Broncos Beyond Borders: Henry Caruso and Team USA Set for 2026 FIBA 3x3 World Cup

When Henry Caruso walks into a new city, he often does so with a basketball bag slung over his shoulder and the letters “USA” stitched across his chest. This week, the former Santa Clara men’s basketball standout is in Warsaw, Poland, representing Team USA at the 2026 FIBA 3x3 World Cup. It’s another chapter in a career that has taken him from Leavey Center to courts around the globe — and one that continues to carry the spirit of the Broncos everywhere he plays.

“It’s a great honor and a true privilege to represent Team USA once again at the 3x3 World Cup,” Caruso said. “Being able to wear USA across my chest represents something that’s greater than myself, that represents our country. I certainly don’t take it lightly and I’m very excited to go out and perform on a global stage.”

For Caruso, 3x3 basketball isn’t just another variation of the game — it’s a proving ground that demands quick decisions, leadership, and relentless energy. And as he prepares to compete against the world’s best, he carries more than just national pride with him. He brings the lessons and relationships formed at Santa Clara, a place that remains central to his basketball journey.

Discovering 3x3 and a New Path

Caruso’s introduction to 3x3 came during his final year at Santa Clara, when he was selected to represent the West Coast Conference at the 3x3U National Championship during the Final Four in San Antonio. Teaming up with fellow WCC players, he reached the Elite Eight — and discovered a new passion.

“Without Santa Clara, without that initial exposure to 3x3U at the Final Four, I’m not sure if I would still be playing 3x3 today,” he said. “That experience really excited me about the game and helped me understand what it takes to be a successful 3x3 player.”

In 3x3, the pace is relentless. Games are played to 21 points or 10 minutes, whichever comes first. The court is half-sized, scoring is by ones and twos, and coaching during games isn’t allowed. Players clear the ball and attack immediately after a basket, turning every possession into a sprint.

“3x3 is the complete opposite of 5-on-5 where there are breaks and timeouts,” Caruso explained. “Play is continuous, and the only time the game stops is if there’s a foul or a violation. It’s a player-led sport, so accountability and peer-to-peer feedback are heightened.”

Lessons from Santa Clara

While Caruso’s 3x3 journey has taken him around the world — with tournaments in Switzerland, Italy, and the South of France among his favorites — his foundation was built at Santa Clara under head coach Herb Sendek.

“Coach Sendek has been amazing,” Caruso said. “He’s a true teacher of the game and taught me to think about basketball beyond just one position. He taught me the importance of passing, dribbling, shooting, playing the right way, preparing, scouting, and leading a team.”

One lesson in particular has stayed with him through every high-pressure moment: “Coach always told us, you think to the level of your preparation,” Caruso said. “If I know that I’ve given my 100% in practice, more times than not I know that I’m going to come out on top. A lot of that foundation is due to Coach Sendek and his staff at Santa Clara.”

That mindset proved invaluable during his first 3x3 World Cup appearance last year in Mongolia, where Team USA went 4-0 in pool play before falling in the quarterfinals to Germany. “Every possession, every game, every moment is precious,” he said. “We’ve grown from it and understand how hard it is to win every single game.”

Caruso also credits his time at Princeton and Santa Clara for shaping the skills that make him effective in 3x3 — cutting, playing without the ball, and being a well-rounded offensive player. “In 3x3, you have to be well-balanced and unpredictable,” he said. “Those are things I learned at both schools.”

Back to Bronco Basketball

When he’s not competing internationally, Caruso stays close to the game — and to Santa Clara — as the primary color commentator for men’s basketball broadcasts on ESPN+. It’s a role he’s embraced over the past three seasons alongside play-by-play partner Anthony Passarelli.

“I’ve absolutely loved covering the Broncos,” he said. “Seeing the program take this step forward has been awesome. That win over Saint Mary’s to get to the WCC final and play Gonzaga was amazing. I think for Bronco fans, we all get the feeling that this is something we can build on for the future.”

Caruso also makes time to return to campus, playing pickup and mentoring current players. He’s especially excited about the leadership of Jake Ensminger and the development of redshirts like Brad Longcor. “Jake’s a true leader and has been the heart and soul of Bronco basketball,” Caruso said. “I’m really excited to watch the development from this entire roster, top to bottom.”

A Global Game, a Santa Clara Heart

As Caruso prepares for tipoff in Warsaw, he’s energized by the atmosphere surrounding the World Cup. “The buzz is real and we can’t wait to begin playing,” he said. “3x3 is super popular in Europe and already we’ve seen tons of fans. They have a beautiful venue in the middle of their downtown square.”

He also knows that the margin for error is razor-thin. “Every 3x3 game is close,” he said. “The countries that stand out historically have been Serbia, the Netherlands, and Latvia. Every game is a complete dogfight — there are no easy games.”

Yet whether he’s competing on a global stage or calling games at Leavey Center, Caruso’s approach remains the same: prepare relentlessly, lead selflessly, and embrace the moment. It’s a philosophy forged at Santa Clara and carried proudly wherever basketball takes him.

“Being able to wear USA across my chest represents something that’s greater than myself,” Caruso said. “And I’m grateful that Santa Clara helped me become the player and person who’s ready for that responsibility.”

Caruso and Team USA will begin their journey June 2nd at 10:20 a.m. PT against Latvia followed by a matchup against Czechia at 12:10 p.m. PT. All games can be watched live on Youtube.