Key Takeaways – Mikaylah Williams and MiLaysia Fulwaley each earned a coveted spot on the USA Women’s 3×3 national team.
- The United States captured gold at the 2026 FIBA 3×3 World Cup in Poland, defeating Australia 21‑20 in a dramatic final. – Williams supplied a career‑high 46 points across seven tournament games and dished out two clutch game‑winners, earning MVP honors.
- LSU’s roster will remain intact for the 2026‑27 season, giving Coach Kim Mulkey another strong core of talent.
- Former Ukrainian LSU star Kate Koval competed for her nation, contributing impressive stats before exiting in the quarterfinals. Star Performers
Mikaylah Williams and MiLaysia Fulwaley are poised senior guards who made the historic leap from college competition to the global stage of 3×3 basketball. Both players earned roster slots on the U.S. Women’s 3×3 national team alongside seasoned teammates Joyce Edwards of South Carolina and Sahara Williams of Oklahoma. Their selection highlighted each athlete’s stellar collegiate track records and underscored the growing pipeline of talent that the U.S. program continues to cultivate.
Tournament Run
The 2026 FIBA 3×3 World Cup unfolded over a compact schedule in Poland, where the U.S. squad entered with a chip on its shoulder after dominating the Women’s Series circuit. The team posted a remarkable 18‑1 record since May 1, showcasing relentless intensity and strategic depth. Along the way, Williams and Fulwaley turned heads by leading the USA in scoring and by delivering ten defensive blocks, respectively, thereby setting the tone for a tournament that would culminate in a gold‑medal showdown.
Game‑Winning Moments
The championship game reached its crescendo when Australia led 20‑19 with 40 seconds remaining. Williams, unfazed by a 2‑point deficit, dribble‑stopped, retreated to the perimeter, and launched a mid‑range jumper that put the United States ahead. A follow‑up offensive rebound secured the final point, sealing a 21‑20 victory. The shot not only clinched gold but also added to Williams’s tournament tally of two walk‑off winners, one in the semifinal against Azerbaijan and another in the final. Her composure under pressure highlighted the mental toughness that defined the U.S. campaign.
MVP Honors
Following the gold‑medal victory, the tournament’s Most Valuable Player award was presented to Mikaylah Williams, recognizing her consistent scoring output and decisive playmaking throughout all seven contests. She amassed a team‑high 46 points, hit the decisive baskets in crucial moments, and remained flawless in her leadership role. The MVP accolade cemented her reputation as the offensive catalyst of the championship squad and reinforced the depth of talent present on the roster.
Historical Context
The American triumph marked the fourth gold medal the United States has secured at the FIBA 3×3 World Cup since its inception in 2012, underscoring the nation’s dominance in this rapidly evolving format. While the women’s team added another chapter to its storied history, the men’s side fell short of a podium finish, finishing just outside the competitive window. The repeated success illustrates a sustained investment in developing elite 3×3 talent across the country.
Impact on LSU
Both Williams and Fulwaley announced that they will return to LSU for the 2026‑27 season, marking the sixth year under head coach Kim Mulkey. Their decision to remain in Baton Rouge steadies the program’s recruiting pipeline and affords Coach Mulkey a formidable frontcourt of experience and skill. The continuity promises to maintain LSU’s competitive edge nationally, allowing the Tigers to build upon recent triumphs and pursue fresh accolades in upcoming collegiate campaigns.
Other Participants
LSU’s own Kate Koval, a towering center for the Ukrainian national team, contributed significantly during the World Cup, posting 12 points, 23 rebounds and six blocked shots across five games. Although Ukraine exited the competition in the quarterfinals, Koval’s presence underscored the international reach of LSU athletes and highlighted how college talent can translate directly onto the global stage. Her performance added a valuable dimension to the tournament’s diverse field of competitors.
Future Outlook
Looking ahead, the United States will enter the next cycle of 3×3 festivals with a roster that blends youthful exuberance and seasoned poise. With Williams and Fulwaley now confirmed for another collegiate season, the pool of talent available to the national team expands, fostering depth and resilience. Stakeholders can anticipate heightened expectations as the U.S.A. continues to refine its tactical approaches and nurture the next wave of elite 3×3 athletes on both the collegiate and international circuits.