As the most represented WNBA team in this year’s FIBA World Cup, the New York Liberty experienced widespread success in Sydney, Australia this past weekend with five players and two coaches receiving medals as part of USA (Gold), China (Silver) and Australia (Bronze).

Additionally, incoming third-year center, Han Xu, represented the Liberty on the 2022 FIBA World Cup “All-Star Five” comprised of the tournament’s top performers.

Sabrina Ionescu recorded her fourth career Gold Medal and first as a member of the Women’s National Team following Team USA’s 81-63 victory over China on Saturday, completing their undefeated 2022 World Cup campaign.

In the three-game playoff run, Ionescu added a total of 10 points and six rebounds across 25 minutes. Sabrina also showcased her halfcourt range with the one-legged logo three-pointer below against Canada.

Highlights: Halfcourt Three-Pointer / Three-Pointer / FIBA Interview with Pau Gasol

Betnijah Laney who also made her Women’s National Team debut, added her third career Gold Medal as a member of USA Basketball to her highly-decorated resume.

Laney continued her efficient production through the playoff rounds, combining for seven points, four rebounds and three assists while finishing the tournament with a knockdown three-point field goal percentage of 50.0% (5-10).

Highlights: Three-Pointer

Han Xu propelled the Chinese Women’s National Team to a Silver Medal finish, the team’s first since 1994, after putting together one of the top performances of the entire tournament. Han’s dominance was on full display in China’s 61-59 Semifinal win over Australia when she recorded 19 points, 11 rebounds, and a record-tying five blocks on an almost-perfect 80.0% (8-10) from the field; her second double-double in Sydney.

Han finished the World Cup with averages of 12.4 points, 8.4 boards and 1.8 blocks per game while shooting 52.5% (42-80) from the field, earning the 6-10 center a prestigious spot on the 2022 FIBA World Cup “All-Star Five”.

Highlights: Full Highlights / Five Blocks / Block and Score / Postgame FIBA Interview

Sami Whitcomb led Team Australia to a third place, Bronze medal finish after defeating Canada in a convincing 95-65 victory in front of their home crowd at the Sydney SuperDome.

Whitcomb finished the World Cup as the Opals’ leading scorer, averaging 11 points along with 3.6 assists, 2.3 rebounds and 1.4 steals in 27.6 minutes per game, including five games of double figure scoring and three contests of 15 points.

Highlights: Three-Pointer (1)  / No-Look Pass / Cutting Layup / Three-Pointer (2)

Limited due to a rib injury she suffered in Game 3 of Group Phase, Bec Allen still managed to give the Opals 16 minutes across two playoff contests where she contributed four boards, an assist, and a block.

Alongside her fellow Liberty guard in Whitcomb, head coach Sandy Brondello, and assistant coach Olaf Lange, Allen secured a Bronze medal on home soil.

Marine Fauthoux, the Liberty’s lone French representative in the World Cup after Marine Johannès was ruled out due to injury, impressed in the Quarterfinal playoff stage against China.

In the 85-71 loss, Fauthoux tallied a team-high 19 points on an efficient 53.5% (8-15) shooting from the field and five rebounds across 29 minutes of action.

Highlights: Driving Layup / Driving Layup (2) / Driving Floater

 

The New York Liberty’s annual Libs Abroad presented by Withings coverage will begin this Friday, October 7, as several Liberty players and draftees report to their respective overseas clubs. For more information, up-to-date statistics/standings, weekly recaps, and monthly player features, please visit nyliberty.com.