As the 2024 Paris Olympics continue, the United States’ men’s and women’s 3x3 basketball teams find themselves grappling with a series of tough losses. A combined record of winless in their first five games sets a stark contrast to the usual dominance associated with American basketball on the global stage.
Women’s Team Struggles in Early Matches
The women’s 3x3 team, which shone brightly with a gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and another gold at the 2023 FIBA 3x3 World Cup, has faced an unexpectedly rough ride in Paris. Their losses to Azerbaijan, Germany, and Australia have placed them at the bottom of the standings.
Perhaps the most gut-wrenching defeat came against Australia, where the U.S. fell 17-15 on Thursday. This followed a 20-17 loss to Azerbaijan on Wednesday and a 17-13 defeat at the hands of Germany on Tuesday. Key players such as Cierra Burdick, Dearica Hamby, Rhyne Howard, and Hailey Van Lith have found it challenging to replicate their previous success.
Burdick, who now plays in Spain for Valencia, provided a candid assessment after the loss to Germany: “I didn’t think it was going to be that ugly.” The sentiment underscores the surprising difficulty the team has encountered.
Despite the setbacks, the team boasts talent with Burdick and Van Lith, both integral to the squad that clinched gold at last year's World Cup. Dearica Hamby brings valuable experience from the Los Angeles Sparks, while Rhyne Howard holds her own playing for the Atlanta Dream. Hailey Van Lith remains a promising prospect still in college, adding a blend of youth to the team.
Rookie Setback in WNBA
In a related piece of unfortunate news, Cameron Brink, a rookie for the Los Angeles Sparks, is out for the remainder of the WNBA season due to a torn ACL. Although not part of the 3x3 team, her absence is notable as the Sparks navigate the season without one of their promising new talents.
Men’s Team Faces Stiff Competition
Switching focus to the men’s 3x3 team, this marks their first appearance in the Olympic Games. The road has been equally harsh, with losses to Poland (19-17) and Serbia (22-14). Constructed with a blend of seasoned players, including Jimmer Fredette, who boasts six seasons in the NBA, the team has struggled to find its footing.
Other notable members of the men’s roster include Dylan Travis, Canyon Barry, and Kareem Maddox. The team’s recent past had been promising, finishing second to Serbia at the 2023 FIBA World Cup, and undergoing a rigorous training camp in February. Yet, translating that preparation into Olympic success has proven elusive.
Jimmer Fredette, reflecting a measure of optimism despite the losses, stated, “It’s a long tournament for us, and we’re excited to get back at it tomorrow.” His words seem to capture the enduring spirit of the team even amidst early setbacks.
3x3 Basketball: A Unique Challenge
3x3 basketball is a unique, fast-paced version of the traditional game, played on half a court with each game lasting just 10 minutes. Scoring is also distinct, with baskets counting for one or two points. The format demands quick thinking, agility, and seamless team coordination, perhaps making the adjustment for these squads even more challenging.
Entry into the Olympic roster for 3x3 basketball is determined by participation in sanctioned events throughout the year. This system aims to ensure that only the most consistently competitive players make it to the world’s biggest sporting stage.
Historical Context and Future Prospects
While the current performance is disappointing, it's a stark reminder of the unpredictability and competitive nature of the sport. Historically, the USA women's 5x5 basketball team has maintained an unbeaten Olympic record since 1992, aiming for their eighth consecutive gold medal this year. Noted stars like A'ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, and Diana Taurasi, competing in her sixth Olympics, continue to uphold the legacy of American dominance in traditional basketball.
For now, both 3x3 teams have two more games left in the pool round to turn their fortunes around. As they look to recapture the form that brought them past glory, the challenge remains steep, but the possibility for redemption is still in play.