Team USA won gold at the inaugural FIBA 3×3 AmeriCup in 2021. This year, the USA basketball team once again clinched the top spot after a nail-biting match against Brazil. While players like Dearica Hamby and Kelsy Mitchell put out some truly inspiring displays on the half-court, Katie Samuelson, the LA Sparks forward was pitted as being the show-stealer ahead of the tournament.

Recently, the men’s and women’s 3×3 basketball teams were also among the first three teams in both categories to qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics. Riding the high horse after their triumph at the 2023 AmeriCup, the women’s team will surely set their eyes on nothing less than the gold medal. However, the former Santa Ana Mater Dei High and Connecticut star’s latest achievement makes it all the more wholesome given the recent birth of her daughter Aliya.

Katie Samuelson registers impressive stats at the 2023 AmeriCup

Katie Lou Samuelson was announced as part of Team USA’s roster ahead of the AmeriCup and fans were justifiably excited to see her performance. Samuelson didn’t disappoint and raked up an impressive 6.2 points per game. The official UConn Women’s Basketball took to social media to nod their head at Samuelson’s incredible achievement on X, formerly Twitter. The post reads “You’re amazing, Lou“, and rightfully so! The post is accompanied by a heartwarming picture of a fond moment between Katie and her daughter.

Despite her physical setback after becoming a mother only in August, Samuelson played all 5 matches with Team USA at the AmeriCup. If that wasn’t enough, Katie also registered an enticing 0.66 shooting efficiency. With 0.4 turnovers per game, Samuelson is without a doubt one of the best performers at this year’s AmeriCup.

With 63 free throw percentages, Samuelson is also the best Team USA performer at this year’s AmeriCup. Katie was pivotal to the USA’s triumph with 10 crucial assists, matching the numbers with colleague Dearica Hamby. While she didn’t manage any dunks, Samuelson brought more to the game with three blocked shots. With 5 offensive rebounds and 11 defensive ones, Katie has been pivotal for Team USA’s second AmeriCup win.

Focused on recreating the 2020 Olympic result

After the USA’s awe-inspiring win over Brazil on Sunday, the official USA Basketball 3×3 account shared some key moments from the tournament that secured the winning moment. With the 2023 AmeriCup in the bag, the Team USA will now eye next year’s Olympics. The USA women’s basketball team clinched a gold at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and will hope to repeat the feat in Paris next year.

Read more: Let’s Relive the Top Plays That Propelled the USA 3×3 Woman’s Basketball Team to an Epic Triumph at the AmeriCup

Now that AmeriCup is conquered, what do you think the Paris Olympics has in store for the USA 3×3 men’s and women’s basketball teams? Tell us your predictions in the comments below!

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