As the 2024 Paris Olympics unfold, the United States 3x3 basketball teams find themselves in an unexpected and challenging position. Struggling to secure a win in their first five combined games, both the men's and women's teams have encountered formidable opponents and tough losses.
Women's Team Faces Steep Challenges
The U.S. women's 3x3 team, featuring Cierra Burdick, Dearica Hamby, Rhyne Howard, and Hailey Van Lith, has had a rocky start to the tournament. Despite high hopes stemming from their gold medal performance at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and their victory at the 2023 FIBA 3x3 World Cup, the team has not yet found their rhythm in Paris.
Facing Azerbaijan, Germany, and Australia, the women’s team has suffered three consecutive losses. The scorelines—17-15 against Australia, 20-17 against Azerbaijan, and 17-13 against Germany—reflect tightly contested matches that slipped away in the final moments.
After the loss to Germany, Cierra Burdick, a critical player now competing in Spain for Valencia, candidly remarked, “I didn’t think it was going to be that ugly.” Her comment underscores the unexpected difficulties the team has encountered as they work to regain their footing in the tournament. Currently, the women's team is at the bottom of the standings, a stark contrast to their historical performances and ambitions for gold.
Burdick’s teammates include Dearica Hamby of the Los Angeles Sparks, Rhyne Howard of the Atlanta Dream, and Hailey Van Lith, who is still in college. With such a diverse and talented roster, the team’s early struggles are particularly perplexing and bring attention to the unpredictable nature of 3x3 basketball.
Men’s Team Clashes with World-Class Opponents
The U.S. men’s 3x3 team is also grappling with a difficult start, making their Olympic debut with losses to Poland and Serbia. The narrow 19-17 defeat against Poland and a more decisive 22-14 loss to Serbia have placed them in a challenging position early on.
The roster, which includes Jimmer Fredette—an NBA veteran with six seasons under his belt—alongside Dylan Travis, Canyon Barry, and Kareem Maddox, is navigating the pressures of performing on the Olympic stage for the first time. Fredette, reflecting on the tournament's progression, expressed optimism despite the setbacks: “It’s a long tournament for us, and we’re excited to get back at it tomorrow.”
Canyon Barry, son of NBA Hall of Famer Rick Barry, and Kareem Maddox, known for his strong defensive play, add depth to the squad that finished second to Serbia at the 2023 FIBA World Cup. They had a comprehensive training camp in February, which further highlights the intensive preparation leading up to these games.
The Unique Challenge of 3x3 Basketball
3x3 basketball, played on half the court with a concise 10-minute game format, brings its own set of challenges and dynamics. Each game’s fast pace and unique scoring—where baskets count for one or two points—demand a high level of agility, strategy, and precision from the players. The compressed nature of the tournament, with each team scheduled to play seven games in the pool round, adds an element of endurance and resilience.
To earn a spot on the U.S. 3x3 teams, players must participate in numerous sanctioned events throughout the year, reflecting a commitment to the format and its competitive rigor. This pathway ensures that only the most dedicated and skilled 3x3 players represent their country on the Olympic stage.
Historical Context and Future Aspirations
The contrasting fortunes of the 3x3 and 5x5 teams offer an intriguing perspective on the state of U.S. women’s basketball. While the 3x3 teams face hurdles, the women's 5x5 team remains a powerhouse with an undefeated Olympic record since 1992 and seven consecutive gold medals. Aiming for their eighth, the 5x5 squad includes stars like A'ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, and the legendary Diana Taurasi, who is competing in her sixth Olympic Games.
As the tournament progresses, both U.S. 3x3 teams will look to leverage their talent, experience, and resolve to turn the tide. With a mix of seasoned professionals and rising stars, the pathway to redemption remains open, and the spirit of competition continues to drive them forward on this global stage.