Analyst weighs in on UConn hooper Sarah Strong competing for Team USA spot following three U18 3x3 World Cup wins

UConn Huskies star Sarah Strong helped the Huskies win their 12th national championship in April. She has excelled outside traditional basketball, finding success in 3×3 basketball and winning three gold medals with the U18 USA team.

Analysts Mark Zanetto and Tee Baker on "The Hoops Cap Podcast" dissected Sarah Strong's 3×3 potential in depth, noting her unique skill set and how it translates to the different format.

Baker highlighted her potential role in the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, saying that Strong could be crucial to bringing home gold in 3×3 basketball for Team USA. Meanwhile, Zanetto was not sure whether players could play on both teams at the Olympics.

"I’m curious if she could be the first woman ever to do both," Zanetto said (TS- 3:30). "That would be a kind of cool notch on the old UConn belt — to have the first player to do it. But also because I think Sarah is very capable of doing both almost seamlessly, and that’s why the question persists.

"Anybody who’s ever hooped knows there’s a huge difference between running up and down in 5-on-5 and playing half-court 3-on-3—just from a physicality standpoint. I think Sarah’s game lends itself to both. But the fact that she can maximize her ability in a half-court setting really shows that special talent she has."

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Sarah Strong will compete for Team USA in Ulaanbaatar World Series

Sarah Strong will return to action with Team USA at the 3×3 Women’s Series Ulaanbaatar Stop in Mongolia from June 18. Besides, Strong, the United States' roster includes Cierra Burdick, Sahara Williams and Mikaylah Williams.

Strong, who averaged 16.4 points and 8.9 rebounds as a freshman last season, was previously called up to the United States' team for the FIBA 3×3 Women's Series. The event began in Marseille, France, on May 23, where Team USA finished sixth.

Since 2022, Strong has represented the country at several FIBA 3×3 events, including three U18 World Cups, where she won gold medals and the 2024 FIBA U18 AmeriCup, where she also won gold.