Washington Mystics guard Ariel Atkins has been putting in work ahead of the 2021 WNBA season. Atkins has been in San Antonio since March 26 for USA Basketball 3x3 Training Camp with Mystics teammate Natasha Cloud. Both are considered Select Team athletes and will not travel to the Olympic Qualifiers from May 26-30 in Austria to compete with the women’s 3x3 team, which is already set with Kelsey Plum, Stefanie Dolson, Allisha Gray, and Katie Lou Samuelson, who is currently still playing in Spain.
Atkins said the opportunity to be a part of USA Basketball means a lot to her. The 24-year-old believes playing 3x3 will be beneficial to her overall game. “Because it is a challenge for me the game is constantly, constantly moving and is something that I think will help me in my 5-on-5 game as far as transitioning from one play to the next.”
Atkins also looks at the opportunity as a chance for her to have some fun, calling 3x3 “glorified pickup.” With 3x3 being fast-paced, the guard revealed she had to focus on her cardio to prepare for this training camp.