TENERIFE (FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2018) – Jewell Loyd is still riding high from landing a WNBA Championship and could soon become a FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup trailblazer.
The celebrations from Seattle’s recent WNBA title success have barely ended and yet Loyd is already closing in on another major line for her resume and a significant note in basketball history.
Back in 2014, Loyd lifted the FIBA 3X3 World Cup in Moscow and that means she could now become the first ever player to complete a Worlds double – if USA manage to top the podium in Tenerife next weekend.
“I actually hadn’t thought about it before, but it would be pretty awesome to have that against my name and for the USA too – it would be super special,” enthused Loyd, who quickly re-enforced her love for 3×3.
“It is a very different kind of game and I grew up playing it when I was a kid, because it’s where you start off playing – in the parks.
“It’s so exciting because the fans are very engaged and it is a much quicker game. 3×3 really exposes all of those one-on-one elements in the game and it’s both exciting to watch and has that quick shot clock,” she added.
Perhaps Loyd may be able to compete in both events when Tokyo 2020 arrives and certainly the addition of 3×3 to the Games brought a big thumbs up from the WNBA star.
However, you can’t blame Loyd for having all eyes on the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup as she has had to show a lot of patience to finally get the nod at a senior tournament – some eight years after playing for USA at the U17 Worlds.
“It’s really special considering the journey I have been on with USA basketball and going to all the different camps and then being invited,” smiled Loyd.
“The only thing I could ever control was my effort and I just kept putting in the work. I had to trust that process and put myself in a good position to make the team – and it has paid off.
“You always have that little doubt, because there are so many good players and everyone has a chance and so I am just thankful to be selected.”
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