United States 3x3 Basketball Teams Struggle in Paris: A Deep Dive
As the 2024 Paris Olympics continue, the United States men's and women's 3x3 basketball teams face an unexpected and disheartening challenge. In their first five combined games, neither team has managed to secure a win, raising concerns about their future prospects in the competition.
Women’s Team’s Tough Start
The women's 3x3 team suffered defeats at the hands of Azerbaijan, Germany, and Australia. On Tuesday, the team went down 17-13 against Germany, a game that left Cierra Burdick, a key player, visibly frustrated. "I didn’t think it was going to be that ugly," Burdick admitted after the match.
The next two days didn't fare any better. The team fell to Azerbaijan 20-17 on Wednesday, followed by a close 17-15 loss to Australia on Thursday. Currently, the women's team finds itself at the bottom of the standings, a stark contrast to their victorious campaign at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics where they clinched the gold medal.
The roster featuring Dearica Hamby, Rhyne Howard, Hailey Van Lith, and Cierra Burdick, had high expectations, especially with Burdick and Van Lith being part of the squad that won gold at the 2023 FIBA 3x3 World Cup. Hamby, a standout player for the Los Angeles Sparks, and Howard, who plays for the Atlanta Dream, are both well-regarded professionals. Hailey Van Lith is still in college, and Cierra Burdick now takes her talents to Valencia in Spain. Despite the depth and talent, the team’s performance thus far has left much to be desired.
Men’s Team Also Struggles
The men's 3x3 team embarked on their first-ever Olympic journey but found themselves faltering early on. They suffered a narrow 19-17 loss to Poland, followed by a more decisive 22-14 defeat by Serbia. Veterans like Jimmer Fredette, who has six seasons of NBA experience, and his teammates Dylan Travis, Canyon Barry, and Kareem Maddox, were expected to lead the team with poise and skill. However, they have yet to find their footing in the Olympic arena.
“It’s a long tournament for us, and we’re excited to get back at it tomorrow,” Fredette said optimistically after their game on Tuesday. Still, the question remains whether the team can translate their potential into victories. Notably, the men's squad finished second to Serbia in the 2023 FIBA World Cup, which should bolster their confidence moving forward.
Understanding 3x3 Basketball
For those unfamiliar, 3x3 basketball is an intense, fast-paced variant that uses half the court and features a 10-minute game format. Scoring favors baskets worth one or two points, creating a dynamic and rapid playing environment. Players earn their spots on the team by participating in more sanctioned 3x3 events throughout the year, reflecting their commitment to the sport.
Each 3x3 team has seven games scheduled in the pool round, offering both the men's and women's teams multiple opportunities to turn their fortunes around. The USA women’s 5x5 team, by contrast, continues a historic undefeated Olympic record since 1992 and aims for its eighth consecutive gold medal with stars like A'ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, and the legendary Diana Taurasi, who is competing in her sixth Olympic Games.
Future Prospects
The depth and talent across both the men's and women's 3x3 basketball teams are undeniable. Yet, the challenge lies in capturing that potential and translating it into wins on the international stage. With several games remaining in the pool round, there remains hope for a turnaround.
Sports fans worldwide will undoubtedly keep a close eye on the upcoming matches, eager to see if the U.S. teams can overcome their early setbacks and reclaim their positions as dominant forces in the world of 3x3 basketball.