Latest news with #FIBAWomen'sAmeriCup
Winnipeg Free Press
12 hours ago
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
‘It means everything'
As the 2025 FIBA Women's AmeriCup tips off tomorrow in Santiago, Chile, Winnipeg's Emily Potter and Niyah Becker are looking to help Canada secure its fourth title as part of a stacked 12-player senior women's national basketball team roster. The most prestigious senior women's basketball tournament in the Americas will run from June 28 to July 6, with Canada set to share Group A with Argentina, Brazil, the Dominican Republic and El Salvador. The top four teams in the group advance to the quarterfinals, followed by a single-knockout format, where teams hope to be among the final six to earn a spot in the 2026 FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup qualifying tournament taking place in March. MUAD ISSA / CANADA BASKETBALL This is Emily Potter's second AmeriCup appearance. Potter is coming off an award-winning season in the Basketball League of Serbia. For Becker, who's been part of the Canadian national team program since she was 16, it's her first time making the senior national team, and whether it's rebounding or attacking, her goal is to do whatever the team needs to bring them gold. 'It means everything,' said Becker. 'I feel like, just since I was a little girl, I've always had the goal of playing on the national team, especially the senior team, and this being my first year, actually suiting up and dressing for the senior team was really important to me — really big. I just feel really proud to have made it.' The 6-2 forward, who graduated from Wake Forest University in 2023, just wrapped up her second year of professional basketball overseas with IDK Euskotren of the Endesa women's league, based in Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain. The previous season, Becker played for ZKK Cinkarna Celje of the Slovenian Basketball League. 'In college and stuff, you're used to playing people around your age, and then you go overseas, and you could be playing with 16-year-olds that are amazing, and also 40-year-olds that are just as amazing, but with more experience,' said Becker. 'So I feel like my game definitely grew in the thinking aspect, like the IQ side and playing at an intense level all season long.' Team Canada features five Olympians who represented the Senior Women's National Team in Paris last summer, including Kayla Alexander, Shay Colley, Yvonne Ejim, Sami Hill and Syla Swords. Shy Day-Wilson, Delaney Gibb, Phillipina Kyei, Merissah Russell and Tara Wallack complete the roster. 'It makes a really fun competitive training environment,' said Becker on the team's talent. 'Our practices, we still have lots of fun, but it's just everyone is so good, so smart, it kind of just tests you, and it makes you bring your best self every day.' Becker met Potter two summers ago at her first senior camp, and the pair have remained close ever since, training together at home during the summers and staying in touch while overseas. 'I think, in general, any of the players that are from the prairies — Alberta, Saskatchewan or Manitoba — we just take that extra pride in representing our province, because there's not a lot of us,' said Potter. 'This is the first time in I don't know how many years, I have no idea if there's ever been two Manitoba players on the team at the same time, it's been decades for sure, at least.' Potter, a 6-4 forward and University of Utah graduate, is coming off a historic year in Serbia with the Crvena Zvezda Basketball Club, going undefeated 27-0 en route to claiming the league championship and national cup title. KARL B. DEBLAKER / THE ASSOCIATED PRESS This is Niyah Becker's first time making the senior national team. 'I think I was challenged in different ways that I hadn't experienced before,' said Potter, who was named finals MVP and Player of the Year. 'This is my seventh year playing professionally, so I really feel like I'm stepping more into a leadership role within a team, even if I'm overseas.' This is Potter's second AmeriCup appearance, her first being in 2023 when Canada finished third. Thursdays Keep up to date on sports with Mike McIntyre's weekly newsletter. She says there's definitely new energy this time around with a new coaching staff leading the team, including Canada's head coach Nell Fortner, the winningest coach in USA Basketball women's history, who is making her senior women's national team debut. 'Our team is really good, and we know how to play well with each other,' said Becker. 'We know what to look for, and it doesn't matter who's on the court, we're all going to play to the Canadian standard. And we've been instilled by our coaches this training camp that the standard is gold.' Canada is currently ranked 7th in the FIBA World Rankings (women), with AmeriCup golds in 1995, 2015 and 2017, and a consistent track record of finishing in the top four at every tournament since 2009. 'I don't take any of these opportunities for granted,' said Potter. 'Anytime I'm in this group, it's just my favourite basketball environment to be in. For me, there is no higher level than this.'
Indianapolis Star
21 hours ago
- Sport
- Indianapolis Star
Makayla Timpson growing despite ‘tough' rookie year, will be needed with frontcourt depth limited
INDIANAPOLIS – Indiana Fever forward Natasha Howard texted Makayla Timpson before each game during the rookie's junior year at Florida State. 'Happy Game Day. Take the shot you want to take, and if you don't have the shot, rip and go,' read Howard's messages. Two years later, the Florida State alums became teammates when the Fever drafted Timpson in the second round of the 2025 WNBA draft. Their mentor-mentee relationship has only strengthened since Timpson joined Indiana. Timpson called her rookie campaign 'tough' and said it's been 'a lot of learning' but tries not to overwhelm herself with the process. The 22-year-old said she's growing in her ability to move without the ball, recognizing the significance of '45 and 90 cuts' and its ability to get herself and her teammates open. Through the difficult transition, by her side is an 11-year-veteran and three-time WNBA champion in Howard. 'She's been leading me the way, guiding me through this process and keeping my head on right,' Timpson said. 'I see the things she does and try to model myself after her and be as successful as she has been in the league.' Howard sees the resemblance between herself and Timpson. Howard said Timpson 'brings back memories of me rookie year' because of her athleticism, length and vertical ability. Drafted in 2014, Howard won a ring alongside Maya Moore (Minnesota Lynx) in 2017 and two with Sue Bird (Seattle Storm) in 2018 and 2020. Both Moore and Bird are in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Howard said vets like Moore and Bird made sure 'I got everything.' Whether it's inviting Timpson to her home for a meal or doing TikToks with the Georgia native, Howard hopes to provide Timpson with the same support she received as a rookie. 'I call her my twin. I love her to death,' Howard said. 'I always make sure she doesn't have to pay for anything. When I got in the league, the other vets were making sure I got everything that I need. So, I'm making sure she got everything that she needs.' Howard often instructs Timpson to be patient and stay intuitive in her first year. Fever coach Stephanie White praised Timpson for staying engaged during practice and consistently working with player development coach Keith Porter. White expects Timpson to play more minutes with Damiris Dantas' departure to play for Brazil in the FIBA Women's AmeriCup. Timpson played five minutes in the Fever's 85-75 home loss to the Los Angeles Sparks on Thursday. Though Timpson only averages 1.6 minutes per game this season, invaluable time alongside Howard lends White to believe Timpson's future is bright. 'She has a road map right in front of her, and they have such a unique relationship. I think it's gonna continue to help her grow in tremendous ways,' White said. 'Tash has been someone that's connected and communicated with her. It's been fortuitous that they are both here together, and she can help Makayla learn how to be a pro.' Timpson's personal goals for the year are to 'stay consistent and work hard.' She knows one can't develop without counsel and seeks advice from all Fever veterans, not just Howard. 'I love wisdom. I love hanging around older people. Not saying they're old in that way,' Timpson said with a smile. 'But just getting that knowledge from them, they know a lot. I want to know as much as they know, and they can correct me anytime they can. 'I'm working hard, and I know when my number is called, I'll be ready to impact the game and be a great teammate.' Howard commended Timpson for 'staying ready' regardless of her playing time. Because of Timpson's commitment to preparation, Howard has no doubt her mentee will excel in the WNBA. 'In this league, she gon' be able to show what she can do,' Howard said.
Time of India
7 days ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
Team USA stuns fans by picking Iowa State's Audi Crooks over top SEC and ACC scorer
Team USA stuns fans by picking Iowa State's Audi Crooks over top SEC and ACC scorer (Image via Getty) One of the top names in women's college basketball just got a big chance to represent her country. But what caught fans off guard was not just the announcement — it was how her teammate reacted. Audi Crooks, who plays for Iowa State, has had a strong season and recently made the final roster for the 2025 USA Women's AmeriCup team. While fans and coaches celebrated the big news, it was Jada Williams who shared a quick and powerful reaction that caught attention online. Jada Williams cheers for Audi Crooks after team USA selection On Thursday June 20 2025 Iowa State Cyclones center Audi Crooks was officially named to the USA Basketball roster for the upcoming 2025 FIBA Women's AmeriCup. Iowa State announced the news on Instagram shortly after Team USA's final roster was confirmed. Jada Williams, who recently transferred to Iowa State from Arizona, reposted the update on her Instagram story and added a one word message to show her support. She wrote simply Superstar which many fans saw as a strong show of praise. Audi Crooks is coming off a big sophomore year where she averaged 23.4 points 7.5 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Buy Brass Laxmi Ji Idol For Wealth, Peace & Happiness Luxeartisanship Shop Now Undo Jada Williams also had a strong season at Arizona before her transfer putting up 12.7 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game. Audi Crooks prepares for AmeriCup debut with strong team USA lineup Audi Crooks will now join a powerful Team USA squad for the 2025 FIBA Women's AmeriCup. The tournament will begin on June 28 2025 with the first game against Chile. The team will also play Colombia on June 29 Puerto Rico on June 30 and Mexico on July 2. The games will be part of the group stage before knockout rounds begin. This will be Audi Crooks' first official appearance in a Team USA jersey. The team will be led by head coach Kara Lawson from Duke. She will be joined by assistant coaches DeLisha Milton Jones from Old Dominion and Jennie Baranczyk from winner of the AmeriCup will earn a spot in the 2026 FIBA Women's World Cup. Also Read: How The Iowa State University Days Helped Tyrese Haliburton Become An Exceptional NBA Star? Follow all the live updates, scores, and highlights from the India vs England Test match here . Game On Season 1 kicks off with Sakshi Malik's inspiring story. Watch Episode 1 here
USA Today
20-06-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Longhorns star Madison Booker earns special invitation from USA Basketball
Following another stellar season, Madison Booker has received a prestigious honor. The Longhorns star has been selected for the USA Basketball Women's AmeriCup team. Her latest achievement comes after three days of trials in Colorado Springs. Booker and the rest of Team USA will compete at the 2025 FIBA Women's AmeriCup, which starts later this month on June 28th. Booker will get to play alongside some of the best players in the country. That includes Raegan Beers, Mikayla Blakes, Audi Crooks, Joyce Edwards, Hannah Hidalgo, Flau'jae Johnson and Gianna Kneepkens. While this is a unique honor for Booker, it is not the first time the Longhorns forward has gotten an opportunity to shine on the world stage. Before starting her college career, the Germantown High School product won multiple gold medals with USA basketball. She was part of teams that won gold at the 2023 FIBA U19 Women's World Cup, 2022 FIBA U17 Women's World Cup, and 2021 FIBA Women's U16 Americas Championship. Booker is poised to add another medal to her trophy case. To many in Austin, Booker's latest accomplishment comes as no surprise. In 75 games for the Longhorns, she has averaged 16.4 points and 3.8 assists. The talented sophomore has also been dangerous from three-point range, with a 35.5 shooting percentage. With Booker leading the offense, Texas has been hard to stop. Due to her play, Booker has added to her trophy case. Just a few months ago, she earned First Team All-America honors. The Longhorns star was also named the SEC Player of the Year for the second time. Now, she will get to show the world why she is one of the best at her position in the nation. The tournament, which will be held in Santiago, Chile, will last until July 6.
USA Today
20-06-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Hannah Hidalgo has made the Women's FIBA AmeriCup roster as it starts later this month
Hannah Hidalgo has made the Women's FIBA AmeriCup roster as it starts later this month The FIBA Women's AmeriCup will start up on June 28th, and on Thursday it was announced that Notre Dame star Hannah Hidalgo has made the team. She will team up with her former teammate, Olivia Miles, who transferred to TCU, as the USA will look to take gold during the vent. Following three days for trials, the roster has been set and Hidalgo is no stranger for playing for her country. In 2023, the Irish star helped the U19 Women's National Team take home a gold medal, along with three other players who made the team. Hidalgo was also on the 2022 U17 team that took home gold, along with playing for the USA at the Nike Hoop Summit according to USA Basketball's release. The United States will open its play against host Chile, and then will play Colombia, Puerto Rico, and Mexico in Group B. The goal is to win this tournament, which will allow them a berth into the 2025 FIBA Women's World Cup that will be played in Berlin, Germany next summer. Congrats to Hannah, as he tries to add yet another gold medal to her growing collection.
