The 2026 FIBA 3X3 World Cup concluded with a nail‑biting final in which Joyce Edwards and her United States teammates edged Australia 21‑20, securing the gold medal in a contest that swung back and forth until the last second. Mikaylah Williams delivered the winning shot, capping a tournament in which the Americans never trailed.
A Milestone for a Gamecock Legend
Joyce Edwards, a four‑time international gold‑medalist who previously collected three titles in traditional 5‑on‑5 basketball, became the first University of South Carolina player to stand on the 3X3 World Cup podium. Her performance added another chapter to a career defined by clutch contributions in points, rebounds and blocks.
Edwards was joined on the roster by former Gamecocks MiLaysia Fulwiley, Mikaylah Williams and Sahara Williams, forming a quartet that had already proven its mettle on the 3X3 World Series circuit with victories in Chengdu, China, and Manila, Philippines. The group also captured the 3×3 Nations League title the previous summer.
The United States entered the tournament as the top seed and proceeded to win every match, dispatching Hungary, Mongolia, Spain and Australia in the group stage before overcoming France and Azerbaijan in the knockout rounds. USA Basketball’s dominance was underscored by a perfect 7‑0 record and a fourth World Cup gold, the most any nation has ever earned in the competition.
Beyond this triumph, Edwards will return for a second consecutive summer on the USA Basketball 3X3 squad, a testament to her sustained impact on the program. The victory not only highlights the program’s depth but also reinforces the growing prominence of collegiate talent on the global 3X3 stage.