The 2024 Paris Olympics have started on a challenging note for the United States in the 3x3 basketball category, with both men's and women's teams struggling. Between them, they have failed to secure a single victory in their first five combined games.
Women's Team Struggles
The women's 3x3 team, consisting of Dearica Hamby, Rhyne Howard, Hailey Van Lith, and Cierra Burdick, has faced a tough start. They are anchored at the bottom of the standings after suffering defeats to Azerbaijan, Germany, and Australia. Notably, they lost 17-15 against Australia on Thursday, a 20-17 defeat to Azerbaijan on Wednesday, and 17-13 to Germany on Tuesday.
Cierra Burdick, currently playing for Valencia in Spain and a key player on the squad, voiced her surprise after a particularly tough game against Germany. “I didn’t think it was going to be that ugly,” she said. Burdick, alongside Van Lith, was part of the team that clinched gold at the 2023 FIBA 3x3 World Cup, which makes their current predicament even more striking.
The roster boasts experienced players with Dearica Hamby from the Los Angeles Sparks and Rhyne Howard from the Atlanta Dream. However, they haven't managed to translate their individual successes into team victories at these Olympics. Hailey Van Lith, still in college, adds a mix of youth and talent to the team.
Men's Team Disappointments
The men's team, featuring Jimmer Fredette, Dylan Travis, Canyon Barry, and Kareem Maddox, also faced a harsh initiation into their first Olympic appearance for 3x3 basketball. They experienced a 19-17 loss to Poland and a 22-14 loss to the dominating Serbian squad.
Fredette, who played six seasons in the NBA, remains optimistic despite the rocky start. “It’s a long tournament for us, and we’re excited to get back at it tomorrow,” Fredette affirmed after Tuesday's defeat. The men's team did finish second to Serbia at the 2023 FIBA World Cup, which indicated potential, but that prowess has yet to manifest in Paris.
The men’s team held a training camp back in February, and their current roster was selected based on participation in more sanctioned 3x3 events throughout the year. However, the competition format, which involves seven games in the pool round, leaves room for them to bounce back.
A Different Format of Basketball
As a refresher, 3x3 basketball is played on half of a standard court with only one hoop, and each game lasts a brisk 10 minutes. Scoring sees baskets counted for one or two points, a variation that demands quick thinking and fast-paced play.
Historical Context and Future Challenges
It’s worth noting the contrast with the USA women's 5x5 basketball team, which has an undefeated Olympic record since 1992 and is aiming for its eighth consecutive gold medal in these games. A'ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, and the legendary Diana Taurasi, who is competing in her sixth Olympic Games, shine as stalwarts in the full-court basketball format.
The USA women's 3x3 team did achieve gold at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, underlining their capability in this condensed, high-octane version of the sport. Hammering in this medal success underlines the current struggles in Paris and the high expectations surrounding the team.
As the pool round games progress, both the men's and women's teams have opportunities to regroup and strategize for a turnaround. A successful run could propel them back into contention and revive their medal hopes. For now, the focus is on tightening plays and possibly drawing inspiration from their 5x5 counterparts, who continue to dominate the Olympic stage.