​As the UCLA Bruins prepare for a pivotal senior season, star forward Eric Dailey Jr. has been making waves with the USA 3×3 Men’s Nations League squad. Joined by five other college players, Dailey Jr. helped Team USA run the table with an impressive 18-0 record during the week-long 3×3 Nations League Americas North tournament in Ñuñoa, Chile. By tournament’s end, Team USA had officially secured its spot in the 2026 FIBA 3×3 U23 World Cup, scheduled for September 15-19 in Wuhan, China.
Dailey Jr. was part of a six-player lineup, alongside Hank Alvey, CJ Gunn, Kevair Kennedy, Pace Prosser, and Brady Swartz. This event marked Dailey Jr.’s first appearance in a 3-on-3 game for USA Basketball in four years. His previous international experiences include competing in the 2021 and 2022 FIBA U18 Men’s World Cups, where he earned a gold medal in 2021 and captured the 2022 FIBA U18 Men’s AmeriCup title. He also participated in the 2023 Nike Hoop Summit and the 2023 FIBA U19 Men’s World Cup.
Dailey Jr. transferred to UCLA from Oklahoma State ahead of his sophomore year and has started all 68 games he’s played for the Bruins across the last two seasons. Standing 6 feet 8 inches tall, he will return to Westwood for his final collegiate season, remaining a vital component of UCLA’s starting lineup. Over his two seasons at UCLA, Dailey Jr. has averaged 11.5 points and 4.9 rebounds per game, delivering veteran leadership that bodes well for UCLA as it aims to advance further in March’s NCAA Tournament.
The experience and versatility Dailey Jr. brings to UCLA will be key as the Bruins look to build on recent success and improve their postseason performance. His international exposure with USA Basketball and his consistent production at the college level position him as a cornerstone of UCLA’s plans for a deep tournament run and continued development in his final year of college basketball.
This report on Dailey Jr.’s standout performance for Team USA and his ongoing impact at UCLA has been provided by LA Sports Report, highlighting the momentum surrounding the Bruins as they prepare for the upcoming season.