The early stages of the 2024 Paris Olympics have delivered an unexpectedly rough start for the United States' 3x3 basketball teams. Both the men’s and women’s squads are struggling to find their footing, having collectively failed to secure a win in their first five combined games.
Dismal Start for Women’s 3x3 Team
The women's team, which had entered the Olympics with high hopes, has suffered consecutive losses against Azerbaijan, Germany, and Australia. Currently languishing at the bottom of the standings, the team has yet to reignite the spark that saw them triumph at the 2023 FIBA 3x3 World Cup.
Against Australia, they lost 17-15 in a tightly contested match on Thursday. A day earlier, they were defeated by Azerbaijan 20-17, and on Tuesday, Germany overwhelmed them with a 17-13 victory. Cierra Burdick, a key player on the women's team and a current player for Valencia in Spain, was candid after their defeat against Germany. “I didn’t think it was going to be that ugly,” she admitted. Burdick, along with Hailey Van Lith, had formed part of the formidable team that won gold at the 2023 FIBA event. Yet, their current form has been a far cry from those glory days.
The team includes notable players such as Dearica Hamby from the Los Angeles Sparks, Rhyne Howard of the Atlanta Dream, and Hailey Van Lith, who is still playing at the college level. With tough games still ahead, they are in desperate need of a turnaround to stay in contention for a medal. However, the team must draw upon the collective experience and skill of its roster to mount any significant comeback.
Men’s Team Faces Its Own Struggles
The men’s team is also grappling with the challenge of their first Olympic appearance. They have so far been bested by Poland with a score of 19-17 and Serbia with a more commanding 22-14 loss. Despite this, they showed promise earlier in the year by finishing second to Serbia at the 2023 FIBA World Cup.
Jimmer Fredette, a former NBA player with six seasons under his belt, expressed a determined optimism after Tuesday's game. “It’s a long tournament for us, and we’re excited to get back at it tomorrow,” he said. Fredette is joined by Dylan Travis, Canyon Barry, and Kareem Maddox on the roster, a group that has shown resilience through a challenging training camp held back in February.
The men's 3x3 team’s journey has been one of navigating new terrain, with 3x3 basketball’s unique format of using half the court and featuring a quick 10-minute game. Scoring is simplified but swift, with baskets counting for either one or two points. This format requires not just skill but also an acute strategic awareness, attributes that the team will need to sharpen quickly.
Historical Context and Future Prospects
It's noteworthy that the USA women's 3x3 team clinched gold at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, presenting a stark contrast to their current trajectory. Historically, the USA women's 5x5 team has been a powerhouse with an undefeated Olympic record since 1992, now aiming for its eighth consecutive gold medal in Paris. A'ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, and the legendary Diana Taurasi, who is playing in her sixth Olympic Games, headline this dominant team.
As each 3x3 team has seven games scheduled in the pool round, the USA men’s and women's teams still have opportunities ahead, but the path to any potential medals is growing increasingly steeper with each loss.
The pressure is undeniably mounting. Cierra Burdick, Dearica Hamby, Rhyne Howard, Hailey Van Lith, and their male counterparts must dig deep, leveraging their rich experience and overcoming the stark challenges that 3x3 basketball presents. The resilience of these athletes could yet redefine their Paris campaign, and as they hit the courts again, the community of fans and fellow athletes will be watching intently, hoping for a remarkable turnaround.