The United States 3x3 basketball teams are off to a rocky start at the 2024 Paris Olympics, failing to secure a single win in their first five combined games. This early struggle has put the teams in a precarious position as they navigate through the pool rounds.
A Rough Start for the Women's Team
The women's 3x3 basketball team has faced significant challenges, losing to Azerbaijan, Germany, and Australia. The latest defeat came on Thursday, when the team narrowly lost to Australia 17-15. This followed a 20-17 loss to Azerbaijan on Wednesday and a 17-13 defeat by Germany on Tuesday. Currently, the women's team finds itself at the bottom of the standings.
Key players on the women's roster include Cierra Burdick, Dearica Hamby, Rhyne Howard, and Hailey Van Lith. Despite their individual talents and past successes—including Burdick and Van Lith's gold medal win at the 2023 FIBA 3x3 World Cup—the team has been unable to find its footing in Paris.
Burdick, who now plays in Spain for Valencia, expressed her disappointment after the loss to Germany, saying, "I didn’t think it was going to be that ugly."
Despite the setbacks, there is hope that the team can turn things around. Van Lith is still in college, while Hamby, who plays for the Los Angeles Sparks, and Howard, who suits up for the Atlanta Dream, bring professional experience to the court.
Inaugural Challenges for the Men's Team
The men's 3x3 basketball team is also experiencing difficulties in its maiden Olympic appearance. The team lost two closely contested games, falling 19-17 to Poland and 22-14 to Serbia. These early defeats have put the men's team in a tough position as they look to advance beyond the pool stage.
The men's roster is highlighted by Jimmer Fredette, a former NBA player who has six seasons under his belt. Alongside him are Dylan Travis, Canyon Barry, and Kareem Maddox. Despite their collective experience, the team has struggled to adapt to the fast-paced nature of 3x3 basketball.
"It’s a long tournament for us, and we’re excited to get back at it tomorrow," Fredette remarked after Tuesday's game, demonstrating a resilient attitude despite the setbacks.
The men's team earned their spot in the Olympics by finishing second to Serbia at the 2023 FIBA World Cup and held a training camp in February to prepare for these games. The team is still hopeful that their preparation will pay off in the upcoming matches.
The Essence of 3x3 Basketball
Unlike traditional 5x5 basketball, 3x3 basketball is played on half a court with a 10-minute game format. Scoring is straightforward: baskets count for one or two points. Players earn their spots on the team by participating in sanctioned 3x3 events throughout the year. With each team scheduled to play seven games in the pool round, there is still ample opportunity for both the men's and women's teams to improve their standings.
Historical Context and Future Aspirations
The USA women's 3x3 team has a rich history of success, winning gold at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. In contrast, the USA women's 5x5 team remains undefeated in Olympic play since 1992 and is aiming for its eighth consecutive gold medal. Players like A'ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, and the veteran Diana Taurasi are key members of the squad that seeks to extend this legacy. Taurasi, in particular, is competing in her sixth Olympic Games, further solidifying her place in basketball history.
For now, all eyes are on the 3x3 teams as they battle through the pool stages in Paris. The outcomes of these early games will undoubtedly shape their journey forward, but the resilience and talent of the players suggest that they are far from giving up. As the tournament progresses, the teams will be looking to channel their past successes and storied histories to advance in the competition.