Former Gator Alex Fudge to Represent USA at 2024 FIBA 3x3 U23 World Cup

Alex Fudge, a Jacksonville native and former Florida Gator, is poised to make his debut for USA Basketball at the 2024 FIBA 3x3 U23 World Cup in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. This event not only marks a significant milestone in Fudge's career but also underscores the expanding influence of Gators basketball on the international scene.

Fudge's journey from Gainesville to Mongolia is a testament to his rapid development and the opportunities that 3x3 basketball presents for emerging talents. During his 2022-23 season with the Gators, Fudge averaged a 5.8 points and 4.5 rebounds per game under head coach Todd Golden.

These numbers, while not eye-popping, laid the foundation for his professional aspirations and caught the attention of USA Basketball selectors.

The 3x3 format, with its fast-paced, high-intensity gameplay, provides a unique platform for players like Fudge to showcase their versatility and athleticism. It's a format that has gained significant traction in recent years, making its Olympic debut in Tokyo.

Fudge isn't venturing into this international competition alone. He's joined by a talented trio of teammates: John Butler Jr., David Johnson, and Jameer Nelson Jr., with Jimmy Smith of Trinity University as head coach.

With pool play kicking off against Chile on September 11th at 11:15 p.m. Eastern, Fudge and his teammates will need to hit the ground running. Only the top two teams from each pool advance to the quarterfinals, leaving little room for error in the preliminary rounds.

Fudge's selection for the World Cup team is part of a broader trend of Gators making waves in international basketball. The summer of 2024 has seen several current and former Gators in various international competitions. From Canyon Barry's 3x3 Olympic appearance to Andrew Nembhard and Nick Calathes representing Canada and Greece respectively in the traditional 5-on-5 format at the Paris Games, the Gator brand is becoming increasingly global.

This international exposure isn't limited to alumni. Current Gators like Alex Condon, Isaiah Brown, Olivier Rioux, Kajus Kublickas, and Urban Klavzar have all represented their respective countries in various FIBA tournaments. This widespread participation not only enhances the players' skills but also contributes to the program's appeal for future recruits with international aspirations.

The 2024 FIBA 3x3 U23 World Cup, streamed live on YouTube, offers a unique opportunity to watch the potential future stars of the sport.