Team USA has etched their name in the record books, becoming the first team in FIBA 3×3 Women’s Series history to win consecutive events — and Joyce Edwards is the engine driving it all.
Following their triumph in Chengdu, Team USA traveled to Manila and delivered yet another commanding performance, defeating the host Philippines 21-10 in a dominant display that left little doubt about who the most formidable squad in the women’s 3×3 game is right now. The back-to-back championship run sets the stage for what promises to be a compelling World Cup campaign.
A Masterclass in Manila
At the heart of USA’s Manila victory was Edwards, whose performance in the Pool Phase against the Philippines was as complete as it gets in 3×3 basketball. The sophomore star posted 12 points and 9 rebounds, connected on 9-of-12 one-point shots, and went a perfect 3-for-3 from the free throw line. In a format where games move fast and every possession matters, that level of efficiency is staggering.
That outing was not an isolated moment, either. Earlier in the Manila tournament, Edwards had already contributed 9 points in the Qualifying Draw victory over Manila, meaning she delivered back-to-back high-impact performances within the same event — piling dominance on top of dominance across multiple rounds.
The Chengdu Foundation
Manila did not come out of nowhere. The back-to-back run began in Chengdu, where Team USA claimed their first series stop title since 2024. Edwards was central to that championship run as well, and the consistency she demonstrated across both stops is what separates her from the rest of the field. From Chengdu to Manila, the level of play has not dipped — if anything, it has intensified.
From Columbia to the International Stage — Without Missing a Beat
What makes Edwards’ emergence so remarkable is how seamlessly her college game has transferred to the international 3×3 format. South Carolina fans witnessed something special during her sophomore season — a player who shattered the program’s single-season scoring record with 768 points, while averaging 19.2 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.8 steals per game. Those numbers demanded attention on the college level. Now, the international community is getting the same education.
The physical interior presence, the finishing ability around the basket, the relentless rebounding — every facet of the game that made her a standout in the SEC has shown up on the global stage without any visible adjustment period. That is an extraordinarily rare quality. Many elite college players require time to recalibrate when stepping into international competition. Edwards arrived ready.
Eyes on the World Cup
With two consecutive series titles now secured, the conversation naturally turns to what comes next — the FIBA 3×3 World Cup. Team USA enters that competition as the hottest team in the women’s 3×3 game, carrying momentum, chemistry, and a player in Joyce Edwards who, by all indications, simply does not have an off switch.
If the Chengdu and Manila runs are any indication, the rest of the world has been put firmly on notice.
