WARSAW (Poland) – Some players spend years chasing a single gold medal. Mikaylah Williams is quickly making a habit of collecting them.
The USA star added another major achievement to her already impressive 3x3 basketball résumé after leading her country to the FIBA 3x3 World Cup 2026 title in Warsaw, where she was also named Women's Tournament MVP.
For Williams, it was the latest milestone in a journey that has seen her succeed at every level of the game. From youth competitions to the FIBA 3x3 Women's Series and now the senior FIBA 3x3 World Cup stage, the dynamic guard continues to thrive whenever she steps onto the half-court wearing USA colors.
"It's a great feeling," Williams said, as she helped USA recapture gold after falling short last year. "I am blessed to be on a stage where I can showcase my talents."
The road to the title was not without challenges, of course.
USA arrived in Warsaw determined to bounce back after a disappointing campaign at the FIBA 3x3 World Cup 2025 in Ulaanbaatar. With a young roster and limited 3x3 basketball experience compared to many of their rivals, expectations from outside the team were tempered. Inside the camp, however, belief never wavered.
"Obviously, last year didn't go how we wanted it to go," Williams said. "We came into this year knowing we were young and our backs were against the wall. We regularly don't play as much 3x3 as everybody else, so we came in super locked in."
That focus paid off throughout the tournament as Williams repeatedly delivered in key moments, knocking down big shots and helping guide USA through the pressure-packed knockout rounds.
Yet she was quick to credit those around her.
"I think we're just competitors," Williams said. "We played together and stuck together. At the end of the day, my teammates believed in me to take those last shots. I am extremely grateful to play for USA, to play with my teammates and amazing coaches."
That combination of confidence, talent and team-first mentality helped power USA back to the top of the podium.
And while the FIBA 3x3 World Cup 2026 MVP trophy may be her biggest 3x3 basketball accomplishment yet, Williams' track record suggests there could be many more to come.
For now, though, she can add another gold medal to a growing collection and another memorable chapter to an already remarkable 3x3 basketball journey.
FIBA