Representing her country, winning a gold medal, and traveling to the other side of the world were just part of the benefits for South Carolina women’s basketball senior Sania Feagin while competing for Team USA at the 2024 FIBA 3×3 U23 World Cup in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia last month. The other benefit was how it improved her game and outlook for the upcoming season.
“I think this is going to help me move faster, and understand that you can’t dwell on one play,” said Feagin, who not only led the U.S. to the gold medal at the tournament, but she was also the tournament’s top scorer over seven games, earning MVP honors. “You have to drop it and move on to the next one. Not everything is going to go in your favor, so you just have to keep playing.
“I like the three-on-three game. I like how fast paced it is. It’s a lot of fun. It can be hard to learn, but with it being my first time, I thought I did pretty well.”
South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley said the experience should help Feagin in one area in particular.
“Confidence,” Staley said. “Feagin hasn’t played a lot of long, consistent minutes for us. So, I think it’s happening at the right time with her having so much success with USA Basketball, being the MVP. It could only help her. She is practicing great! She looks like the senior that we need her to be. She is playing that way, and she is utilizing her voice in a way that says she doesn’t just want to win; she wants to make it to next level.”
Getting the chance to compete while also traveling to a new place made it a rewarding experience.
“I think one of the best parts of the trip was getting to meet new people,” Feagin said. “I had never been to Mongolia before, so it was very exciting. It was great to be able to go over there and play the game I know how to play.”
The was the second time Feagin helped the U.S. win a gold medal in international competition, following her role in the U.S. win at the 2021 FIBA U19 World Cup (5×5). While winning never gets old, neither does getting the opportunity to wear the USA uniform.
“It feels great to represent the United States of America,” Feagin said. “It’s a blessing, and I’m forever grateful!”
Feagin hopes to someday represent the U.S. in Olympic competition on the hardwood, but for now, after winning two National Championships and helping the Gamecocks reach the Final Four in each of her first three seasons, she is excited to see what she can do for her final season.
“I just want to become great with my teammates and win another national championship,” Feagin said. “I think I have improved mentally and physically.”
