College Basketball Stars Propel Team USA to FIBA 3×3 Gold

Team USA women’s basketball just keeps showing up on the international stage, driven by a crew of insanely talented college stars. On June 7, the USA women’s basketball 3×3 team grabbed the gold medal with a nerve-wracking 21-20 win over Australia at the FIBA 3×3 World Cup in Warsaw, Poland.

That victory didn’t come easy. They had to claw their way through a wild 19-18 overtime battle against Azerbaijan in the semifinals.

The squad featured South Carolina’s Joyce Edwards, LSU’s Mikaylah Williams and MiLaysia Fulwiley, and Oklahoma’s Saraha Williams. These athletes really showed off the depth and skill brewing in American women’s college basketball.

Since the event started in 2012, the American women have picked up five medals—four golds and a bronze. Mikaylah Williams nailed the game-winner and walked away with MVP honors after putting up a team-high nine points in the final.

Team USA’s Road to Gold

The road to gold wasn’t smooth for Team USA. The 3×3 format moves faster and demands more physically than traditional basketball, so the players had to stay sharp—mentally and physically—every second.

They really leaned on each other, especially during the semifinal against Azerbaijan, which needed overtime to settle. That game was a test of nerves and grit.

Semifinal Showdown

The semifinal against Azerbaijan pushed Team USA to the edge. They pulled out a 19-18 win in overtime, thanks to clutch moments from everyone on the roster.

That set up the final against Australia, where the Americans dug deep and showed what they were made of.

Stars of the Team

Team USA’s success really comes down to its players, each bringing something special from their college programs. Let’s take a closer look at what each of them did out there.

Mikaylah Williams

Mikaylah Williams from LSU was an absolute force. She hit the game-winner in the final and grabbed MVP honors for her performance throughout the tournament.

Williams led the team in scoring, averaging 6.6 points per game. At LSU, she’s started 105 of 106 games, putting up 15.4 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game. Her shooting—especially from deep, where she hits 39.3%—makes her a nightmare for defenses.

Joyce Edwards

Joyce Edwards, representing South Carolina, stood out too. She’s led the Gamecocks to two national title games and picked up consensus All-American honors as a sophomore.

Last season, she averaged 19.2 points, 6.8 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 1.8 steals, and 1.1 blocks per game, shooting an impressive 57.1% from the field. Her all-around game and leadership really set the tone for both her college team and Team USA.

MiLaysia Fulwiley

MiLaysia Fulwiley, now at LSU after transferring from South Carolina, just keeps finding ways to impact the game. She’s won the SEC’s Sixth Player of the Year twice and made the NCAA Tournament All-Region team twice.

Fulwiley averaged 14.6 points, 3.6 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 2.8 steals, and 1.4 blocks last season. Her versatility and defense have been huge for every team she’s played on.

Saraha Williams

Saraha Williams from Oklahoma brought her own brand of toughness. She averaged 12.4 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game, shooting 46.1% from the field this past season.

She played a big part in Oklahoma’s run to the Sweet 16 during the 2026 NCAA Tournament, though they eventually lost to Edwards and South Carolina. Her rebounding and playmaking really made a difference.

Historical Context and Future Prospects

Since the FIBA 3×3 World Cup kicked off in 2012, the American women have just kept racking up medals—four golds (2012, 2014, 2023, 2026) and a bronze (2016). That’s not luck; it’s a testament to just how deep and talented American women’s college basketball really is.

Impact on Women’s Basketball

Team USA’s win at the FIBA 3×3 World Cup means more than just another gold medal. It’s a sign that women’s basketball is gaining traction and intensity, both here and around the world.