Katie Lou Samuelson headlines U.S. women's 3x3 team
Four WNBA players will represent the United States in the first 3x3 basketball competition at the Summer Olympics, which begin next month in Tokyo.
The four are Stefanie Dolson (Chicago Sky), Allisha Gray (Dallas Wings), Kelsey Plum (Las Vegas Aces) and Katie Lou Samuelson (Seattle Storm).
"These four players not only are outstanding athletes, but they will be excellent representatives for our country in this new Olympic discipline," said Jim Tooley, USA Basketball CEO. "All four have significant USA Basketball experience and most recently won the FIBA 3x3 Olympic Qualifier, which earned this 3x3 berth to Tokyo."
Kara Lawson, the head women's basketball coach at Duke and a 2008 Olympic gold medalist, is the coach/adviser for Team USA. Under 3x3 rules, there is no coaching during games, but Lawson can coach during practices.
"I'm thrilled for these four women, all first time Olympians," Lawson said. "Their dedication these past 18 months to help position USA Basketball in Tokyo is being rewarded. Now, the real work begins."
Dolson, Gray and Plum played their first international 3x3 event this year. Samuelson is a veteran of the format, having won a gold medal in 3x3 in the 2014 Youth Olympic Games.
All four are veterans of international competition with USA Basketball, however. Combined, they have a record of 158-10 in international play.
The women's 3x3 Olympic basketball tournament features eight teams who will compete at Aomi Urban Sports Park from July 24-28. The quarterfinals will be July 27, with the semifinals and finals the following day.
The winner in 3x3 basketball games is the first team to score 21 points or the leading time when the 10-minute game clock expires. Free throws and baskets inside the arc count for one point, with baskets made from outside the arc are worth two points.
In addition to the United States, qualifying teams are from China, France, Italy, Japan, Mongolia, Romania and Russia.
--Field Level Media
