Gamecocks Past, Present, and Future Shine on Global Stage at 2025 FIBA AmeriCup
The South Carolina Gamecocks are making their presence felt at the 2025 FIBA AmeriCup in Chile, which tipped off on Saturday, with three standout players representing two nations on the international stage.
Sophomore Joyce Edwards is suiting up for Team USA, while incoming five-star freshman Ayla McDowell and former Gamecock and current WNBA standout Kamilla Cardoso will compete for Brazil.
In celebration of their international impact, the official South Carolina women’s basketball Instagram account shared a graphic featuring the trio with the caption:
“3️⃣ Gamecocks 2️⃣ Teams 1️⃣ Tournament. The 2025 FIBA AmeriCup starts tomorrow!”
Former teammate and now Golden State Valkyries guard Bree Hall couldn’t hide her excitement, commenting:
“Oof I can’t root for just one soo…I’m rooting for both.”
South Carolina’s Legacy at AmeriCup Grows
Ayla McDowell, the No. 15 overall recruit in the Class of 2025 (per On3), committed to South Carolina over powerhouses UConn and UCLA. After debuting for Brazil’s U18 team at last year’s AmeriCup, she now steps onto the senior stage.
When McDowell committed, Coach Dawn Staley had high praise and high expectations:
“She’s a great addition,” Staley said. “She’s a big long guard that can score, that can defend, quality individual… she wants to take the world by storm and she feels like we’re the best program to put her in that position. We’re incredibly happy to have her.”
Joyce Edwards brings a wealth of Team USA experience, already holding three gold medals, including honors from the 2024 U18 AmeriCup and the 2023 U19 World Cup.
Meanwhile, Kamilla Cardoso returns to Brazil’s national team after leading them to gold in the 2023 AmeriCup, where she earned tournament MVP honors by defeating Team USA in the final.
Though the U.S. and Brazil are in separate groups, the earliest Edwards, McDowell, and Cardoso could face off would be in the quarterfinals—setting up a potential Gamecock reunion with championship stakes.
Looking ahead, Edwards and McDowell will join forces in Columbia this season as they aim to follow in Cardoso’s footsteps—and bring another national title to South Carolina.
