Olympic Struggles: U.S. 3x3 Basketball Teams Face Early Setbacks in Paris
The 2024 Paris Olympics have proven challenging for the United States 3x3 basketball teams, both men’s and women’s, as neither team has secured a win in their first five combined games. The early results have been a stark contrast to past successes, particularly for the women's team which previously won gold at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Women's Team Battles But Falls Short
The U.S. women's 3x3 basketball team has faced a tough start to their Olympic campaign. They have registered losses against Azerbaijan, Germany, and Australia. The defeats have left them at the bottom of the standings, a position unfamiliar for a squad that boasts seasoned players like Cierra Burdick, Dearica Hamby, and Rhyne Howard.
In their most recent outing, the women’s team narrowly lost to Australia, 17-15, on Thursday. Earlier, they suffered a 20-17 defeat to Azerbaijan on Wednesday and a 17-13 loss to Germany on Tuesday. Cierra Burdick, a key player for the team who now competes in Spain for Valencia, expressed her disappointment after their game against Germany: “I didn’t think it was going to be that ugly.”
Despite these setbacks, the team has shown resilience and determination. Burdick, along with Hailey Van Lith, was part of the squad that clinched gold at the 2023 FIBA 3x3 World Cup. Team members like Dearica Hamby, who plays for the Los Angeles Sparks, and Rhyne Howard of the Atlanta Dream, bring professional experience and talent to the court. Hailey Van Lith, still in college, is another promising talent aiming to make her mark on the international stage.
Men's Team Faces Rough Olympic Debut
The men’s 3x3 basketball team, making their Olympic debut, has similarly struggled to find their footing. They opened with a close 19-17 loss to Poland, followed by a more substantial 22-14 defeat to Serbia. While this marks the team's first appearance in the Olympic Games, expectations were high, especially after finishing second to Serbia at the 2023 FIBA World Cup.
The roster features notable names like Jimmer Fredette, who has played six seasons in the NBA, along with Dylan Travis, Canyon Barry, and Kareem Maddox. Jimmer Fredette, reflecting on the match against Poland, maintained a positive outlook: “It’s a long tournament for us, and we’re excited to get back at it tomorrow.”
The men's team held a training camp in February to prepare for the Olympics, emphasizing the importance of 3x3 basketball, which is played on half the court with a fast-paced 10-minute game format. Scoring takes on a unique approach with baskets counting for one or two points, and players earn their spots by participating in more sanctioned 3x3 events throughout the year.
Historical Context and Future Prospects
This year’s rocky start is a significant shift from historical performances in 3x3 basketball. The women's team’s gold at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and their undefeated record in the 2023 FIBA 3x3 World Cup set high standards. Meanwhile, the dominance of the USA women’s 5x5 team, undefeated in Olympic play since 1992 and aiming for their eighth consecutive gold medal, adds to the nation's storied basketball legacy.
The USA women's 5x5 team features stars like A'ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, and the legendary Diana Taurasi, who is competing in her sixth Olympic Games. Their remarkable streak underscores the achievements and challenges faced by the 3x3 squads as they navigate their Olympic journeys.
With seven pool round games scheduled, both the men’s and women’s teams have opportunities to turn their fortunes around. Their resilience and past successes suggest that while the start has been difficult, the tournaments are far from over. All eyes will be on these athletes as they strive to find their rhythm and reclaim their winning ways at the 2024 Paris Olympics.