The United States men's and women's 3x3 basketball teams have struggled to find their footing at the 2024 Paris Olympics, failing to secure a win in their first five combined games.
Women's 3x3 Team Struggles
The women's 3x3 team faced a series of tough matches, losing to Azerbaijan, Germany, and Australia. Their most recent defeat came at the hands of Australia, who edged them out 17-15 on Thursday. This followed losses to Azerbaijan 20-17 on Wednesday and Germany 17-13 on Tuesday, placing the women at the bottom of the standings.
Cierra Burdick, a key player on the women’s team, expressed her disappointment after their game against Germany, stating, “I didn’t think it was going to be that ugly.” Alongside Burdick, teammates Dearica Hamby, Rhyne Howard, and Hailey Van Lith are battling to improve their standings in the coming games. Hamby, who plays for the Los Angeles Sparks, and Howard, who plays for the Atlanta Dream, bring professional experience to the roster. However, despite their efforts, the team has not managed to find the synergy that brought them success at the 2023 FIBA 3x3 World Cup, where Burdick and Van Lith won gold.
Adding to their struggles, Cameron Brink, a promising rookie for the Los Angeles Sparks, is out for the rest of the WNBA season due to a torn ACL. Meanwhile, Hailey Van Lith's continuing college career means she juggles academics alongside her athletic commitments. Cierra Burdick now plies her trade in Spain for Valencia, hinting at a diverse yet challenging composition for the team.
Despite the lackluster start, the women's 3x3 team has previously proven their mettle by clinching the gold at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. This historical success contrasts sharply with the current performance, leaving fans and analysts wondering what adjustments the team will make moving forward.
Men's 3x3 Team Debut Woes
The men's 3x3 team, appearing for the first time in the Olympic Games, also faced setbacks with losses to Poland and Serbia. Their game against Poland concluded with a close 19-17 defeat, while the match against Serbia, the reigning champions, ended 22-14.
Jimmer Fredette, who has six seasons of NBA experience, acknowledged the challenges ahead. “It’s a long tournament for us, and we’re excited to get back at it tomorrow,” Fredette remarked after Tuesday's game. Alongside Fredette, the roster includes Dylan Travis, Canyon Barry, and Kareem Maddox, who finished second to Serbia at the 2023 FIBA World Cup, indicating potential that has yet to fully materialize in Paris.
The men’s team had a preparation phase that included a training camp in February, suggesting adequate preparation time. However, translating that training into victories remains elusive.
The 3x3 Format and Its Challenges
3x3 basketball is a fast-paced variant of the traditional game, played on a half-court with a 10-minute game time. Scoring in 3x3 basketball also differs, with baskets counting for one or two points, demanding both precision and quick decision-making from the players. This format requires not only physical endurance but also a keen sense for tactical gameplay, which may be contributing factors to the teams' current struggles.
Moreover, players earn their spots on the 3x3 teams by participating in more sanctioned events throughout the year. This non-stop competitive environment aims to ensure that only the best and most prepared athletes represent their countries at events of this caliber. Yet, even with this rigorous selection process, the U.S. teams have found the Olympic challenge to be formidable.
Looking to the Future
With each 3x3 team scheduled to play seven games during the pool round, the U.S. men's and women's teams still have opportunities to turn their fortunes around. Historically, the U.S. women's 5x5 team has demonstrated considerable Olympic prowess, maintaining an undefeated record since 1992 and aiming for an eighth consecutive gold medal this year. Stars like A'ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, and Diana Taurasi, who is competing in her sixth Olympic Games, continue to highlight the strength and depth of U.S. women's basketball.
As the 3x3 teams continue their journey in Paris, there remains cautious optimism that they can tap into the resilient spirit and high standards synonymous with U.S. basketball. Both teams must channel their previous successes and leverage their individual talents to navigate the remaining games and deliver performances that reflect their true potential.