South Carolina Women’s Basketball: Four Gamecocks Set to Compete in USA Basketball’s 3X Nationals
In the world of women’s basketball, South Carolina’s program has stood tall as one of the premier programs in the NCAA. With multiple national championships, conference titles, and a reputation for developing elite talent, it’s no surprise that the Gamecocks have once again produced athletes poised for success at the national level. Four members of the South Carolina women’s basketball team are set to represent their school and the nation in the upcoming USA Basketball 3X Nationals, a unique opportunity to showcase their talents in the fast-paced, exhilarating world of 3×3 basketball.
3×3 basketball, an innovative and increasingly popular format of the sport, has seen rapid growth over recent years. With its fast tempo, strategic positioning, and emphasis on skillful play, it has become a dynamic version of basketball that requires a different mindset compared to the traditional five-on-five game. The USA Basketball 3X Nationals is a premier event for basketball players looking to compete at the highest level in 3×3 tournaments, and South Carolina’s best and brightest are ready to make their mark.
The significance of the event extends beyond personal achievement. Competing in 3X Nationals offers an opportunity to represent the United States in international competitions, potentially securing spots on the national 3×3 basketball teams that compete in global events like the FIBA 3×3 World Cup and the Olympic Games. For these Gamecocks, it’s an avenue to take their game to the next level, sharpen their skills, and gain valuable experience in a format that demands a high level of athleticism and basketball IQ.
3×3 basketball is a unique format of the sport where two teams of three players each face off on a half-court, with the game played on a smaller area than a traditional basketball court. The game is played with a shot clock, and teams must score 21 points (or have the highest score at the end of a 10-minute period) to win. Players have to be versatile, quick on their feet, and able to make decisions on the fly, as the game’s fast pace often leads to rapid transitions and high-scoring opportunities.
Since its debut in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where it made its Olympic debut, 3×3 basketball has captured the attention of fans and players alike. With an emphasis on individual skill, ball-handling, and teamwork in a condensed environment, the format has become a proving ground for the sport’s top talent. USA Basketball has continued to promote the growth of 3×3 basketball through tournaments such as the 3X Nationals, which serves as one of the key events for identifying future stars of the format.
South Carolina’s women’s basketball program, led by legendary coach Dawn Staley, has long been known for its player development and commitment to excellence. Several players from the Gamecocks have already made names for themselves in the world of 3×3 basketball, with former South Carolina standouts competing internationally. This strong foundation has set the stage for the latest group of Gamecocks to test their skills and compete at a national level.
The four South Carolina players set to represent their school in the 3X Nationals are among the most talented athletes in college basketball. Their combination of skill, athleticism, and basketball IQ makes them perfect candidates to shine on the 3×3 stage. Each of these players brings a unique set of strengths to the court, making them formidable opponents in the fast-paced world of 3×3 basketball.
Aliyah Boston needs no introduction to South Carolina fans. The 6’5″ forward has been the cornerstone of the Gamecocks’ success for several years, earning numerous accolades, including NCAA Player of the Year honors. Her dominance in the post, rebounding ability, and defensive prowess have made her one of the most feared players in college basketball.
Boston’s ability to dominate in the paint makes her an ideal fit for the 3×3 format, where controlling the inside is a key to success. In the half-court setting of 3×3 basketball, her footwork, quickness, and strength allow her to overpower opponents in the low block. Moreover, her basketball IQ is top-notch, making her a smart player who can read the flow of the game and adjust her strategy accordingly. Boston’s presence in the paint will be invaluable for her 3×3 team as they battle for a spot in the finals.
Zia Cooke is another household name in the South Carolina program. Known for her scoring ability, particularly her knack for hitting big shots when it matters most, Cooke’s agility and playmaking ability are her calling cards. Standing at 5’9″, Cooke’s quickness, ball-handling, and sharp shooting make her a perfect fit for 3×3 basketball, which places a premium on speed and perimeter shooting.
Cooke’s ability to create her own shot and her proficiency as a perimeter scorer will be crucial in 3×3, where teams are often required to hit a high percentage of shots from beyond the arc. Her ability to break down defenders with her speed and drive to the basket also adds an element of unpredictability to the game. On a fast-paced 3×3 court, Cooke’s speed and scoring versatility will be key assets as her team seeks to outmaneuver opponents and put up points in quick succession.
Brea Beal is known as one of the best defenders in women’s college basketball. Her relentless pressure on the ball, her ability to guard multiple positions, and her exceptional awareness on defense have made her a standout player for South Carolina. Her versatility allows her to guard smaller, quicker players as well as larger opponents, making her a matchup nightmare in 3×3 basketball, where the smaller court and shorter shot clock mean defense is often the deciding factor in games.
Beal’s defensive skills will be especially important in the 3×3 format, where teams must be able to switch quickly, anticipate passes, and defend without the help of a full team behind them. On offense, Beal’s cutting ability and willingness to make the extra pass will make her a valuable contributor, even if she isn’t always the focal point of the attack. Her all-around game makes her a key asset in the 3×3 tournament.
Laeticia Amihere may not yet have the same national recognition as some of her teammates, but the 6’4″ forward is an emerging star in the South Carolina program. Known for her athleticism, versatility, and high-energy play, Amihere brings an edge to the Gamecocks’ 3×3 team. Her length and leaping ability allow her to make an impact on both ends of the court, whether it’s finishing at the rim or blocking shots on defense.
Amihere’s size and agility make her a matchup nightmare in the 3×3 format, where her ability to play both inside and outside will be key. With her strong work ethic and drive to improve, Amihere is poised to make a major impact at the 3X Nationals, and her athleticism will make her a difficult player to contain on both ends of the floor.
For these four players, competing in the USA Basketball 3X Nationals is a testament to their hard work and dedication to the game. While they have already achieved significant success in the NCAA, the 3×3 format presents new challenges that will allow them to further refine their skills. The 3X Nationals serves as an opportunity to showcase their talent in front of a different audience, perhaps opening the door for future opportunities in 3×3 competitions.
For head coach Dawn Staley, the success of her players at the 3X Nationals further exemplifies her coaching prowess. Staley has long been a champion of the game, both on the court as a former player and on the sidelines as a coach. Under her guidance, the South Carolina women’s basketball program has flourished, and Staley’s commitment to developing versatile players who can succeed in any format of the game has been integral to the team’s success.
The USA Basketball 3X Nationals is just one of many milestones in the journey of these athletes. While they have already established themselves as stars in the NCAA, their participation in 3×3 events like this will help shape their future careers and continue to elevate South Carolina’s status as a powerhouse program.
As the South Carolina women’s basketball team prepares for the USA Basketball 3X Nationals, all eyes will be on Aliyah Boston, Zia Cooke, Brea Beal, and Laeticia Amihere as they take to the court in the high-energy world of 3×3 basketball. With their skill sets perfectly suited for this fast-paced format, the Gamecocks are primed to make a statement on the national stage. Whether they are battling for spots on the U.S. national 3×3 teams or simply seeking to continue their dominance as athletes, these four players are set to shine in the USA Basketball 3X Nationals.
Through this exciting venture, the South Carolina women’s basketball program reaffirms its position as a breeding ground for elite talent—whether in the traditional five-on-five game or the dynamic 3×3 format. Fans can’t wait to see what these stars will accomplish next in their illustrious careers.
