COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado (August 11, 2023) – USA Basketball announced today the roster for the 2023 USA 3x3 Women’s U18 National Team, which will compete in the 2023 FIBA 3x3 U18 World Cup in Debrecen, Hungary, from Aug. 30 - Sept. 3.
The team returns three of the four athletes from the 2022 USA 3x3 U18 National Team that captured the gold medal. Each athlete has previous USA Basketball experience and represents the graduating classes of 2023 and 2024.
The 2023 team features Katie Fiso, Sarah Strong, Mikaylah Williams and Sahara Williams.
Strong, Mikaylah Williams and Sahara Williams are the trio who will help defend their 2022 title. Mikaylah Williams was also a member of the gold medal-winning 2021 USA 3x3 U18 National Team and is the reigning MVP of the last two FIBA 3x3 U18 World Cups.
In 2023, Strong was at the trials for the U19 National Team. Mikaylah Williams and Sahara Williams were members of the Nike Hoop Summit team.
Last summer, Mikaylah Williams was on the 2022 Women’s U18 National Team that won a gold medal at the FIBA Women’s U18 World Cup. Fiso was named to the 2022 USA 3x3 U17 National Team though the event (FIBA 3x3 U17 AmeriCup) was canceled.
Kelly Carruthers will serve as the head coach of the 2023 3x3 U18 National Team, her sixth assignment with USA Basketball.
Different than 5-on-5, 3x3 is played on a half-court with a 10-minute game clock and 12-second shot clock. Play is continuous, as teams “clear” the ball behind the 2-point line following a made basket, defensive rebound or steal. The first team to score 21 points via 1-point field goals or 2-pointers behind the arc is victorious; or if time expires then the team leading wins.
For more information on the 2023 FIBA 3x3 U18 World Cup, click here.
The 2023 USA 3x3 Women's U18 World Cup team will train in Miami Lakes, Florida, Aug. 24-27 before traveling to Hungary. Media interested in covering training camp may apply for credentials by emailing communications@usabasketball.com.