In a surprising turn of events, the United States men's and women's 3x3 basketball teams have faced a challenging start at the 2024 Paris Olympics, failing to secure a win in their first five combined games.
Women's Team Faces Early Setbacks
The women's 3x3 team has struggled significantly, experiencing losses in their first three matches. On Thursday, they fell to Australia with a close score of 17-15. The previous day, Azerbaijan clinched a victory against the U.S. with a score of 20-17. Germany also managed a win earlier in the week, defeating the U.S. team 17-13. These setbacks have placed the women's team at the bottom of the standings.
Veteran player Cierra Burdick, known for her crucial role on the team, expressed the team's frustration following their loss to Germany: “I didn’t think it was going to be that ugly.” Yet, there is a sense of determination among the players. The roster, which includes talents such as Dearica Hamby, Rhyne Howard, Hailey Van Lith, and Burdick herself, boasts considerable experience and skill. Hamby is a key player for the Los Angeles Sparks, and Howard represents the Atlanta Dream in the WNBA. Van Lith brings a different dynamic, still honing her craft in college, while Burdick currently plays in Spain for Valencia.
Interestingly, both Burdick and Van Lith were instrumental in securing gold at the 2023 FIBA 3x3 World Cup, a testament to their capabilities on this stage. This history of success raises hope for a comeback as they continue through the tournament.
Men's Team: A Tough Introduction to the Olympics
The U.S. men's 3x3 team, making their Olympic debut, also faced a rocky start. They first encountered a formidable opponent in Serbia, succumbing to a 22-14 defeat. In a narrow match against Poland, they lost 19-17, showcasing their potential but ultimately falling short. This performance marks a steep learning curve for the team on sport's biggest stage.
The men's roster, composed of Jimmer Fredette, Dylan Travis, Canyon Barry, and Kareem Maddox, is laden with talent. Fredette, who has enjoyed a six-season stint in the NBA, brings valuable experience to the team. Despite the initial losses, he remains optimistic: “It’s a long tournament for us, and we’re excited to get back at it tomorrow,” he said after their game on Tuesday.
Earlier in the year, the men's team demonstrated their competitive edge by finishing second to Serbia at the 2023 FIBA World Cup. A training camp held in February aimed to solidify their strategies and cohesion, which will be crucial as they strive to turn their Olympic campaign around.
3x3 Basketball: A Different Arena
3x3 basketball is an intense, fast-paced variant of traditional basketball, played on a half-court with a 10-minute game format. The games require agility and quick decision-making, with scoring marked by one or two points per basket. The format emphasizes the need for participation in sanctioned 3x3 events throughout the year to earn a spot on the Olympic team. This rigorous selection process ensures that only the most adept players make it to the team.
Upholding USA's Basketball Legacy
The performance of the U.S. women's 3x3 team at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, where they secured a gold medal, sets a high bar for the current squad. Meanwhile, the USA women's 5x5 team has maintained an undefeated Olympic record since 1992 and is chasing its eighth consecutive gold medal. With luminaries like A'ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, and Diana Taurasi (who is competing in her sixth Olympic Games) leading the charge, the 5x5 team continues to be a powerhouse in international basketball.
Both the men's and women's 3x3 teams have seven games scheduled in the pool round, offering ample opportunities to recover from their initial defeats. The resilience and tenacity of the players will be tested as they navigate through the remaining games, aiming to recapture the legacy of excellence that defines U.S. basketball.
As the tournament progresses, the basketball world will be watching closely, anticipating how these talented squads will respond to early adversity. With proven champions and promising athletes in their ranks, the United States teams possess the depth and skill to turn their fortunes around and make a deep run in the 2024 Paris Olympics.