The early stages of the 2024 Paris Olympics have been challenging for both the United States men's and women's 3x3 basketball teams. With five combined matches played, neither team has secured a win, leaving fans and players alike in disbelief.
Women’s Team Struggles
The women's 3x3 team has faced tough competition, succumbing to Azerbaijan, Germany, and Australia. Despite the presence of key players like Cierra Burdick, Dearica Hamby, Rhyne Howard, and Hailey Van Lith, the team currently finds itself at the bottom of the standings.
The U.S. women's team endured a close 17-15 defeat to Australia on Thursday, following a 20-17 loss to Azerbaijan on Wednesday and a 17-13 setback against Germany on Tuesday. Reflecting on the game against Germany, Cierra Burdick candidly remarked, "I didn’t think it was going to be that ugly."
Notable Players and Their Backgrounds
While the losses have been disheartening, the talent on the U.S. women's team is undeniable. Dearica Hamby, who plays for the Los Angeles Sparks, and Rhyne Howard of the Atlanta Dream bring their extensive WNBA experience to the squad. Hailey Van Lith, still in college, and Cierra Burdick, now playing in Spain for Valencia, add further depth to the team.
It’s worth noting that both Burdick and Van Lith were instrumental in the team's gold medal victory at the 2023 FIBA 3x3 World Cup, a triumph that adds a layer of expectation and pressure to their Olympic performance.
Men’s Team Faces Early Hurdles
The men’s 3x3 team, making their debut Olympic appearance, also stumbled out of the gate. They began their campaign with a 19-17 loss to Poland, followed by a 22-14 defeat at the hands of Serbia, a team they narrowly lost to in the 2023 FIBA World Cup finals.
Anchored by the experienced Jimmer Fredette, who has six seasons of NBA play under his belt, the men's roster includes Dylan Travis, Canyon Barry, and Kareem Maddox. Despite their rocky start, Fredette remains optimistic. "It’s a long tournament for us, and we’re excited to get back at it tomorrow," he stated after Tuesday's game.
Game Format and Rules
For those unfamiliar, 3x3 basketball diverges from traditional 5x5 play in several key aspects. Games are played on a half-court with a 10-minute game format. Scoring is also different, with baskets counting for one or two points. For athletes, earning a spot on the Olympic team requires participating in more sanctioned 3x3 events throughout the year, highlighting the commitment and dedication needed to compete at this level.
Historical Context and Future Prospects
The 2024 Paris Olympics present a stark contrast to previous successes for U.S. basketball. The women's 3x3 team claimed gold at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, and the women's 5x5 team remains undefeated in Olympic competition since 1992. The latter is gunning for its eighth consecutive gold medal, bolstered by stars like A'ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, and Olympic veteran Diana Taurasi, who is competing in her sixth Games.
As both the men's and women's 3x3 teams navigate their remaining pool games—each team has seven scheduled—it’s clear that adjustments and renewed vigor will be crucial for turning their fortunes around. The resilience and adaptability of these athletes will undoubtedly be put to the test in the coming days.