FIBA Announces Unexpected Development Involving Paige Bueckers

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FIBA Announces Unexpected Development Involving Paige Bueckers

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated Sep 10, 2026 8:06 PM ET

Paige Bueckers is having an incredible run for Team USA in her FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup debut. The 24-year-old guard is now being considered one of the best defensive players in this tournament.

In her first four World Cup games, the Dallas Wings star is leading Team USA in blocks with 1.0 per game (tied with Angel Reese). FIBA acknowledged this development by giving her the nickname “Paige Blockers.”

On Wednesday, FIBA announced its shortlist for the Best Defensive Player of the tournament. Unexpectedly, Bueckers is on the list of elite defenders in the World Cup.

Apart from the blocks, Bueckers is also averaging 1.3 steals per game in the tournament. The 6-foot guard has also put up 9.5 points, 1.8 rebounds and 3.5 assists per contest.

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Bueckers’ inclusion among the contenders is unexpected. The second-year WNBA star has been known as an offensive player throughout her career, but she has shown her improvements on the defensive end. The Wings star is averaging 0.4 blocks and 1.2 steals in her WNBA career.

Bueckers, however, is facing some stiff competition for the Best Defensive Player title. Among them are France’s Gabby Williams, who is averaging 2.5 steals and 1.0 blocks per game.

Ramu Tokashiki of Japan is leading the tournament with 2.3 blocks per game, while Puerto Rico’s Trinity San Antonio is amazingly averaging 5.0 steals per contest. Han Xu of China has also been named a candidate with 9.0 defensive rebounds per game.

Team USA will now advance to the semifinals after dominating Hungary, 108-56, in the quarterfinal stage on Thursday. They will face Spain in the semis on Saturday.

The Americans have won the last four editions of the World Cup and are aiming for a fifth straight title.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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