**“Duke Women’s Basketball Goes Global: Two Blue Devils Poised to Represent Their Countries and Shine on the International Stage at FIBA Competition”**
Duke Women’s Basketball has long been a program synonymous with excellence, producing elite talent that competes at the highest levels of the sport. That tradition continues this summer as two standout Blue Devils take their talents to the international stage in the prestigious FIBA women’s competitions. With global bragging rights on the line, the opportunity to represent one’s country on the hardwood is among the highest honors in the sport, and for these two Duke athletes, it’s a chance to showcase their skills, leadership, and competitive spirit on a world-class platform.
As FIBA tournaments prepare to welcome some of the finest talent from around the globe, Duke University will be well represented thanks to two players who have already made significant impacts in the college game. The pride of wearing their national team’s colors while also representing the Blue Devil tradition brings a unique sense of dual identity and pride. For Duke fans, it’s another compelling chapter in the program’s expanding legacy that now spans far beyond the ACC and NCAA.
The first of the two to earn a spot in international action is rising Duke star Jadyn Donovan. Already a household name in the world of women’s collegiate basketball, Donovan will be suiting up for Team USA in one of the marquee global events of the year. Donovan has been steadily climbing the ranks in the U.S. developmental pipeline and has previously donned the red, white, and blue at the youth level, making her no stranger to the expectations and pressure of international competition. Now, as a collegiate player, she brings added maturity, skill, and poise to a U.S. roster loaded with talent.
Donovan’s game is tailor-made for FIBA play. Her explosiveness in transition, suffocating perimeter defense, and willingness to attack the rim make her a matchup nightmare. While the FIBA game has slightly different rules and spacing compared to NCAA play, Donovan’s adaptability and high basketball IQ give her a significant edge. She thrives in uptempo environments and is known for bringing relentless energy on both ends of the floor—a trademark that fits well with Team USA’s fast-paced, pressure-oriented style. This experience not only enhances her personal development but also boosts Duke’s future prospects, as Donovan will return to Durham with a wealth of knowledge gained from facing the world’s best.
Equally exciting is the inclusion of Duke forward Kennedy Brown, who has been named to her national team’s roster and is set to compete in Europe’s top-tier women’s tournament. Brown, whose journey has included overcoming injuries and transferring to Duke, has found her groove in the Blue Devil system under head coach Kara Lawson. Her selection to the national squad is both a testament to her resilience and a recognition of her elite skill set, particularly her ability to anchor the frontcourt with size, skill, and savvy.
At 6-foot-6, Brown gives her national team a commanding presence in the paint. Her rebounding, shot-blocking, and ability to stretch the floor with mid-range shooting make her a valuable piece in the FIBA format, which often features a more physical brand of basketball and a greater emphasis on spacing and ball movement. Brown’s maturity and leadership will be crucial as she adjusts to the nuances of international play—whether it’s the shorter shot clock, different officiating tendencies, or the more pronounced role of bigs in facilitating offense from the high post. Her experience abroad is sure to sharpen her skill set and give Duke a more battle-tested leader in the upcoming NCAA season.
The selection of both Donovan and Brown is no accident. It reflects the broader recognition that Duke women’s basketball is once again becoming a powerhouse of player development, recruitment, and performance. Head coach Kara Lawson has instilled a professional culture and fostered an environment that challenges her players to aim for excellence not just in college but in the broader basketball world. International exposure is a key component of that vision. Lawson herself, a former Olympian and WNBA star, understands better than most the rigors and prestige of FIBA competition. Her mentorship of Donovan and Brown has no doubt played a role in preparing them for the spotlight.
This dual representation also speaks volumes about the diversity and reach of the Duke program. With players competing for different countries—Donovan for the United States and Brown for her home nation—the global footprint of the program expands. It signals to recruits around the world that Duke is not just a launchpad for WNBA aspirations, but also a springboard to international acclaim. This growing pipeline to FIBA events and professional leagues across Europe, Asia, and Australia strengthens Duke’s brand and gives it a recruiting edge that few programs can match.
From a fan’s perspective, this summer offers a unique opportunity to watch their Blue Devils compete in games that carry national significance. It’s one thing to cheer for your favorite player in a Cameron Indoor Stadium showdown—it’s another to watch her hit a clutch shot or make a game-saving block on foreign soil while millions watch. These moments become etched in a program’s history and inspire future generations of Blue Devils. The lessons these players learn—about discipline, chemistry, and playing under pressure—often translate into championship DNA when they return to campus.
Moreover, their participation at the FIBA level allows these athletes to measure themselves against the world’s best. Unlike conference play, where familiar opponents and systems become the norm, international competition throws open the playbook. Teams come with different languages, playing philosophies, and styles. Players like Donovan and Brown will need to adjust on the fly, communicate efficiently, and assert their presence despite unfamiliarity. That crucible of competition often separates good players from great ones—and there’s every indication that these two Blue Devils are on the verge of greatness.
Another important factor to consider is the exposure these tournaments provide. With global media coverage, social media engagement, and widespread streaming access, FIBA events are now more visible than ever before. For Donovan and Brown, the platform extends beyond basketball—it’s a moment to build their brands, represent their universities, and inspire young athletes back home. Every highlight, every interview, every display of leadership serves as a testament to what it means to be a Blue Devil on the global stage.
Duke’s coaching staff, particularly Lawson, will be keeping a close eye on their performances—not just from a development standpoint, but also as a scouting tool to determine how to further optimize their roles when they return to campus. For Donovan, international play might reveal new facets of her offensive game or uncover defensive techniques that can be applied in ACC play. For Brown, the added reps against elite competition could help fine-tune her timing, footwork, and decision-making. These experiences are invaluable as Duke chases its ultimate goal of returning to the Final Four and competing for a national championship.
As the tournaments unfold, the Blue Devil faithful will have plenty to cheer about. Whether it’s a fast-break steal by Donovan or a dominating post move from Brown, these moments will be replayed and celebrated by a community that understands what it takes to reach that level. The pride of seeing Duke’s colors represented on the world stage transcends wins and losses—it speaks to the legacy of a program that continues to evolve, adapt, and inspire.
In a summer where many college programs are focused solely on offseason training, Duke Women’s Basketball has taken the road less traveled—sending two of its brightest stars into international battle. It’s a testament to the ambition, preparation, and excellence that define the Blue Devil way. For Donovan and Brown, it’s the beginning of a new chapter, one that stretches far beyond Durham and into the arenas of global basketball lore.
As FIBA action heats up and the world tunes in, one thing is certain: Duke is not just preparing players for the next college season—they’re preparing them for the world. And this summer, that world will get a front-row seat to see exactly what Blue Devil greatness looks like.
