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 faced a string of defeats against Azerbaijan, Germany, and Australia, placing them at the bottom of the standings.
Women's Team Struggles
Despite the efforts of key players such as Cierra Burdick, Dearica Hamby, Rhyne Howard, and Hailey Van Lith, the women's team hasn't managed to find their footing. Burdick, who now plays in Spain for Valencia and was part of the team that won gold at the 2023 FIBA 3x3 World Cup alongside Van Lith, expressed her disappointment after their game against Germany, saying, “I didn’t think it was going to be that ugly.”
The women's team began their campaign with a 17-13 loss to Germany on Tuesday. This was followed by a 20-17 defeat to Azerbaijan on Wednesday, and most recently, a close 17-15 loss to Australia on Thursday.
Dearica Hamby, who plays for the Los Angeles Sparks, and Rhyne Howard of the Atlanta Dream, along with the still-in-college Hailey Van Lith and Burdick, who now plays in Spain, have showcased moments of individual brilliance. However, their collective efforts have fallen short against the tactical prowess of their opponents.
For Van Lith and Burdick, who were integral in securing the gold medal at the 2023 FIBA 3x3 World Cup, the expectations were high. However, the Olympics have proven to be a different challenge. The USA women's 3x3 team, which won gold at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, is now facing an uphill battle to stay in contention.
Men's Team Faces Tough Debut
On the men's side, the team comprising Jimmer Fredette, Dylan Travis, Canyon Barry, and Kareem Maddox have also experienced a rocky start. The men's 3x3 team, making their Olympic debut, faced two tough games, losing 19-17 to Poland and 22-14 to Serbia.
Jimmer Fredette, a seasoned player with six NBA seasons under his belt, acknowledged the difficulty of the competition but remained optimistic. “It’s a long tournament for us, and we’re excited to get back at it tomorrow,” Fredette stated after Tuesday’s game.
The men's team's second-place finish at the 2023 FIBA World Cup had raised hopes for a strong Olympic performance. However, the fierce competition and the fast-paced nature of the 3x3 format have posed significant challenges. The game, which uses half the court and features a 10-minute match format with scoring that counts baskets as one or two points, requires a high level of adaptability and precision.
Future Prospects
Despite the early setbacks, both teams have the opportunity to turn their fortunes around with several games still remaining in the pool round. Each 3x3 team has seven games scheduled, leaving room for potential comebacks.
The USA women's 5x5 team, with stars like A'ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, and the legendary Diana Taurasi, who is competing in her sixth Olympic Games, continues to uphold their dominant legacy. The women's 5x5 team has an undefeated Olympic record since 1992 and is aiming for its eighth consecutive gold medal. Their continued success serves as a reminder of the rich basketball heritage the USA continues to nurture.
As the tournament progresses, the USA 3x3 teams will need to harness their skills, experience, and team cohesion to navigate the intense competition and showcase their prowess on the global stage.