The United States' men's and women's 3x3 basketball teams have found themselves off to a rocky start at the 2024 Paris Olympics, failing to secure a win in their first five combined games. For the women, the journey has been particularly challenging, having faced tough opponents and narrow defeats.
Women's Team Struggles
The women's 3x3 team has faced losses against Azerbaijan, Germany, and Australia. Most recently, they suffered a close 17-15 defeat to Australia on Thursday. Just a day earlier, they fell 20-17 to Azerbaijan, and on Tuesday, Germany prevailed 17-13. Despite this rough start, key players like Cierra Burdick, Dearica Hamby, Rhyne Howard, and Hailey Van Lith are determined to turn things around.
Cierra Burdick, who now plays in Spain for Valencia, has been pivotal for the team despite the challenges. Reflecting on their performance against Germany, Burdick remarked, “I didn’t think it was going to be that ugly.” This sentiment underscores the unexpected difficulties the team has encountered, but the resilience of Burdick and her teammates remains unshaken. Burdick, along with Van Lith, was part of the squad that clinched gold at the 2023 FIBA 3x3 World Cup, and that winning spirit still lingers.
Other notable members of the team include Dearica Hamby of the Los Angeles Sparks and Rhyne Howard from the Atlanta Dream. Hamby’s experience in the WNBA is invaluable, though her teammate and fellow Sparks rookie, Cameron Brink, is out for the remainder of the WNBA season due to a torn ACL. Van Lith, still in college, brings youthful energy and a proven record in 3x3 basketball, given her previous successes alongside Burdick.
Men's Team Makes Debut
For the men’s 3x3 team, the Paris Olympics marks their first appearance on this prestigious stage. Their performance, however, has mirrored the women's struggles. The men's team, consisting of Jimmer Fredette, Dylan Travis, Canyon Barry, and Kareem Maddox, has yet to find their stride.
The team faced a 19-17 defeat by Poland and a 22-14 loss to Serbia, the latter having finished first at the 2023 FIBA World Cup where the U.S. team placed second. Reflecting on the early stages of the tournament, Fredette emphasized their eagerness to bounce back, stating, “It’s a long tournament for us, and we’re excited to get back at it tomorrow.” Despite the early setbacks, there is a sense of optimism and determination within the squad.
Fredette, a player with six NBA seasons under his belt, brings significant experience to the team. The men’s team had undergone extensive preparation, including a training camp in February, which fostered team cohesion. With the innovative half-court 3x3 format demanding quick and strategic play within a 10-minute game period, the roster was selected based on their performances in sanctioned 3x3 events throughout the year.
The Road Ahead
As both the men's and women's teams navigate their remaining pool games, there's a collective sense of urgency and opportunity. Each team is scheduled to play seven games in the pool round, offering ample chances to reflect, regroup, and rise to the occasion. The USA women's 3x3 team’s historical success, including a gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration.
Meanwhile, the USA women's 5x5 team remains a dominant force, with an undefeated Olympic record since 1992 and aiming for their eighth consecutive gold medal. Star players such as A'ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, and veteran Diana Taurasi, competing in her sixth Olympic Games, set a high standard for their 3x3 counterparts striving to replicate that level of excellence.
The journey has just begun for the U.S. 3x3 basketball teams in Paris, and while the opening games have been challenging, the story is far from over. With seasoned professionals and rising stars on their rosters, both teams have the potential to shift their momentum and underscore why American basketball is revered worldwide.