The United States men's and women's 3x3 basketball teams have encountered a rocky start at the 2024 Paris Olympics, failing to secure a single win in their first five combined games.
Women’s Team Struggles
The women's team has suffered losses against Azerbaijan, Germany, and Australia, placing them at the bottom of the standings. On Thursday, they fell to Australia 17-15, following a 20-17 defeat by Azerbaijan on Wednesday and a 17-13 loss to Germany on Tuesday.
This squad, featuring players like Dearica Hamby of the Los Angeles Sparks, Rhyne Howard from the Atlanta Dream, veteran Cierra Burdick currently playing in Spain for Valencia, and Hailey Van Lith who is still in college, had high expectations. Burdick and Van Lith were instrumental in claiming gold at the 2023 FIBA 3x3 World Cup, which makes their current performance even more surprising.
Reflecting on the disappointing game against Germany, Burdick admitted, “I didn’t think it was going to be that ugly.”
Unfamiliar Territory for the Men’s Team
The men's team, appearing in the Olympic Games for the first time, similarly faced tough opposition. They lost 19-17 to Poland and were defeated 22-14 by Serbia, who had previously bested them at the 2023 FIBA World Cup, leaving the men's side still searching for their first Olympic win.
Comprising Jimmer Fredette, Dylan Travis, Canyon Barry, and Kareem Maddox, the team harbored hopes of translating their earlier successes—including a second-place finish at the FIBA World Cup—into Olympic glory.
Fredette, who has enjoyed a six-season career in the NBA, maintained a positive outlook despite the early setbacks. After Tuesday's game, he commented, “It’s a long tournament for us, and we’re excited to get back at it tomorrow.”
Challenges and Prospects
3x3 basketball, a newer addition to the Olympic roster, offers a unique challenge for these athletes. Played on a half-court with a fast-paced 10-minute game format, scoring is intense and every point counts. Players earn their spots on the Olympic team by participating in numerous sanctioned 3x3 events throughout the year, making the path to competition a rigorous one.
The USA women’s 3x3 team had previously showcased their prowess by winning gold at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Similarly, the women's 5x5 team remains an impeccable force with an undefeated Olympic record since 1992 and is aiming for its eighth consecutive gold medal. With standout players like A'ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, and the legendary Diana Taurasi, who is competing in her sixth Olympic Games, the 5x5 format appears to be more familiar territory for American teams.
Looking Ahead
Both the men's and women's 3x3 basketball teams now focus on the remaining games of the pool round, seeking to reverse their fortunes. With seven games scheduled, there is still room for redemption. As the tournament continues, the resilience and adaptability of the athletes will be truly tested.
Fan hopes and team spirits remain high as they anticipate a turnaround in what has been a challenging start at the 2024 Paris Olympics. The journey for both teams, though fraught with obstacles, is far from over.