The United States men's and women's 3x3 basketball teams have endured a challenging start at the 2024 Paris Olympics, failing to secure a victory in their first five combined games. The women's team, comprising key players such as Cierra Burdick, Dearica Hamby, Rhyne Howard, and Hailey Van Lith, is currently at the bottom of the standings after three consecutive losses.
Women's Struggles
On Tuesday, the women's 3x3 team faced Germany, falling short with a 17-13 loss. The disappointment continued on Wednesday against Azerbaijan, where they were defeated 20-17. Their latest match on Thursday saw them narrowly lose to Australia with a score of 17-15. After these matches, Cierra Burdick expressed her frustration, stating, “I didn’t think it was going to be that ugly.”
Cierra Burdick has been highlighted as a key player for the women’s team. Having played in Spain for Valencia after a sterling career that saw her and Hailey Van Lith win gold at the 2023 FIBA 3x3 World Cup, Burdick’s presence was hoped to be an anchoring strength for Team USA. Despite their past achievements and the individual credentials of players like Dearica Hamby of the Los Angeles Sparks and Rhyne Howard of the Atlanta Dream, the team has yet to find their rhythm in Paris.
Adding to the challenge is the absence of Cameron Brink, a rookie for the Los Angeles Sparks who is out for the rest of the WNBA season due to a torn ACL. Hailey Van Lith, still in college, also brings a fresh dynamic to a roster with considerable professional experience.
Men's Difficult Debut
The men's 3x3 team has similarly faced tough competition in their Olympic debut. On Tuesday, they lost 22-14 to Serbia, and in a closely contested game on Wednesday, they were narrowly edged out by Poland with a 19-17 scoreline. This tournament marks the first Olympic appearance for the men’s 3x3 team, which includes notable players Jimmer Fredette, Dylan Travis, Canyon Barry, and Kareem Maddox.
Jimmer Fredette, who brings six seasons of NBA experience to the squad, remains optimistic. “It’s a long tournament for us, and we’re excited to get back at it tomorrow,” he remarked after their game on Tuesday. The team had previously shown promise, finishing second to Serbia at the 2023 FIBA World Cup and holding a training camp in February to prepare for the Olympic challenge.
Structure of 3x3 Basketball
3x3 basketball is a fast-paced variant of the traditional game, played on half the court with a 10-minute game clock. Scoring is simplified; each basket counts for one or two points, adding a layer of strategic depth and urgency to the matches. Players earn their spots on the Olympic team by participating in various sanctioned 3x3 events throughout the year, ensuring only the most experienced and competitive make it to the prestigious platform.
Legacy and Expectations
The USA women's 3x3 team had a stellar run at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, securing the gold medal. This successful legacy casts a long shadow over the current team's struggles, as they aim to emulate their predecessors' success. In contrast, the USA women's 5x5 team boasts an undefeated Olympic record since 1992 and is striving for their eighth consecutive gold medal with stars like A'ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, and Diana Taurasi, who is competing in her sixth Olympic Games.
Looking Forward
As both the men's and women's 3x3 teams continue their campaign at the Paris Olympics, they will need to regroup and find their form to turn their fortunes around. Each team has seven games scheduled in the pool round, leaving room for potential comebacks and a chance to advance further in the tournament. The journey ahead is arduous, but with the talent and determination present in both squads, hope still flickers for a turnaround on the Olympic stage.