Caitlin Clark Talks Paige Bueckers Chemistry, Playing with WNBA Star at FIBA Women's World Cup

Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers are among the young talents set to represent the United States at the FIBA World Cup, and the Indiana Fever star said she's excited to share the backcourt with her Dallas Wings counterpart.

"Obviously it's really fun to play with Paige," Clark told reporters Thursday (1:15 mark). "I've grown up playing against her, and with her, from a very young age. Very fun experience to be here, I think she's one of the best off-ball players in the league. She cuts really well, she has a great feel for the game. I think our chemistry has been really good. Just gaining more and more momentum through that as we go through the tournament."

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Team USA's younger core—which Bueckers dubbed the "Young and Turnt" crew back in December—includes that backcourt, alongside Aliyah Boston, Angel Reese, Kiki Iriafen and Sonia Citron. With A'ja Wilson and Kelsey Plum unavailable due to health concerns, the onus is on the young stars to pick up some of the slack.

"While they are kind of rookies, in my mind they're veterans," USA Basketball national team director Carol Callan told ESPN's Alexa Philippou about the younger group. "They infuse a competitiveness and an appreciation for the game that I think matches most those wily old veterans. You want some young ones that have this sort of really fun outlook on it, and I think they do [at the right times]. ... I think they'll bring a really nice mix to this team."