PHOENIX — The Phoenix Mercury will be split across two continents over the next two weeks, with three players chasing a gold medal for their countries while the rest of the roster uses the league’s break to reset and prepare for what comes next.
Aug 9, 2024; Paris, France; United States forward Kahleah Copper (7) dribbles the ball in a women’s basketball semifinal game during the Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games at Accor Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
The FIBA World Cup starts this Friday in Berlin, Germany, with the Mercury represented by Team USA’s Kahleah Copper, Team France’s Valou Ayayi and Team Belgium’s Kyra Linskens. Head coach Nate Tibbetts will also serve as an assistant coach for the Americans, with trainer Hannah Wengert joining as part of the staff.
Phoenix’s World Cup contingent was larger just days before the tournament, but circumstances led to two withdrawals.
Kelsey Plum and Sami Whitcomb withdrew from their national teams after considerations surrounding their health. Plum has also revealed she will be out for the 2026 WNBA season.
Aug 4, 2024; Villeneuve-d’Ascq, France; France small forward Valeriane Ayayi (11) controls the ball against Australia in the first half in a women’s group B game during the Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games at Stade Pierre-Mauroy. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
The tournament provides an opportunity not just to compete and win, but possibly even bring that experience stateside to finish the rest of the season strong.
“Yeah, I think it’ll be extremely important,” Tibbetts said when asked how valuable the experience will be. “Just going to Berlin as a group … That time together will be very beneficial. Obviously, we’ve got a goal to win the gold.”
While Copper, Ayayi and Linskens compete in Berlin, Tibbetts said the Mercury players staying behind will have a structured plan during the league’s World Cup break.
Aug 1, 2024; Villeneuve-d’Ascq, France; Belgium centre Kyara Linskens (13) shoots against United States in the second half in a women’s group stage game during the Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games at Stade Pierre-Mauroy. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
They will receive seven days off before returning for four or five days of individual and group workouts led by the coaching staff. Phoenix will then have two or three team practices before returning to game action in Portland.
“It’ll be a good, really good opportunity for our young players to work together,” Tibbetts said. “They’ll get really good five days of work in and just continuing to get better and ready for the opportunities like this.”
With three Mercury players competing for their countries and others remaining in Phoenix, the World Cup break will allow the organization to pursue international success while continuing to develop its roster at home.
Mercury HC Nate Tibbetts speaks on the upcoming FIBA World Cup, and the plan for players who will stay back during the break.
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The World Cup begins Friday, Sept. 4, with Team USA opening play against China at 5:15 a.m. Mountain Standard Time.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
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