Hailey Van Lith is currently focused on making the USA Basketball 3×3 Olympic team this summer and is not yet worried about where she will end up playing college basketball next year. The 22-year-old guard is currently taking part in a training camp in Springfield, Massachusetts, and will be competing in a 3×3 tournament at The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. Van Lith has had success in 3×3 basketball for the U.S., winning a gold medal on the U18 team in 2019 and helping secure gold at the FIBA 3×3 World Cup last year. The upcoming Paris Games will be the second Olympics to feature 3×3 basketball, following its debut in Tokyo during the 2021 Games.
In order to qualify for the Paris Games, two out of the four members of the U.S. team must be in America’s top 10 for total points accumulated in FIBA rankings. Van Lith currently qualifies at fifth place. Playing against established WNBA players such as Dearica Hamby, Allisha Gray, and Rhyne Howard in the training camp has helped Van Lith to improve her game and gain valuable experience. She acknowledges that the opportunity to compete with and against top talent has provided her with insights into areas where she can further develop her skills.
Regarding her college basketball future, Van Lith has yet to make a commitment to any school. She recently visited TCU and expressed interest in the program, but she also visited other schools and is considering different options. Despite not having officially signed anywhere yet, she is close to making a decision. Van Lith has opted to play college basketball for another season instead of entering the WNBA draft, taking advantage of the NCAA’s grant of an extra year of eligibility to athletes affected by the pandemic.
Van Lith had a successful collegiate career at Louisville, leading the Cardinals to the Final Four in 2022 before transferring to LSU for the 2023-24 season. She averaged 11.6 points and 3.6 assists in her lone season at LSU, where she joined the defending NCAA champions. Following their loss in the Elite Eight this season, Van Lith has largely stayed off social media and has been focusing on her training and future decisions. While she was a sought-after transfer player last season, she is once again in the spotlight as she considers her next basketball destination.
Having experienced the highs and lows of collegiate basketball, including reaching the Elite Eight and contending for championships, Van Lith is well-versed in the competitive nature of the sport. She remains focused on her goals of making the Olympic 3×3 team and finding the right fit for her next collegiate season. Despite the uncertainty surrounding her college choice, Van Lith is determined to make a well-informed decision and continue her basketball journey with dedication and passion. With the support of her coaches, teammates, and mentors, she is committed to working hard and seizing opportunities for growth and success in basketball.
