They certainly broke barriers this time around.
Team Miami, headlined by former NBA lottery pick Jimmer Fredette, tore the competition apart in the FIBA 3x3 tilt Cebu Masters with an undefeated run to the title.
The win in the said tournament, which is part of the FIBA 3x3 World Tour, marks the first Masters for a United States team since 2019.
Comprised of Fredette, Canyon Barry, Kareem Maddox, and Dylan Travis, Team Miami outlasted the Vienna, Austria squad in the final, 22-19. It was a game where the Americans trailed by as much as five times.
Prior to the last dance, Team Miami charged through pool play with wins over Philippines’ Lubao MCFASolver (22-15) and Mongolia’s Ulaanbaatar MMC Energy (21-18) on Saturday.
The next day, Fredette and co. edged San Juan of Puerto Rico in the quarterfinals, 21-17. They then pummeled Serbia’s Ub Huishan NE, 21-13, in the semis to set up the match against Vienna.
Fredette, who top-scored the entire playing field with 44 total points, earned MVP honors.
It’s not the first time that Jimmer lit up the 3x3 court, but the triumph is a milestone he seems to can’t believe they just snagged.
“This was special! Proud of our team. We have battled the whole year and broke through with a huge win at the #cebuworldtourmasters,” the former Sacramento Kings guard wrote on Instagram.
“What a great experience in the Philippines! #chookstogo #3x3 #champions”
The Philippines had two teams in Cebu tilt, Lubao and Manila Chooks, which finished in 10th and 8th, respectively, in the final standings.
The next stop of the FIBA 3x3 World Tour will be in Amsterdam, taking place from October 6 to 7.