As the 2024 Paris Olympics continue in full swing, the U.S. men’s and women’s 3x3 basketball teams find themselves grappling with challenges, having collectively fallen short in their previous five games. While expectations were high given past performances, both teams are struggling to secure victories, adding a sobering tone to their Olympic campaigns.
Women's Team Faces Early Setbacks
The U.S. women’s 3x3 team, once a dominant force, has faced a string of disappointing losses. They were defeated by Azerbaijan, Germany, and Australia, placing them at the bottom of the standings. Notably, their close 17-15 loss to Australia on Thursday highlighted their ongoing difficulties. Additionally, the team succumbed 20-17 to Azerbaijan on Wednesday and 17-13 to Germany on Tuesday.
Cierra Burdick, a pivotal member of the team, expressed her sentiments candidly after their game against Germany, stating, “I didn’t think it was going to be that ugly.” It’s clear the players are feeling the weight of their unexpected performance.
Despite their recent hurdles, the team boasts seasoned players like Dearica Hamby of the Los Angeles Sparks, Rhyne Howard from the Atlanta Dream, and Hailey Van Lith, who is currently still in college. Burdick, now playing in Spain for Valencia, along with Van Lith, previously led the team to gold at the 2023 FIBA 3x3 World Cup, illustrating their potential to turn things around.
Men's Team Debut Met with Defeats
On the men’s side, their inaugural appearance at the Olympic Games has come with its own set of challenges. The U.S. men’s 3x3 team lost 19-17 to Poland and 22-14 to Serbia. The roster, featuring names such as Jimmer Fredette, Dylan Travis, Canyon Barry, and Kareem Maddox, was initially a beacon of hope following their second-place finish to Serbia at the 2023 FIBA World Cup.
Reflecting on their journey, Fredette remained optimistic, saying, “It’s a long tournament for us, and we’re excited to get back at it tomorrow.” Their defeat underscores the intensity and unpredictability of 3x3 basketball, a format that compresses the action into a 10-minute game played on half a court, where every play counts significantly.
Unwavering Spirit Amidst Challenges
Both teams have the pedigree of excellence. The U.S. women’s 3x3 team previously clinched gold at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, a stark contrast to their current position. Moreover, the U.S. women’s 5x5 team remains a paragon of dominance, proudly holding an undefeated Olympic record since 1992 and aiming for their eighth consecutive gold medal, bolstered by stars like A’ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, and the veteran Diana Taurasi, who is competing in her sixth Olympic Games.
Though the path has been rocky thus far, the resilience of these athletes cannot be underestimated. Each 3x3 team has seven games in the pool round, providing the U.S. squads with opportunities to recalibrate and potentially rise in the rankings. Players earn their spots on these teams through rigorous participation in sanctioned 3x3 events throughout the year, a testament to their dedication and talent.
Injuries and Future Prospects
Adding to the list of obstacles, the women’s team has had to navigate their campaign without Dearica Hamby’s fellow Los Angeles Sparks teammate, rookie Cameron Brink, who is out for the rest of the WNBA season due to a torn ACL. This absence further complicates their strategy and depth on the court.
The resolve of athletes like Burdick, who plays professionally in Spain, and Van Lith, still balancing collegiate commitments, epitomizes the spirit of Team USA. Their journey from gold at the FIBA 3x3 World Cup to the current Olympic challenges exemplifies the unpredictable nature of sports.
With several games left in the pool stage, both the men’s and women’s 3x3 basketball teams are gearing up to defy the odds and reclaim their rightful place atop the standings. The stakes are high, and the road ahead is fraught with challenges, but the journey of these elite athletes continues, fueled by their unyielding passion for the game.