In the end, the France hype lasted just till the first half, as Team USA dismantled Les Bleus 97-79 to win their fifth consecutive World Cup gold medal. And to say Breanna Stewart was a huge catalyst for the Stars and Stripes to record their 36th straight World Cup victory would be an understatement, as the 32-year-old capped off another impressive tournament with her second World Cup MVP award. But while the Americans will celebrate another glory, Stewart is already hinting at the Olympics.
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“See you in L.A!” The MVP and three-time Olympic gold medalist said after the win against France, per UConn and Connecticut Sun reporter Maggie Vanoni.
As we all know, the next Olympics will happen in Los Angeles, California, in 2028. And Breanna Stewart, who will be 34 by then, is already looking forward to Team USA defending their crown at home.
And judging by her performance at the World Cup, Stewart is not slowing down anytime soon. The former UConn gem powered Team USA to glory with 22 points, 10 rebounds, and four assists.
Stewart is now a proud owner of four World Cup gold medals, joining Sue Bird as the only other Team USA player to win four. Team USA coach Kara Lawson had nothing but praise for the New York Liberty star.
“Four World Cups? That’s tied for the most ever. She is USA Basketball. When you think of the last 15 years, it’s Stewie. We’re just really lucky to be a part of her era.”
Lawon’s words make sense because if we dig into it, it really is Breanna Stewart’s era. The Liberty star forward has never lost a game played in a World Cup, Olympics, or NCAA Tournament.
“I pride myself on being consistently great. That’s showing up when it’s the big moments, the small moments and all the moments in between. It’s an unrealistic confidence I have in myself.”
Stewart averaged 12.8 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game while shooting 55.3% from the floor during the World Cup.
However, this time Stewart had to play the role of floor general for a USA team that was packed with young talents and seven World Cup debutants, headlined by the likes of Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, and Paige Bueckers. When asked how she felt about leading this group, Stewart revealed how she approached the responsibility.
“Just being honest. Really being genuine and letting them know how this tournament is, how Europe is, how these teams are always continuing to be better.”
“But we’re the standard. We always have been. We are continuing to do that, especially with this gold medal. And not forgetting that. It’s always about us.”
In addition to her MVP award, Stewart also headlined the FIBA All-Tournament team. She was joined by Las Vegas Aces star Jackie Young, who had 18 points, six rebounds, and five assists on Sunday and averaged 12.3 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 3.2 assists in the World Cup.
Along with Stewart and Young, the All-Tournament team featured Spain’s Iyana Martin, Germany’s Leonie Fiebich, and France’s Gabby Williams.
Regardless, Stewart is one of the most decorated players in women’s basketball history. If the Liberty star were to leave the hardwood behind tomorrow, she would go down as one of the greats of the game, and probably the best women’s college basketball player in history.
However, her motivation to still push forward and strive for another dance in Los Angeles is what makes Stewart different from the rest. And safe to say Team USA will once again be the favorite to win it all come the Olympics, as the youngsters like Reese, Bueckers, and, of course, Clark, who always had a dream to take part in the competition, will have more experience to assist Stewart and the other veterans.