USA Basketball Names Sydney Taylor to 3x3 AmeriCup Team
The Chicago Sky guard joins the U.S. women's roster for the upcoming 2026 FIBA 3x3 AmeriCup in San Salvador.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Basketball
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USA Basketball has officially named Sydney Taylor to the women's 3x3 AmeriCup squad for the tournament held in San Salvador, El Salvador. She joins a roster of players with WNBA experience, with the team aiming to defend their gold medal streak.
Why it matters
The team is competing to maintain its dominance in the AmeriCup, having secured gold medals in 2021, 2023, and 2025. Winning this title provides the squad with a qualification spot for the 2027 FIBA 3x3 Champions Cup.
The 3x3 game is played on a half court with 3 players per side and a 12-second shot clock. Matches conclude when a team scores 21 points or after 10 minutes of regulation time.
The players
Sydney Taylor
She is a professional basketball guard currently playing for the Chicago Sky.
Aerial Powers
She is a veteran WNBA player who brings professional experience to the 3x3 roster.
Flau'jae Johnson
She is a talented roster member selected to represent the United States in international 3x3 competition.
Aziaha James
She serves as a key member of the women's 3x3 team for the upcoming AmeriCup tournament.
Christina Batastini
She is the head coach responsible for leading the women's 3x3 squad at the AmeriCup.
The details
Sydney Taylor, who plays as a guard for the Chicago Sky, is joined on the women's roster by Aerial Powers, Flau'jae Johnson, and Aziaha James. Head coach Christina Batastini leads the group as they travel to San Salvador to face competition from across the Americas.
Timeline
October 23, 2026: Sydney Taylor is officially named to the U.S. roster.
October 28, 2026: The 2026 FIBA 3x3 AmeriCup tournament begins.
October 31, 2026: U.S. teams commence pool play competition.
November 1, 2026: The tournament concludes following the quarterfinals.
Season Trajectory
This tournament appearance serves as a critical bridge to the 2027 FIBA 3x3 Champions Cup. Success in San Salvador dictates whether the U.S. squad secures a path to that higher-tier competition.
The roster includes four players with WNBA experience, providing a significant depth advantage in a half-court format. Fans should note that the 12-second shot clock requires a faster pace than traditional 5v5 basketball.
The takeaway
The transition to the 3x3 format requires players to adapt to a significantly faster pace of play and reduced defensive recovery time. Success depends on high-efficiency shooting given the limited 10-minute game duration.
What happens next
The U.S. women's team begins tournament play on October 31, 2026, with the quarterfinals and final rounds scheduled for November 1, 2026.
Further reading
For more on the national team program and player updates, visit Basketball.
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