Aces stars remain central to Team USA’s identity
The Aces continue to shape the future of USA Basketball. Las Vegas guards Chelsea Gray and Jackie Young were named to the 18-player roster for the USA Women’s National Team training camp, which takes place from Dec. 12 to Dec. 14 at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina. The camp is the first major evaluation window for the 2026 team that will compete at the FIBA World Cup in Berlin from Sept. 4 to Sept. 13.
According to USA Basketball, newly appointed head coach Kara Lawson will lead the three-day session. Meanwhile, managing director Sue Bird will oversee roster decisions as the United States begins its push for a fifth straight World Cup gold medal. The camp officially opens a two-year cycle that will reshape the national team.
For the Aces, the news is familiar. Gray and Young were both part of the 2024 U.S. Olympic team, joining A’ja Wilson and Kelsey Plum in a historic Las Vegas quartet. Both guards are two-time Olympic gold medalists. They also anchored the Aces during their third WNBA title run in four seasons.
A deep roster built around Las Vegas leadership
Gray and Young will work alongside several established stars, including Kelsey Plum, Brittney Griner, Kahleah Copper and Dearica Hamby. Rising talents such as Caitlin Clark, JuJu Watkins, Paige Bueckers and Aliyah Boston are also part of the camp. As a result, the group blends championship experience with the league’s newest high-impact players.
Gray remains one of the most reliable playmakers in the sport. She stabilizes any lineup and creates efficient offense on demand. Young has become one of the most versatile guards in the WNBA, defending multiple positions and scoring in nearly every setting. Her growth is a major reason why USA Basketball views her as a core piece moving forward.
A’ja Wilson has echoed that confidence. Earlier this year she said, “When you see someone who works so hard every single day and you see the work paying off, it’s a beautiful thing to witness,” while praising Young’s development. Her sentiment often extends to Gray as well, a teammate she trusts to guide the Aces in the biggest moments.
Experience meets the future
Young’s USA path shows that adaptability matters. She won 3×3 gold in Tokyo in 2020 and shifted into the 5-on-5 program soon after. Coaches consistently praise her ability to adjust, defend and elevate the tempo. Gray brings the same steadiness, with years of tournament experience and a long list of clutch performances for both the Aces and Team USA.
The December camp marks the first major checkpoint in building the 2026 World Cup roster. Even so, it already reinforces something clear in Las Vegas. The Aces aren’t only producing WNBA champions. They are shaping the backbone of Team USA.
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