Key Takeaways
- Former South Carolina teammates MiLaysia Fulwiley and Joyce Edwards will play together for Team USA in the FIBA 3×3 Women’s World Cup.
- The squad includes LSU’s Mikaylah Williams and Oklahoma’s Sahara Williams, giving the roster a strong SEC flavor.
- Elena Delle Donne will select the squad while Christina Batastini, a former Stanford player, will serve as head coach.
- The tournament runs June 1‑7 in Warsaw, Poland, where 20 nations will compete. – Team USA is a historic contender, having earned three gold and one bronze in the past nine World Cups.
Bold sub-heading: Reunion of Former Gamecocks Stars
Former South Carolina teammates MiLaysia Fulwiley and Joyce Edwards are once again paired on the international stage. Both players helped the Gamecocks reach the national title game twice during their collegiate careers. Fulwiley transferred to LSU for the 2024‑25 season, where she thrived alongside Mikaylah Williams. Edwards, a rising 6‑foot‑3 forward, continued to dominate for South Carolina before the duo’s upcoming reunion with Team USA.
Bold sub-heading: FIBA 3×3 Women’s World Cup Details
The FIBA 3×3 Women’s World Cup will be held in Warsaw, Poland from June 1 to June 7, 2026. Twenty nations will converge for a week of fast‑paced, high‑intensity play. All games will be streamed live on YouTube, giving fans worldwide access to the action. Team USA will open its campaign on June 2 against Hungary before facing Australia later that same day.
Bold sub-heading: SEC Talent on the Global Stage
The selected roster showcases a concentration of talent from the Southeastern Conference. In addition to Fulwiley and Edwards, the squad features LSU’s Mikaylah Williams and Oklahoma’s Sahara Williams. Collectively, these players bring a blend of scoring, rebounding, and playmaking that highlights the SEC’s depth in women’s basketball. Their performances in college have earned them numerous accolades, including All‑SEC honors and multiple conference player‑of‑the‑year awards.
Bold sub-heading: Leadership and Coaching Staff
Elena Delle Donne, a celebrated former NBA star and current managing director for Team USA’s 3×3 women’s program, oversaw the roster selections. She brought her extensive basketball acumen to the decision‑making process, emphasizing versatility and 3×3 experience. Head coach Christina Batastini, a Stanford alumna with years of service to USA Basketball, will guide the team. Wisconsin’s Julia Ford will act as an assistant coach, rounding out a staff experienced in both collegiate and international play.
Bold sub-heading: Player Profiles Highlighting Experience
MiLaysia Fulwiley has been recognized twice as the SEC’s Sixth Player of the Year and earned All‑Region honors in the NCAA Tournament. In her junior season under Kim Mulkey, she posted career‑high averages of 14.6 points, 3.6 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 2.8 steals, and 1.4 blocks per game. Joyce Edwards, a consensus All‑American in her sophomore season, averaged 19.2 points and 6.8 rebounds while shooting 57.1% from the floor. LSU’s Mikaylah Williams has started 105 of 106 games for the Tigers, earning All‑SEC First Team honors twice and shooting 39.3% from three‑point range. Oklahoma’s Sahara Williams contributed 12.4 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game in her junior season, shooting 46.1% overall.
Bold sub-heading: International 3×3 Background
All four athletes possess substantial experience in the 3×3 format. Fulwiley and Edwards were members of the 2025 3×3 Nations League team that finished 14‑2 and captured the Americas Conference title. Mikaylah Williams previously helped Team USA secure three consecutive FIBA U18 World Cup gold medals. Sahara Williams also played on those dominant U18 squads. Their familiarity with fast‑break dynamics, half‑court setups, and shot‑clock management equips them well for the rigors of the World Cup.
Bold sub-heading: Team USA’s Historical Performance
Out of the nine previous FIBA 3×3 Women’s World Cups, the United States has medaled three times with gold and once with bronze. This track record underscores the nation’s consistent dominance in the discipline. The upcoming roster, bolstered by SEC standouts, aims to extend that legacy by adding another podium finish. The players are acutely aware of the expectations and are preparing meticulously for the competition.
Bold sub-heading: Anticipation Among Fans and Stakeholders The announcement sparked excitement among South Carolina alumni, collegiate fans, and the broader basketball community. Social media buzz highlighted the nostalgic reunion of Fulwiley and Edwards, while analysts forecasted a strong showing given the team’s blend of scoring versatility and defensive tenacity. The tournament’s visibility on YouTube is expected to draw record viewership, further cementing women’s 3×3 basketball’s growing profile.
Bold sub-heading: Conclusion and Looking Ahead
Team USA’s composition for the FIBA 3×3 Women’s World Cup reflects a strategic blend of seasoned talent and fresh energy from the SEC. With Fulwiley, Edwards, Williams, and Sahara Williams leading the charge, the squad is poised to contend for another gold medal. As the tournament approaches, preparation, cohesion, and the pursuit of historical excellence will define their journey on the world stage.