ESPN’s Lawson coaches Team USA U18 to gold at FIBA 3X3 World Cup

ESPN college basketball analyst Kara Lawson handed in her headset after the Women’s Final Four and took on another set of basketball duties—serving as the head coach for the 2017 USA Basketball Women’s U18 team. Lawson, who has always dreamed of being a coach, got to do just that as she led a team of four future college stars to a gold medal in the FIBA 3×3 World Cup in China.

L-R: Christyn Williams, Janelle Baile, Destiny Littleton and Aquira DeCosta explored China with the Japanese U18 team.

Kara Lawson: “Getting to know my players off the court was a lot of fun too. We spent more time together than the typical coach/player relationship because we traveled overseas and needed each other’s company with the language barrier. We ate every meal together and had a lot of varied discussions. Overall, it was a wonderful experience that I would be open to having again.”

Lawson with Aquira DeCosta on the bus in China.

Lawson: “I started playing USA Basketball at 17, the same age as my players. Having first-hand knowledge of what they’re feeling, because I’ve lived it, helped a ton. I’ve been fortunate to play for great coaches. I spent four years under Pat Summitt, that’s an advanced degree in hoops! As a broadcaster and coach, you try to pass along your knowledge. When you’ve been in locker rooms before big games, dealt with the emotions of wins and losses, worked hours and hours on your game, you have the unique ability to really understand certain moments for the players you cover or in this specific instance, coach. So, I felt comfortable because I knew what to expect—all about preparation and anticipation.”

Lawson (far left) with her U18 gold medalists.

Lawson: “It was an absolute thrill to watch these young women achieve their dream of becoming world champions. . . something I’ll never forget. I was impressed with their intelligence and attention to detail, as we had to beat teams that played different styles. We had to implement different game plans sometimes in a span of less than an hour and my players went out and executed. With 3×3 being officially named an Olympic Sport last month, it made this World Championship that much more exciting and competitive. It’s a sport that is growing around the world and I’m excited to be a part of it!”

Lawson’s ESPN colleague Fran Fraschilla congratulates the team.