Tough Start for USA 3x3 Basketball Teams at 2024 Paris Olympics
The United States men’s and women’s 3x3 basketball teams have faced a challenging start at the 2024 Paris Olympics, failing to secure a single win in their first five combined games.
The women’s 3x3 team has struggled significantly, finding themselves at the bottom of the standings after consecutive losses to Azerbaijan, Germany, and Australia. In their latest matchup, the team narrowly lost to Australia with a score of 17-15 on Thursday. Earlier in the week, they faced a 20-17 defeat to Azerbaijan on Wednesday and a 17-13 loss to Germany on Tuesday.
Cierra Burdick, a key player on the women’s team, expressed her disappointment following their game against Germany, saying, “I didn’t think it was going to be that ugly.” Despite the setbacks, Burdick and her teammates—Dearica Hamby, Rhyne Howard, and Hailey Van Lith—remain determined. Notably, Burdick and Van Lith were part of the team that claimed gold at the 2023 FIBA 3x3 World Cup, a testament to their capabilities on the court.
Dearica Hamby, who plays for the Los Angeles Sparks, and Rhyne Howard of the Atlanta Dream, bring substantial professional experience to the squad. Hailey Van Lith is still honing her skills at the college level, while Cierra Burdick now plays in Spain for Valencia. The women's team faces an uphill battle, needing to turn around their fortunes swiftly to have any hope of advancing in the competition.
On the men’s side, the USA 3x3 team has also encountered tough competition in their Olympic debut. Despite a promising season where they finished second to Serbia at the 2023 FIBA World Cup and had an extensive training camp in February, the team has yet to secure a victory in Paris.
In their opening games, the men's team suffered a close 19-17 defeat to Poland and a more decisive 22-14 loss to Serbia. The roster, featuring seasoned players like Jimmer Fredette, Dylan Travis, Canyon Barry, and Kareem Maddox, showcases a mix of experience and emerging talent. Fredette, who has played six seasons in the NBA, remains optimistic about their prospects, stating, “It’s a long tournament for us, and we’re excited to get back at it tomorrow.”
3x3 basketball, known for its fast-paced format played on half the court with 10-minute games, offers a unique challenge for traditional basketball players. Each basket in 3x3 is worth one or two points, adding a strategic layer to the game that demands adaptability and quick decision-making.
The 3x3 competition features seven games in the pool round for each team, leaving room for potential comebacks. The USA women’s 3x3 team aims to replicate their success from the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where they clinched the gold medal. However, time is of the essence as they strive to find their rhythm.
In contrast, the USA women's 5x5 team has a storied Olympic history, boasting an undefeated record since 1992 and eyeing their eighth consecutive gold medal. The 5x5 team, with stars like A'ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, and Diana Taurasi—who is competing in her sixth Olympic Games—serves as an inspiration for the 3x3 squads aiming to emulate their dominance.
As the tournament progresses, both USA 3x3 teams will need to harness their skills and focus on execution if they hope to advance and ultimately succeed on the Olympic stage. With a blend of experienced professionals and promising newcomers, the opportunity for redemption is within reach—if they can capitalize on it.