The United States men's and women's 3x3 basketball teams have had a challenging start at the 2024 Paris Olympics, failing to secure a win in their first five combined games. The women's team has particularly struggled, finding themselves at the bottom of the standings after losses to Azerbaijan, Germany, and Australia. This unexpected series of defeats has put their campaign on shaky ground.
Women's Team Faces Tough Competition
The women's squad, featuring key player Cierra Burdick, along with Dearica Hamby, Rhyne Howard, and Hailey Van Lith, has found itself in a tough spot. Burdick and Van Lith were part of the team that clinched gold at the 2023 FIBA 3x3 World Cup, so expectations were high. However, the team’s performance thus far has not lived up to these expectations.
Their struggle began with a 17-13 loss to Germany on Tuesday, where Burdick confessed, “I didn’t think it was going to be that ugly.” Things didn't improve much as they faced Azerbaijan next, losing 20-17 on Wednesday. The downward trend continued with a narrow 17-15 loss to Australia on Thursday. Despite these setbacks, Burdick remains a pivotal figure on the team, currently playing in Spain for Valencia.
Other notable players include Dearica Hamby of the Los Angeles Sparks and Rhyne Howard of the Atlanta Dream, with Van Lith still playing college basketball. Unfortunately, for the team, one major talent, Cameron Brink of the Los Angeles Sparks, had to sit this out due to a torn ACL, adding to the team’s woes.
Men's Team Stumbles in Debut
The men's 3x3 basketball team, making its first appearance in Olympic history, also faced early hurdles. The team, which consists of Jimmer Fredette, Dylan Travis, Canyon Barry, and Kareem Maddox, has been unable to translate their training and past successes into Olympic wins.
In their initial games, the men’s team lost 19-17 to Poland and later suffered a 22-14 defeat to Serbia. This is a stark contrast from their performance at the 2023 FIBA World Cup, where they finished second only to Serbia. Fredette, after the game on Tuesday, remarked, “It’s a long tournament for us, and we’re excited to get back at it tomorrow.”
High Hopes and a Bright Past
The USA women’s 3x3 team has a golden history, having won the gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. This legacy of success had set the bar high for the current roster. Additionally, the women’s 5x5 team has maintained an undefeated Olympic record since 1992 and is aiming for its eighth consecutive gold medal. This team boasts stars such as A'ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, and Diana Taurasi, the latter competing in her sixth Olympic Games.
In contrast, the men's team’s preparation included a training camp in February and rigorous participation in sanctioned 3x3 events throughout the year to earn their spots. Despite these efforts and their successful past performances, their Olympic debut has been disappointing so far.
3x3 basketball, distinct from the traditional 5x5 format, uses half the court and features a faster-paced 10-minute game format, where baskets count as one or two points. This format adds an extra layer of challenge and excitement, pushing athletes to adapt rapidly. Each team has seven games scheduled in the pool round, giving both the men's and women's teams a few more chances to turn their fortunes around.
The USA's initial losses point to the stiff competition and unpredictable nature of the sport. The coming games will determine if these talented squads can find their footing and deliver the victories expected of them. The fight for redemption continues, and with their storied histories and pool of talented players, the American teams will undoubtedly remain ones to watch, even amidst a rocky start.