball. His praise resurfaced after Bueckers earned a spot in the 18-player pool for the women’s senior national team camp in Durham, North Carolina.
The group includes Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, and several WNBA Olympians. Auriemma’s viewpoint highlights how Bueckers continues to trend toward all-time great territory as her national team involvement grows and her profile within the program expands.
Geno Auriemma Elevates Paige Bueckers With Striking Sue Bird Comparison After Team USA Call
Paige Bueckers’ upcoming participation in the USA Basketball senior national team camp has drawn strong reactions from UConn coach Geno Auriemma, who spoke at length about her readiness and the qualities that set her apart.
During his pregame availability, Auriemma was asked how Bueckers should approach her first senior camp. He stressed that the most important hurdle had already been cleared, saying,
“I believe the first step is to get invited. So, that’s number one. So, that’s happened.” He added that understanding the expectations once she arrives will come naturally to her, explaining, “Whatever you need her to do, she’s going to do it.”
Auriemma pointed to her development over the past season as evidence of her growth, noting, “I can handle myself in this level of competition, and I can be what my team needs me to be.”
He emphasized how playing for the national team demands awareness of both role and identity. He said she will adapt because “knowing who you are, what you are” is already familiar territory for her.
The conversation eventually shifted toward a role that has been open since Sue Bird stepped away from Team USA. Auriemma acknowledged that the position has lacked a clear successor, explaining, “Since Sue retired, there really hasn’t been a clear-cut ‘here’s the successor.’”
He believes someone will eventually emerge to guide a roster loaded with experienced players and suggested Bueckers could enter that conversation. He admitted the timing is uncertain, saying,
“Maybe she’s too young. I don’t know. Or maybe she’s ready. I don’t know. But I do know she has all the things that she needs.”
Bueckers will join an 18-player camp that runs from Dec. 12 to 14 at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina. Clark and Reese are among the headliners, and six more WNBA players will attend for the first time.
The group also includes Cameron Brink, Veronica Burton, Sonia Citron, Kiki Iriafen, Rickea Jackson, and Reese. Five Olympic gold medalists will be on the floor as well, including Jackie Young, Brittney Griner, Chelsea Gray, Kelsey Plum, and Kahleah Copper. Dearica Hamby, who earned bronze in 3×3 at the Paris Games, is also part of the camp.
Team USA is preparing for the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup, set to take place in Berlin from Sept. 4 to 13. Duke coach Kara Lawson will run the camp with support from several WNBA coaches.