The United States' debut in the 3x3 basketball event at the 2024 Paris Olympics has been far from ideal, with both the men's and women's teams struggling to secure a victory in their initial matches. The situation is particularly grim for the women's team, which finds itself at the bottom of the standings after a series of losses to Azerbaijan, Germany, and Australia.
Women's Team: A Rocky Start
On Tuesday, the women's team faced Germany, resulting in a 17-13 loss. Cierra Burdick, a pivotal player boasting a history of success in the format, summed up the game succinctly but painfully: “I didn’t think it was going to be that ugly.”
The woes continued as the squad lost 20-17 to Azerbaijan on Wednesday, followed by a narrow 17-15 defeat to Australia on Thursday. These early losses have put the team in a precarious position. Despite boasting the talents of Dearica Hamby, Rhyne Howard, Hailey Van Lith, and Burdick, the team has yet to find its footing in the fast-paced, physically demanding 3x3 format.
The disappointment is even starker given that Burdick and Van Lith were part of the team that clinched gold at the 2023 FIBA 3x3 World Cup. Hamby, who plays for the Los Angeles Sparks, and Howard, a standout for the Atlanta Dream, are expected to play critical roles as the team strives to reverse its fortunes. Meanwhile, Burdick's experience playing in Spain for Valencia and Van Lith's ongoing college career add further depth to the roster.
Men's Team: An Uphill Battle
The men’s team hasn't fared much better. Their inaugural Olympic appearance has been marked by a tight 19-17 loss to Poland and a more decisive 22-14 defeat to Serbia. Jimmer Fredette, known for his six-season stint in the NBA, remains optimistic despite the rocky start: “It’s a long tournament for us, and we’re excited to get back at it tomorrow.”
Fredette is joined on the roster by Dylan Travis, Canyon Barry, and Kareem Maddox. This unit, who finished second to Serbia at the 2023 FIBA World Cup, had a rigorous training camp in February. Yet, transitioning from practice to the Olympic spotlight has proven challenging. The nature of 3x3 basketball—played on a half-court with a 10-minute game format where scoring is sharply divided between one and two points—requires not just skill but strategic adaptability, something the team is still honing.
The Pressure of High Expectations
The USA's struggles in 3x3 are especially surprising given their dominance in other basketball formats. The women's 5x5 team, with an undefeated Olympic record since 1992 and aiming for its eighth consecutive gold, stands in stark contrast to the 3x3 teams. Stars like A'ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, and the legendary Diana Taurasi, now in her sixth Olympic appearance, underscore the depth of talent in the traditional format, further highlighting the unique difficulties faced in 3x3.
Moreover, the USA women's 3x3 team had triumphed at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, raising expectations for a repeat performance. The stark difference in performance between the two formats raises questions about the adaptation and preparedness required for 3x3 basketball's distinct demands.
Future Prospects
Each 3x3 team has seven games scheduled in the pool round, leaving room but little time for a rebound. With the next set of games approaching, the players and coaches must quickly address the shortcomings and develop a coherent strategy to navigate the relentless pace of this high-energy discipline. Both teams are undeniably talented, but translating that talent into victories on the specialized stage of 3x3 basketball remains the challenge ahead.
The coming games will be crucial for both teams, as they seek not only to advance but also to restore their standing in the eyes of fans and competitors alike. As the tournament progresses, the hope is that their previous accolades and intensive preparation will translate into the coordination and tenacity needed to turn their Olympic journey around.