The United States Women’s Basketball team, currently ranked No. 1 in the FIBA Women’s World Ranking, is heading to Chile with high hopes of reclaiming the AmeriCup title.
As reigning world and Olympic champions, the team has opted to field a young yet immensely talented roster entirely composed of NCAA players for the third consecutive edition of the FIBA Women’s AmeriCup.
This strategic choice has proven successful in the past, yielding a championship in 2021 and a second-place finish in 2023.
The tournament serves as a vital development platform for promising athletes, positioning them as potential contributors for future World Cup and Olympic competitions.
With their eyes set on continental glory, the new wave of talent looks eager to uphold the rich legacy of USA Basketball.
Historically, the United States has participated in the AmeriCup only eight times due to their automatic qualifications from their previous World Cup or Olympic victories.
They have won four AmeriCup titles in 1993, 2007, 2019, and 2021, tying with Cuba for the second-most championships overall, trailing behind Brazil’s six titles.
Among the standout players on the roster are Hannah Hidalgo and Madison Booker, both selected as 2024 NCAA All-America players.
Hidalgo, a dynamic point guard from Notre Dame, has impressed as a dual-threat on both ends of the court, averaging an astounding 24.2 points, 3.6 assists, 5.1 rebounds, and 3.7 steals per game during the 2024–25 NCAA season.
She has been honored as the ACC Player of the Year and the Defensive Player of the Year, highlighting her impact on the court.
Booker, a versatile wing from the University of Texas, is seen as a future star destined for success in the WNBA.
She contributed 16.2 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 2.8 assists in the past season, showcasing her potential.
The roster further boasts elite prospects like Raegan Beers, Joyce Edwards, and formidable post player Audi Crooks, creating a deep and competitive lineup.
Head coach Kara Lawson, who operates at Duke University, will steer this young squad in Chile as they pursue victory.
Lawson’s extensive experience with USA Basketball is showcased by her collection of nine gold medals and an impressive 75-5 record across different age groups.
She brings a rich background with her, having been an assistant at the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics and leading the 3×3 team that won gold during the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
As a player, she also experienced Olympic success in 2008 and secured an AmeriCup title in 2007.
Lawson aims to leverage her leadership experience and personal accolades to guide her players towards triumph.
The American team enters the tournament as the clear favorites, backed by undeniable talent and depth.
However, the youth of the squad raises questions, as experience can be crucial during high-stakes situations.
Nonetheless, many on the team have already competed on the global stage, having participated in U17 and U19 World Cups, indicating they can handle pressure.
The U.S. will compete in Group B, facing off against host nation Chile in their opening match, followed by matchups against Colombia, Puerto Rico, and Mexico.
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