Tori McKinney Joins USA U23 3×3 Squad
Tori McKinney, a sophomore guard from the University of Minnesota, has been named to the United States U23 3×3 Nations League squad that will travel to Ñuñoa, Chile, for the upcoming 2026 FIBA 3×3 Nations League Americas Conference.
The conference, scheduled to run over seven days, will feature six separate three‑game tournaments in which each nation accrues points based on its results, a system that ultimately determines which teams advance to the 2026 FIBA 3×3 U23 World Cup in Wuhan, China.
Format and Stakes of the 2026 FIBA 3×3 Nations League
FIBA announced that the entire competition will be streamed live on YouTube.com/FIBA3x3, giving fans around the world real‑time access to the fast‑paced, half‑court format that pits teams against one another on a 10‑minute clock with a 12‑second shot clock.
McKinney’s inclusion comes after a breakout sophomore season in which she helped the Golden Gophers reach their first Sweet Sixteen appearance in more than two decades, averaging 12.7 points per game while dishing out a team‑high 33 assists and recording 24 steals in the final 11 regular‑season contests.
Her defensive prowess earned her a spot on the All‑Big Ten Defensive Team, and she was recognized as both a Second Team All‑Big Ten selection by coaches and a Third Team pick by the media.
McKinney’s College Legacy
Beyond the numbers, McKinney posted a career‑high 15.9 points per game over the last 11 games of the regular season, showcasing a 2.20 assist‑to‑turnover ratio that set a new single‑season record for Minnesota.
What’s at Stake in Chile
The upcoming conference in Chile will not only serve as a qualifier for the World Cup but also as a showcase for the growing popularity of 3×3 basketball, a discipline that blends the excitement of traditional basketball with a condensed, high‑intensity format.
Teams that win their respective conference tournaments will secure direct berths in the 2026 FIBA 3×3 U23 World Cup, while the host nation, China, along with the reigning champions, receive automatic entry, underscoring the strategic importance of the upcoming event.
USA Basketball, the governing body overseeing the national program, expressed confidence in the squad’s depth and chemistry, noting that the experience of competing on an international stage will be invaluable for the young players.
Fans can look forward to a week of electrifying play, with each game promising dramatic finishes, clutch performances, and the kind of moments that have helped elevate 3×3 basketball into a mainstream sport.