Katie Lou Samuelson to skip US 3×3 women’s basketball due to COVID-19 protocols

Katie Lou Samuelson, a key member of America’s first 3×3 women’s basketball team, will not compete in the Tokyo Summer Olympics.

Samuelson was placed in COVID-19 health and safety protocols over the weekend and will not be able to compete, USA Basketball announced Monday.

Seattle Storm goalie will be replaced by Las Vegas Aces goalie Jackie Young just days before the start of the Olympics.

Young will compete in the inaugural competition with her Aces teammate Kelsey Plum, as well as Stefanie Dolson of the Chicago Sky and Allisha Gray of the Dallas Wings.

Samuelson posted on Instagram that she was “devastated” and also revealed that she was fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

Young previously played for a U.S. National 3×3 basketball team at the 2019 World Beach Games in Doha, Qatar. Young also attended the 2020 3×3 United States Olympic Qualifying Team training camp in February 2020 in Chicago and attended the trials for the 2017 United States U23 National Team and the 2017 United States National Team. 2014 USA U17 World Cup.

Having started in 21 games so far this season for the Aces, Young is averaging 12.6 points, 3.8 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.2 steals per game.