Predictions
30 November, 2025
Had the circumstances shifted, we could be discussing LSU’s Flau’jae Johnson and TCU’s Olivia Miles as part of an impressive rookie lineup in the WNBA this summer. However, both guards, eligible for the April draft, decided to return to their colleges. Currently, they are suiting up for the U.S. women’s basketball team heading to the AmeriCup competition in Santiago, Chile, set to run from June 28 to July 6.
Johnson and Miles are just two of the standout college players representing USA Basketball this summer, with the potential to join the senior national team in the future.
Among the squad is forward Sarah Strong, named the 2025 consensus national freshman of the year for her role in UConn’s championship run, who is participating in the FIBA 3×3 World Cup in Mongolia. This tournament began on Monday and will conclude on June 29, with LSU’s Mikaylah Williams, Oklahoma’s Sahara Williams, and 2025 Creighton graduate Morgan Maly rounding out the U.S. team.
The AmeriCup, a 5-on-5 competition with roots dating back to 1993, is particularly significant this year as it serves as a qualifier for the FIBA Women’s World Cup in 2026, an event that occurs every four years and will be hosted in Berlin in September 2026.
The United States is placed in AmeriCup Group B and will compete against host country Chile on June 28, followed by matches against Colombia (June 29), Puerto Rico (June 30), and Mexico (July 2). Fans can catch the action on FIBA’s streaming platform, Courtside 1891.
The AmeriCup team consists of 12 players, all under the guidance of Duke’s Kara Lawson. Olivia Miles, who boasts an impressive average of 14.2 points, 6.5 assists, and 6.0 rebounds over 101 games at Notre Dame, is now at TCU and is set to enter the 2025-26 season with six career triple-doubles.
Among the squad, Johnson and Miles are two of six players entering their final college season. Oklahoma’s Raegan Beers, UCLA’s Gianna Kneepkens, Iowa’s Hannah Stuelke, and Michigan State’s Grace VanSlooten complete the group. Reflecting a trend in college athletics, only Johnson and Stuelke will complete their entire collegiate careers at the same institution, while Beers, VanSlooten, and Kneepkens have all changed schools during their college tenures.
Miles, who began her career at Notre Dame amid the pandemic in the 2020-21 season, faced a knee injury that kept her sidelined in 2023-24 but still has eligibility left. She expressed excitement about fitting into the Horned Frogs’ system, especially with TCU’s top scorers from the previous season having departed.
Johnson, motivated by past experiences, noted that being selected for the AmeriCup after being cut previously is a significant honor. She aims to use this year to enhance her skills and prepare for a potential No. 1 draft pick conversation in 2025-26.
With a wealth of talent on the roster, Lawson emphasizes the importance of strong defensive strategies. Known for her defensive prowess, she aims to create a disruptive style of play during the tournament. The team includes five players from the SEC, all of whom were recognized in the all-league first team last season, alongside representatives from the Big Ten, Big 12, and ACC.
As these young athletes come together, the excitement surrounding their potential is palpable. With the right mindset and dedication, they could make a significant impact not just in the AmeriCup but in their future careers.
The emergence of these collegiate stars in international competitions highlights a promising future for USA Basketball. Their experiences on this stage will not only sharpen their skills but also prepare them for professional leagues, potentially reshaping women’s basketball in the years to come.
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