USA Struggles in 3x3 Olympic Basketball
The United States' 3x3 basketball teams have faced a rocky start at the 2024 Paris Olympics, failing to secure a win in their initial five combined games.
Women's Team Struggles
The women’s 3x3 team, featuring key players like Cierra Burdick, Dearica Hamby, Rhyne Howard, and Hailey Van Lith, has found themselves at the bottom of the standings. Their games so far have seen a string of defeats: a 17-15 setback against Australia on Thursday, a 20-17 loss to Azerbaijan on Wednesday, and a 17-13 defeat to Germany on Tuesday. This has been a tough pill to swallow for a squad that previously clinched gold at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and the 2023 FIBA 3x3 World Cup.
Despite their recent successes, the current tournament has been challenging. Burdick, playing in Spain for Valencia, reflected on their performance against Germany, succinctly stating, “I didn’t think it was going to be that ugly.” This sentiment encapsulates the struggle the team has faced in adapting to the high-stakes environment of the Olympic Games.
While Burdick and Van Lith brought their championship experience from the FIBA 3x3 World Cup, it has not translated to success on the Olympic stage. Hailey Van Lith, still in college, and Dearica Hamby, who plays for the Los Angeles Sparks, alongside Rhyne Howard of the Atlanta Dream, have yet to find their rhythm in Paris.
Men's Team Faces Challenges
The men’s 3x3 team also debuted with difficulties in their first Olympic appearance. Losing 19-17 to Poland and then 22-14 to Serbia has placed them in a precarious position despite their strong showing at the 2023 FIBA World Cup, where they finished second to Serbia.
Led by Jimmer Fredette, an NBA veteran with six seasons under his belt, the men's roster also includes Dylan Travis, Canyon Barry, and Kareem Maddox. The team had undergone extensive preparation, including a training camp in February, but this groundwork has yet to translate into victories on the Olympic court. Reflecting on the tournament's early stages, Fredette echoed a resilient attitude: “It’s a long tournament for us, and we’re excited to get back at it tomorrow.”
Format and Future Games
3x3 basketball, known for its fast-paced and physically demanding format, uses half the court with games lasting just 10 minutes. Points are scored in one or two-point increments, a departure from traditional 5x5 basketball. Each team has seven games in the pool round, leaving room for both the men's and women's teams to recover from their early setbacks.
Looking Beyond 3x3
Despite the current woes in 3x3 basketball, the USA maintains its strong pedigree in the traditional 5x5 format. The women’s 5x5 team, boasting an undefeated Olympic record since 1992, aims for an unprecedented eighth consecutive gold medal. Leading the charge are stars like A'ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, and veteran Diana Taurasi, who is competing in her sixth Olympic Games. Their experience and legacy underscore the depth of talent in USA basketball, offering a glimmer of hope even as the 3x3 teams work through their challenges.
The USA's 3x3 teams will have to find their footing quickly to revive their Olympic campaigns. With upcoming games, they have the opportunity to turn the tide and live up to the high expectations set by their predecessors and their country’s rich basketball history. The pressure is on, and the world is watching as these athletes strive to bring glory back to American 3x3 basketball at the Paris Olympics.