USA 3v3 MBB Team is 2-0 in Olympic Qualifier Thanks to Joey King Game-Winner

By Eric Strack |

Updated: Jul 1, 2021

Joey King is a Minnesota Gopher men’s basketball alum who went to Eastview High School in the southern suburbs of the Twin Cities. King didn’t get the nod from his hometown Gophers when he came out of high school. But after one year at Drake, King transferred to the University of Minnesota to play for first year coach, Richard Pitino.

He and Pitino would grow a strong bond a King quickly became a fan favorite, working his way up the lineup and into the hearts of Gopher nation. He certainly helped propel the Pitino era into what looked like a bright future at the time.

King’s Olympic break

But on May 27, 2021, Joey King is trying to become an Olympian. It’s flown under the radar but one of the new events being shown off at the 2021 games in Tokyo is 3v3 basketball and former Purdue great Robbie Hummel is leading a team of ballers from USA. King wasn’t on the initial roster but was added just yesterday after Canyon Berry was ruled out with a back injury.

One day after being added to the team, with the game on the line and down 20-19, King made a steal, popped out to the top of the key, and hit a 3-pointer for the win. The play is going viral as I type this blog. The 3v3 USA men’s team is now 2-0 in pool play. There are 20 teams battling for 4 remaining spots.

???? BANG BANG ????

We had the ???? of the court today @Kingjoey_24

Down 20-16 with 1:54 to play… but the red, white & blue come through in the end ???? pic.twitter.com/5uBiAVfrgu
— USA Basketball 3×3 (@usab3x3) May 27, 2021