The United States' 3x3 basketball teams have endured a challenging start at the 2024 Paris Olympics, failing to secure a single win in their first five combined games. This performance marks a stark departure from previous successes for both the men’s and women’s squads.
Women’s Struggles in Paris
The women's team, consisting of Dearica Hamby, Rhyne Howard, Hailey Van Lith, and Cierra Burdick, has found themselves at the bottom of the standings. Their journey began with a 17-13 loss to Germany on Tuesday, followed by a narrow 20-17 defeat to Azerbaijan on Wednesday. They went on to lose 17-15 to Australia on Thursday.
Cierra Burdick, a key player on the women's team who now plies her trade in Spain with Valencia, reflected on one of their performances, saying, “I didn’t think it was going to be that ugly.” Burdick, alongside Van Lith, was part of the team that clinched gold at the 2023 FIBA 3x3 World Cup, making their current predicament all the more surprising.
Despite their struggles, the individual members of the team boast impressive resumes. Dearica Hamby is a notable presence for the Los Angeles Sparks and Rhyne Howard competes for the Atlanta Dream. Hailey Van Lith is still in college, adding a youthful dynamic to the squad.
Men’s Team Faces Tough Competition
For the men’s 3x3 team, which is making its Olympic debut, the games have been equally challenging. Featuring Jimmer Fredette, Dylan Travis, Canyon Barry, and Kareem Maddox, the team has also come up short in their initial matches. They lost 22-14 to Serbia and 19-17 to Poland.
Jimmer Fredette, who has six NBA seasons under his belt, commented on their setback after Tuesday's game, saying, “It’s a long tournament for us, and we’re excited to get back at it tomorrow.” The optimism reflects the team’s determination to bounce back, despite the early losses.
The men's team had shown promise by finishing second to Serbia at the 2023 FIBA World Cup and had a rigorous training camp in February to prepare for the Olympics. The high expectations for their performance in Paris underscore the disappointment felt by both the players and their supporters.
Format and Stakes of 3x3 Basketball
The 3x3 basketball format, which uses half the court and features a 10-minute game, brings a fast-paced, high-intensity environment. Scoring in this version of the game counts baskets for one or two points, demanding both swift offensive and strong defensive play.
Seven games are scheduled for each team in the pool round, allowing room for potential recoveries and for teams to adjust their strategies. In this context, both the men’s and women’s teams will need to harness their skills and experience to secure their first wins and turn their fortunes around.
Historical Context and Comparisons
The USA women’s 3x3 team entered the 2024 Olympics with a formidable legacy, having won gold at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Moreover, the USA women’s 5x5 team has been an indomitable force, maintaining an undefeated Olympic record since 1992 and aiming for their eighth consecutive gold medal. This tradition of excellence in women's basketball only amplifies the pressure on the 3x3 team to perform effectively.
On the 5x5 front, stars like A'ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, and Diana Taurasi are prominent figures. Taurasi, in particular, is participating in her sixth Olympic Games, further emphasizing the high standards set by the USA in international basketball.
With still several games left in the pool round, the U.S. 3x3 basketball teams have opportunities to recalibrate and push for victories. The determination and experience of players like Cierra Burdick and Jimmer Fredette, combined with the nascent talents of younger teammates, provide a foundation upon which hopes for a turnaround can be built.
As the tournament progresses, both teams will look to leverage their training, competitive spirit, and past achievements to navigate through their early setbacks and aim for a stronger finish in Paris.