As the 2024 Paris Olympics unfold, the United States' 3x3 basketball teams—both men's and women's—are facing formidable challenges. The combined record of zero wins in the first five games is a stark contrast to their previous successes and aspirations.
Women's 3x3 Struggles
The women’s 3x3 squad, which includes Dearica Hamby, Rhyne Howard, Hailey Van Lith, and Cierra Burdick, has been unable to find its footing. Currently at the bottom of the standings, the team has experienced successive defeats against Azerbaijan, Germany, and Australia.
Tuesday saw the women's team lose to Germany 17-13. The following day, Azerbaijan edged them out 20-17. On Thursday, a closely contested match ended in a 17-15 defeat to Australia. "I didn’t think it was going to be that ugly," admitted Burdick after the game against Germany, a sentiment reflecting the team's unexpected struggles.
Burdick and Van Lith's presence was supposed to inject a winning mentality, given their gold medal performance at the 2023 FIBA 3x3 World Cup. Nevertheless, their experience has yet to translate into victories at these Games.
Personal accomplishments might be a shadow of consolation. Dearica Hamby, who plays for the Los Angeles Sparks, brings WNBA experience to the table. Meanwhile, Rhyne Howard of the Atlanta Dream and Hailey Van Lith, still in college, add youth and versatility to the squad. Cierra Burdick, currently playing in Spain for Valencia, also brings a wealth of international experience.
Men's 3x3 Debut Woes
On the men's side, this year's Olympics mark their debut in 3x3 basketball. Despite high hopes following a silver medal finish at the 2023 FIBA World Cup, their Olympic journey has been turbulent. The men's team suffered a 19-17 defeat to Poland and a 22-14 loss to Serbia.
Featuring Jimmer Fredette, Dylan Travis, Canyon Barry, and Kareem Maddox, the team was envisioned to be a strong contender. Fredette, with six NBA seasons under his belt, expressed hope and optimism after Tuesday's game, saying, "It’s a long tournament for us, and we’re excited to get back at it tomorrow." This optimism is crucial as the team continues its journey, looking to turn things around.
The men’s team had a preparation camp back in February, and their goal was to build a cohesive unit capable of competing with the best. Fredette's leadership, combined with the skills of Travis, Barry, and Maddox, aimed to put the U.S. in medal contention, despite their rocky start.
Context of the 2024 Paris Olympics
For context, 3x3 basketball games are played on a half-court with a 10-minute game format and scoring rules awarding one or two points per basket. Players earn their spots on the team by participating in more sanctioned 3x3 events throughout the year, building a reservoir of experience that helps on such significant stages.
The U.S. women's 3x3 team previously enjoyed success, capturing gold at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. This historical backdrop adds weight to their current struggles in Paris. In contrast, the U.S. women's 5x5 team has a storied history of Olympic dominance, remaining undefeated since 1992 and aiming for their eighth consecutive gold medal in Paris. With stalwarts like A'ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, and the legendary Diana Taurasi—competing in her sixth Olympic Games—the 5x5 team's legacy is unparalleled. Their success indirectly casts a formidable shadow over the faltering 3x3 effort.
Looking Forward
Despite the discouraging start, both U.S. 3x3 basketball teams have opportunities to regroup and strategize with two games remaining in the pool round. For the men's team, this involves continuing to build cohesion and hoping the initial experience helps refine their gameplay. The women's team will need to dig deep, leveraging the experience of their seasoned players like Burdick to reverse their fortunes.
As the first week of the Olympics progresses, the resilience and adaptability of these athletes will be tested, and their journey is far from over. The upcoming games offer a chance for redemption and to showcase the true caliber that U.S. 3x3 basketball is known for.