As the 2024 Paris Olympics unfold, the United States' 3x3 basketball teams are struggling to make their mark. Both the men’s and women’s teams have faced an uphill battle, failing to secure a win in their first five combined games.
Women's Team Struggles
The U.S. women's 3x3 basketball team is currently at the bottom of the standings after a string of tough losses. Their campaign has seen defeats against Azerbaijan, Germany, and Australia. The most recent loss came against Australia with a close 17-15 score on Thursday. Earlier in the week, the team fell to Azerbaijan 20-17 on Wednesday and Germany 17-13 on Tuesday.
Cierra Burdick, Dearica Hamby, Rhyne Howard, and Hailey Van Lith are anchoring the team. Burdick, a key player who currently plays in Spain for Valencia, did not mince words after their game against Germany, saying, “I didn’t think it was going to be that ugly.” Despite their setbacks, the presence of seasoned players like Burdick and Van Lith, who were part of the gold-winning team at the 2023 FIBA 3x3 World Cup, gives some hope for a turnaround. Hamby and Howard, also crucial members of the squad, bring their professional experience from the WNBA, playing for the Los Angeles Sparks and Atlanta Dream respectively. Van Lith, still in college, carries the promise of youthful vigor.
Men's Team Falling Short
The men's 3x3 team, making their first-ever appearance in the Olympic Games, have also endured a rocky start. Their losses to Poland (19-17) and Serbia (22-14) have put them on the back foot early in the tournament. The men’s roster, featuring notable names like Jimmer Fredette, Dylan Travis, Canyon Barry, and Kareem Maddox, has yet to find its rhythm.
Fredette, a former NBA player, expressed optimism despite the setbacks, stating after Tuesday's game, “It’s a long tournament for us, and we’re excited to get back at it tomorrow.” This resilient mentality is essential as the team aims to replicate or improve upon their second-place finish to Serbia at the 2023 FIBA World Cup. Their extensive preparation included a training camp in February, underscoring their commitment to performing on this grand stage.
Historical Context and the Road Ahead
The United States has a storied history in Olympic basketball, particularly in the 5x5 format. The USA women's 5x5 team boasts an undefeated Olympic record since 1992 and is aiming for its eighth consecutive gold medal. Featuring luminaries like A'ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, and Diana Taurasi — the latter competing in her sixth Olympic Games — the 5x5 team’s dominance provides a stark contrast to the current struggles of the 3x3 squads.
The Olympic 3x3 basketball format, with its 10-minute games on a half court and scoring system awarding baskets for one or two points, demands a different set of skills and strategies. Players earn their spots in these teams by participating in more sanctioned 3x3 events throughout the year, highlighting the specialized nature of this format.
In Tokyo 2020, the USA women's 3x3 team clinched the gold, a testament to their prowess and potential. As the current squad pushes through the remaining pool games, there's still a glimmer of hope that they can replicate such glory. Each 3x3 team has seven games scheduled in the pool round, offering several opportunities to turn their fortunes around.
As the tournament progresses, the focus will be on how both teams adjust and respond to the challenges they've faced so far. With key players like Burdick and Fredette leading the charge, the next few games will be crucial for their chances to advance in the Olympic competition.
The unyielding spirit of these athletes promises that, despite the early setbacks, the story of the United States' 3x3 basketball teams at the 2024 Paris Olympics is far from over.