The United States's performance in the opening matches of the 3x3 basketball events at the 2024 Paris Olympics has been anything but promising. With both men’s and women’s teams failing to secure a win in their first five combined games, the situation appears dire for the U.S. contingent.
Women's Team Struggles
The women's 3x3 team has faced a succession of defeats, dropping games to Azerbaijan, Germany, and Australia, placing them at the bottom of the standings. This string of losses, including a close 17-15 defeat to Australia on Thursday, has dampened the spirits of the squad that previously relished a golden triumph at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Key player Cierra Burdick, who currently plays for Valencia in Spain, expressed her disappointment frankly. “I didn’t think it was going to be that ugly,” she said after their game against Germany. Alongside Burdick, other critical players on the team include Dearica Hamby of the Los Angeles Sparks, Rhyne Howard from the Atlanta Dream, and Hailey Van Lith, a college athlete.
The women's team hasn't been able to translate past successes into the current tournament. Their loss to Azerbaijan ended with a score of 20-17 on Wednesday, followed by a 17-13 loss to Germany on Tuesday.
Team Composition and Challenges
Dearica Hamby and Rhyne Howard bring WNBA experience to the roster, while Cierra Burdick and Hailey Van Lith have the accolade of winning gold at the 2023 FIBA 3x3 World Cup. Despite the wealth of talent and experience, the team has yet to find its footing in Paris.
Hamby, a prominent player for the Los Angeles Sparks, and Howard, who suits up for the Atlanta Dream, have faced the challenge of high competition. Meanwhile, Hailey Van Lith, still in her collegiate career, and Burdick, who plays overseas, provide a mix of youthful energy and seasoned skill that has yet to coalesce into winning performances on the global stage.
Men’s Team Disappoints
The men's team, making its first appearance in the Olympic Games, has also stumbled out of the gates, losing 19-17 to Poland and 22-14 to Serbia. This inaugural group, featuring Jimmer Fredette, Dylan Travis, Canyon Barry, and Kareem Maddox, had high hopes following their second-place finish to Serbia at the 2023 FIBA World Cup.
Jimmer Fredette, a notable name with six seasons in the NBA, remains optimistic about the team's chances despite the setbacks. “It’s a long tournament for us, and we’re excited to get back at it tomorrow,” he said post-game on Tuesday. The team’s preparation, including a training camp in February and participation in numerous sanctioned 3x3 events throughout the year, emphasizes their dedication to the format.
Unique Format Challenges
3x3 basketball, which features a 10-minute game format played on half the court with scoring in one or two points, presents unique challenges and strategies, unlike traditional 5x5 basketball. This adjustment period appears to be hitting the U.S. teams harder than anticipated.
Players earn their spots on these teams by participating in sanctioned events throughout the year, and the rigorous qualification pathway underscores the high competition level. However, the harsh reality of Olympic pressure is proving formidable.
Future Hopes
As the tournament progresses, both U.S. teams have seven games scheduled in the pool round, providing ample opportunities to turn their fortunes around. Historical context brings a note of optimism; the women's team, laden with Olympians like A'ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, and the veteran Diana Taurasi, aim for their eighth consecutive gold medal in the full 5x5 format, where they remain undefeated since 1992.
Diana Taurasi, competing in her sixth Olympic Games, embodies the experience and resilience needed to inspire her compatriots across both formats. Meanwhile, Cameron Brink’s unfortunate injury, ruling her out for the rest of the WNBA season, adds a somber note to the campaign.
Despite the rocky start, the deep reservoir of talent and past successes provide a glimmer of hope for U.S. 3x3 basketball fans. As the teams adapt to the Olympic stage, their collective experience and resilience will be crucial in navigating the remainder of the pool rounds.