Billings and Burrell Join USA Basketball Roster for FIBA World Cup Qualifier

Monique Billings and Rae Burrell have been added to the U.S. Women’s basketball roster for the upcoming FIBA World Cup qualifier in San Juan, Puerto Rico, the Associated Press reported on Thursday, March 5, 2026.

Replacements for Boston and Citron

Billings and Burrell will replace Aliyah Boston and Sonia Citron, who are unable to participate in the tournament due to injuries. Both Boston and Citron sustained right lower extremity injuries, causing them to miss time with their respective teams in the Unrivaled league according to the Associated Press.

Player Backgrounds

Monique Billings previously competed with the USA under-23 national team in 2017, where the team remained undefeated at the Four Nations Tournament. Rae Burrell will be making her debut with a U.S. National team as noted by the Associated Press.

Star-Studded Roster

The pair will join a U.S. Team featuring prominent players such as Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, and Paige Bueckers. The roster also includes 2024 Olympic gold medalists Kahleah Copper, Chelsea Gray, Kelsey Plum, and Jackie Young. Dearica Hamby and Rhyne Howard, bronze medalists in 3×3 basketball at the 2024 Paris Games, are also on the team, along with Washington Mystics rookie Kiki Iriafen the Associated Press detailed.

Coaching Staff and Tournament Details

U.S. Olympic coach Kara Lawson will lead the team in San Juan before returning to her role at Duke University to prepare for the NCAA Tournament. She will be assisted by Natalie Nakase, Nate Tibbets, and Stephanie White, who served as court coaches at a U.S. Training camp in December.

The U.S. Will compete against Senegal, Puerto Rico, Italy, New Zealand, and Spain in the tournament. The Americans have already qualified for the FIBA World Cup, which will be held in Berlin from September 4-13, 2026. The team is aiming to secure their fifth consecutive World Cup championship the Associated Press confirmed.