The United States men's and women's 3x3 basketball teams have faced a tough start at the 2024 Paris Olympics, failing to secure a win in their first five combined games. The women's team, composed of Dearica Hamby, Rhyne Howard, Hailey Van Lith, and Cierra Burdick, has endured three successive losses, plunging to the bottom of the standings.
Women's Team Struggles
The women's squad opened their campaign with a 17-13 defeat to Germany on Tuesday, setting a tone they have struggled to shake. A crushing 20-17 loss to Azerbaijan followed on Wednesday, with their latest setback coming against Australia, where they narrowly lost 17-15 on Thursday. Cierra Burdick, who plays for Valencia in Spain, voiced her frustration after their loss to Germany, stating, “I didn’t think it was going to be that ugly.”
Burdick and Hailey Van Lith, both integral parts of the team that clinched gold at the 2023 FIBA 3x3 World Cup, have found it challenging to replicate that success on the Olympic stage. While Van Lith is still in college, her teammates bring professional experience, with Dearica Hamby playing for the Los Angeles Sparks and Rhyne Howard representing the Atlanta Dream. Unfortunately, this has not translated to victories, leaving them precariously positioned in the tournament.
Men's Team Faces Daunting Debut
The men's 3x3 team, in their Olympic debut, has also struggled to find their footing. The roster, featuring Jimmer Fredette, Dylan Travis, Canyon Barry, and Kareem Maddox, suffered a 19-17 defeat to Poland followed by a 22-14 loss to Serbia. Despite finishing second to Serbia at the 2023 FIBA World Cup and undergoing rigorous preparations including a training camp in February, the team has yet to capitalize on their form.
Fredette, a seasoned player with six NBA seasons under his belt, remained optimistic after their loss on Tuesday, stating, “It’s a long tournament for us, and we’re excited to get back at it tomorrow.”
The Format and Stakes
3x3 basketball, a faster-paced variant of the traditional game, utilizes only half the court and features a 10-minute game format. Scoring is simplified, with baskets counting for one or two points. Each team must navigate seven pool round games, which leaves room for potential recovery, but the margin for error is slim.
Players earn spots on the national team through their participation in more sanctioned 3x3 events throughout the year. This system is designed to ensure that only the most seasoned 3x3 players compete at the highest levels. However, the early results suggest that the U.S. teams are still adapting to the heightened intensity of the Olympic stage.
A Glimmer of Hope
While the current outlook is grim, both teams can draw on the rich history and success of U.S. women's basketball. The women's 3x3 team brought home gold from the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, and the women's 5x5 team carries an undefeated Olympic record since 1992, now aiming for their eighth consecutive gold medal. Key players like A'ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, and the legendary Diana Taurasi, competing in her sixth Olympic Games, continue to inspire future generations.
The road ahead for the U.S. 3x3 teams is undoubtedly challenging. With several games remaining, the opportunity for redemption is still within reach. The athletes will need to harness their deep-seated resilience and the fierce spirit of American basketball to turn their fortunes around in Paris.