Mackey-Williams and Tall Ferns kick off 3x3 World Cup run on Thursday

BYU guard Arielle Mackey-Williams and the New Zealand Tall Ferns kick off their FIBA 3x3 U23 World Championship campaign with two pool play games on Sept. 12.

Author Austin Rustand
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ULAANBAATAR, Mongolia — BYU guard Arielle Mackey-Williams and the New Zealand Tall Ferns kick off their FIBA 3x3 U23 World Championship campaign with two pool play games on Sept. 12.

“I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to be back playing on the international stage, especially at the World Cup,” said Mackey-Williams. “Our pool consists of very high caliber teams and players, so I am looking forward to competing against some of the best in the world in my age group.”

Mackey-Williams will take the floor for the Tall Ferns alongside Rocky Mountain College's Dominique Stephens, Anika Hyland of Tauanga Girls College (New Zealand) and Kate Herman. 

The 18th-ranked New Zealand team opens the tournament with a matchup with 7-seed Japan at 2:05 a.m. MT on Sep. 12. Later at 4:20 a.m. MT, the Tall Ferns will take on No. 10 Spain in their second game of the day.

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On Sept. 14, New Zealand and No. 15 Italy will face off in the first of two games at 2:30 a.m. MT. The Tall Ferns will then face their toughest test of pool play as they share the court with the 2nd-ranked United States.

“Because these will be my first competitive basketball games since my injury, it will be a good opportunity to knock off the rust, sharpen my skills and get ready for my college season coming up.”