The United States' men's and women's 3x3 basketball teams have struggled to make their mark in the early stages of the 2024 Paris Olympics, with both teams failing to secure a win in their first five combined games.
Women's Team Struggles
The women's 3x3 team has faced tough competition, suffering defeats against Azerbaijan, Germany, and Australia. Their most recent loss came on Thursday, as they fell 17-15 to Australia. This was preceded by a 20-17 defeat to Azerbaijan on Wednesday and a 17-13 loss to Germany on Tuesday. This disappointing start has placed the women at the bottom of the standings.
Key players for the women's team include Cierra Burdick, Dearica Hamby, Rhyne Howard, and Hailey Van Lith. Despite their collective talent, the team has yet to find its rhythm on the Olympic stage. Burdick, now playing in Spain for Valencia, was candid about their performance, stating, “I didn’t think it was going to be that ugly” after their game against Germany.
Dearica Hamby, a standout player for the Los Angeles Sparks, and Rhyne Howard, who plays for the Atlanta Dream, add professional experience to the roster. Hailey Van Lith is still in college and represents the potential future of the team. Notably, Burdick and Van Lith were instrumental in securing gold at the 2023 FIBA 3x3 World Cup, a feat that they have yet to replicate in Paris.
Men's Team's First Olympic Appearance
The men's 3x3 team has also encountered significant challenges in its inaugural Olympic showing. The team, consisting of Jimmer Fredette, Dylan Travis, Canyon Barry, and Kareem Maddox, faced a narrow 19-17 defeat to Poland and a more decisive 22-14 loss to Serbia. Despite these setbacks, the team remains optimistic about their prospects in the tournament.
Jimmer Fredette, a player with six seasons of NBA experience, expressed a positive outlook despite the losses. “It’s a long tournament for us, and we’re excited to get back at it tomorrow,” Fredette remarked after Tuesday's game. The men's team had previously finished second to Serbia at the 2023 FIBA World Cup and had conducted a training camp in February to prepare for their Olympic debut.
The Format and the Stakes
3x3 basketball, a relatively new addition to the Olympic roster, uses a half-court setup with games lasting 10 minutes. Scoring is simplified, with baskets counting for either one or two points. Players earn their spots on the team through participation in more sanctioned 3x3 events throughout the year, highlighting the dedication and competitive edge required to compete at this level.
Each 3x3 team is scheduled to play seven games in the pool round, leaving the U.S. teams with opportunities to turn their fortunes around. The stakes are particularly high for the women's team, which won gold at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and aims to live up to their storied legacy. Conversely, the USA women's 5x5 team boasts an undefeated Olympic record since 1992 and is on a quest for its eighth consecutive gold medal. Key figures in the 5x5 team include A'ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, and Diana Taurasi, with Taurasi making her sixth Olympic appearance.
As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on both U.S. 3x3 teams to see if they can overcome their initial setbacks and make a deep run in the competition. With seasoned professionals and emerging talents alike, the teams have the potential to turn the tide and show their prowess on the Olympic stage.