The United States' 3x3 basketball teams have had a rocky start at the 2024 Paris Olympics, with both the men's and women's squads failing to notch a victory in their first five combined games. The women’s team, in particular, have grappled with a series of tough losses against Azerbaijan, Germany, and Australia.
Women’s Struggles in Paris
The women's team, composed of key players such as Cierra Burdick, Dearica Hamby, Rhyne Howard, and Hailey Van Lith, faced a challenging opening week. On Thursday, they narrowly lost to Australia by a score of 17-15. This followed a 20-17 defeat by Azerbaijan on Wednesday and a disappointing 17-13 loss to Germany on Tuesday, leaving them at the bottom of the standings.
Cierra Burdick, a prominent figure on the team and now playing in Spain for Valencia, expressed her dismay after the game against Germany. “I didn’t think it was going to be that ugly,” she remarked, encapsulating the team's struggles.
Despite the setbacks, there remains individual brilliance among the team members. Dearica Hamby plays for the Los Angeles Sparks, while Rhyne Howard is a star for the Atlanta Dream. Hailey Van Lith, still honing her skills in college, rounds out the roster with her youthful energy. Burdick and Van Lith are no strangers to victory, having been part of the team that clinched the gold at the 2023 FIBA 3x3 World Cup.
Men’s Olympic Debut
On the men’s side, the inaugural appearance at the Olympic Games has been met with stiff competition. The team, featuring Jimmer Fredette, Dylan Travis, Canyon Barry, and Kareem Maddox, fell 19-17 to Poland and 22-14 to powerhouse Serbia. Fredette, an NBA veteran with six seasons under his belt, remains hopeful. “It’s a long tournament for us, and we’re excited to get back at it tomorrow,” he commented after the disappointing loss on Tuesday.
Despite these early setbacks, the men's team has shown promise, finishing second to Serbia at the 2023 FIBA World Cup and holding a training camp in February as part of their preparation for the Olympics.
A History of Excellence
The 3x3 format, played on half a court with ten-minute games and scoring rules that award one or two points per basket, has previously been a strong suit for the USA teams. The women's 3x3 team won gold at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, while the USA women’s 5x5 team boasts an undefeated Olympic record since 1992 and is aiming for its eighth consecutive gold medal this year.
Star players like A'ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, and Diana Taurasi, who is competing in her sixth Olympic Games, continue to lead the charge for the 5x5 squad.
Looking Forward
The current disappointment in the 3x3 format does not overshadow the potential and talent within these teams. Both the men’s and women’s squads have opportunities ahead, with each team scheduled to play seven games in the pool round. The players' dedication and past achievements suggest that they could still turn the tide and make significant impacts in the remaining matches.
As Cierra Burdick and her teammates rally from their current standing, and as Jimmer Fredette and his colleagues look to sharpen their strategies, fans remain optimistic. The road to Olympic glory is fraught with challenges, but the resilience and skill of these athletes leave room for hope and excitement. Whether it's on the 3x3 court in Paris or the traditional 5x5 format, the spirit of competition and the pursuit of excellence remain at the heart of USA Basketball.