The FIBA 3×3 AmeriCup was first introduced in 2021. In the opening edition, the USA women’s basketball team swept the competition away to win the gold medal. Naturally, the next AmeriCup is at the center of discussion as the qualifiers approach. While Team USA isn’t in any danger of being removed from its high horse, a returning player has given an extra boost to the fans for the next FIBA AmeriCup.

Months after giving birth to daughter Aliya, LA Sparks shooter Katie Lou Samuelson is back to make her mark. The news was revealed as roster for the 2023 AmeriCup was announced recently.

LA Sparks star awaits return at the FIBA AmeriCup

USA Basketball 3×3 took to X to announce the news, writing, “LOU IS BACK!!“. The former UConn Huskies player is one of the biggest stars in Magic Johnson‘s LA Sparks. Samuelson put up a stellar performance in the inaugural FIBA AmeriCup and is expected to deliver something similar in the upcoming one as well. The USA Basketball 3×3 official Twitter handle shared the news of her return and things are looking comforting.

The USA Basketball team won the gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics in 2020. With their eyes set on the Paris Olympics, the USA women’s basketball team has a minor detour along the way. In comparison to regular basketball, 3×3 is much faster and often considered being an exhilarating event. Understandably, after Samuelson’s incredible performance in the last 2022 FIBA AmeriCup group stage, she’s itching to get her mojo back.

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Magic Johnson is easily one of the most prominent names to have ever played for the LA Lakers. Johnson has won the NBA Championships 5 times during his time with the Lakers and is currently part owner of the Dodgers and the Sparks. While his health made it necessary for him to retire earlier than he would’ve wanted to, his entrepreneurial mentality helped him to expand his wealth by leaps and bounds despite being out of the court.

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While Team USA didn’t perform too badly, Canada emerged as the winner of the 2022 FIBA 3×3 AmeriCup women’s basketball. This time, with Samuelson back in the team, the US basketball team will look to bring the trophy back home once again. As Katie Samuelson looks to bring glory to the USA at this year’s FIBA AmeriCUp, Johnson will be keenly interested in how one of his team’s biggest stars performs.

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