Mercury’s influence felt on international stage, Nate Tibbetts leads group of All-Stars at FIBA qualifiers

Saturday marked the first game Tibbetts officially led Team USA during the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup Qualifying Tournament in San Juan, helping guide a roster filled with some of the biggest names in women’s basketball.

Among those names are Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers, Angel Reese and even the Mercury’s own Kahleah Copper — a glimpse of Phoenix’s franchise leadership on the global stage.

Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) goes up for a basket Wednesday, July 9, 2025, during a game between the Indiana Fever and the Golden State Valkyries at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Golden State Valkyries defeated the Indiana Fever, 80-61. © Grace Smith/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Tibbetts, who took over as Phoenix head coach in 2023, was originally an assistant coach before head coach Kara Lawson returned to Duke to prepare for March Madness. Tibbetts stepped into the head chair in her absence.

In his first game leading the team, the United States defeated Italy 93-59 behind major contributions from Copper, who scored 15 points, along with 12 points each from Clark and Bueckers.

Mercury chemistry – Team USA edition 🇺🇸

Kah scores team high 15 points in today’s USABWNT win over Italy & Coach Nate gets first dub as lead coach!

📸 USA Basketball pic.twitter.com/YhNQiuQLsI

— Phoenix Mercury (@PhoenixMercury) March 14, 2026

The opportunity to coach some of the nation’s best players shows the level of trust Tibbetts has built throughout his career to be given that responsibility. It’s a sign of significant respect within USA Basketball circles and sets him apart as a coach trusted to handle elite talent.

With years of experience in both the NBA and WNBA, Tibbetts’ ability to run an offensive system in Phoenix is now being showcased on an international level — and could serve as a preview of what Mercury fans may see in 2026.

Jul 3, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers (5) reacts against the Phoenix Mercury during the first half at College Park Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Working with a high-tempo playmaker like Clark, a dynamic shooter like Bueckers, a double-double machine like Reese, along with his trusted Mercury veteran Copper — who contributes on both ends of the floor — highlights the type of dynamic offensive style Tibbetts can build.

The Mercury hired Tibbetts with the hope he could lead the franchise back to where it once was years ago.

Phoenix Mercury head coach Nate Tibbetts talks with guard Kahleah Copper (2) during the fourth quarter against the Las Vegas Aces at PHX Arena, June 29, 2025. © Michael Chow/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

With his ability to reshape a team and build from the ground up, he has now been trusted to coach the very best women’s basketball has to offer — on one of the sport’s biggest stages.