The United States men's and women's 3x3 basketball teams have encountered a rocky start at the 2024 Paris Olympics, failing to secure a single win in their first five combined games. The women's team has faced a particularly tough series of matches, suffering losses against Azerbaijan, Germany, and Australia.
The women's team, comprising players Dearica Hamby, Rhyne Howard, Hailey Van Lith, and Cierra Burdick, has yet to find its rhythm. Their latest defeat came at the hands of Australia, with a close 17-15 scoreline on Thursday. This follows a 20-17 loss to Azerbaijan on Wednesday and a 17-13 defeat to Germany on Tuesday. As a result, they find themselves at the bottom of the standings.
Cierra Burdick, a key player on the women's team who currently plays in Spain for Valencia, expressed her disappointment after the game against Germany. "I didn’t think it was going to be that ugly," she admitted. Burdick and Van Lith were part of the successful squad that clinched gold at the 2023 FIBA 3x3 World Cup, but repeating that success at the Olympics has proven challenging. Van Lith, still in college, brings youthful energy to the team, while Hamby and Howard bring professional experience from the Los Angeles Sparks and Atlanta Dream, respectively.
The men's team, making its debut appearance in the Olympic Games, has also struggled to make an impact. They endured a close 19-17 loss to Poland and a 22-14 defeat to Serbia. The roster, featuring Jimmer Fredette, Dylan Travis, Canyon Barry, and Kareem Maddox, looked promising as it finished second to Serbia at the 2023 FIBA World Cup. However, the transition to the Olympic stage has been less smooth.
Fredette, who has an impressive background with six seasons in the NBA, remains optimistic. After Tuesday's game, he remarked, "It’s a long tournament for us, and we’re excited to get back at it tomorrow." The men's journey in the Olympics is far from over, and they will be looking to capitalize on their training and experience in the upcoming matches.
3x3 basketball presents unique challenges with its half-court format and fast-paced 10-minute games. Scoring is also different, with baskets counting for one or two points. Players secure their spots on the team by participating in more sanctioned 3x3 events throughout the year, adding a layer of commitment and preparation to the sport.
While the current standings for both teams are less than ideal, there's a rich history of success within USA basketball to draw inspiration from. The USA women's 3x3 team claimed gold at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, while the women's 5x5 team has maintained an undefeated Olympic record since 1992 and is aiming for its eighth consecutive gold medal. The presence of seasoned players like A'ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, and six-time Olympian Diana Taurasi bolsters the latter's aspirations.
With only two games left in the pool round, both the men's and women's 3x3 teams will need to regroup and strategize to keep their hopes alive in Paris. The United States’ talent and determination have been cornerstones of their storied basketball history, and they will undoubtedly aim to channel that legacy in their upcoming contests.