On Tuesday, the United States men's and women's 3x3 basketball teams faced a rocky start to their 2024 Paris Olympics campaigns, both suffering losses in their opening games. The women's team fell 17-13 to Germany, while the men's team was defeated 22-14 by the top-ranked Serbian squad.
A Glimpse of Hope Amid Defeat
The U.S. women's 3x3 team initially showed promise, jumping to an early 5-0 lead against Germany. However, the German side quickly caught up and ultimately secured the victory. Reflecting on the loss, Cierra Burdick, a key player for the women's team, candidly confessed, "I didn't think it was going to be that ugly."
Despite the setback, the women’s 3x3 team brings a wealth of talent to Paris. Dearica Hamby, who currently stars for the Los Angeles Sparks, and Rhyne Howard of the Atlanta Dream, are notable names on the roster. Both players only recently joined the team, with Hamby stepping in for Cameron Brink following Brink’s torn ACL. Meanwhile, Hailey Van Lith continues to play college basketball, and Cierra Burdick now plies her trade with Valencia in Spain after not making a WNBA roster since 2021.
Burdick and Van Lith bring an element of familiarity and success, having contributed to the team that clinched gold at the 2023 FIBA 3x3 World Cup. The U.S. women's 3x3 team also enjoys a proud legacy, having captured the gold medal in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics with a different lineup that included Stefanie Dolson, Alisha Gray, Kelsea Plum, and Jackie Young.
Serbia's Dominance in 3x3 Basketball
On the men's side, Serbia reaffirmed their dominance with a convincing win over the U.S. The Serbian team, featuring stars like Dejan Majstorovic and Strahinja Stojacic, currently holds the prestigious title of world’s No. 1 team in men’s 3x3 basketball, and their performance did not disappoint. They are building on their bronze medal finish at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and their victory over the U.S. in the 2023 FIBA World Cup final, where they narrowly triumphed 21-19.
The U.S. men's 3x3 team, comprising Jimmer Fredette, Dylan Travis, Canyon Barry, and Kareem Maddox, entered the Olympics with high hopes. Jimmer Fredette, who previously played six seasons in the NBA, remains a standout team member. Fredette's experience and leadership were instrumental in helping the team automatically qualify for the Paris Olympics by finishing second in the 2023 FIBA World Cup.
Although the U.S. men led for much of the first half against Serbia, they couldn't sustain their momentum. Fredette, reflecting on the outcome, noted, "It's a long tournament for us, and we're excited to get back at it tomorrow."
The State of U.S. Basketball Aspirations
While the 3x3 squads battle on the half-court, the U.S. men's and women's 5x5 basketball teams continue to chase their own ambitions. The women's 5x5 team boasts a remarkable unbeaten streak in Olympic competition, not having lost a game since 1992. They are currently aiming for their eighth consecutive gold medal, with a roster that includes A'ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, and the legendary Diana Taurasi, who is competing in her sixth Olympic Games.
The U.S. men's 5x5 team is also on a hunt for gold, seeking their fifth consecutive top finish. While the 3x3 format offers a different set of challenges and dynamics, the aspirations for U.S. basketball remain sky-high across both formats.
Looking Forward
The early losses in 3x3 basketball may serve as a catalyst for reflection and improvement. With the tournament still unfolding, both U.S. teams have opportunities to bounce back and make their mark. For players like Fredette and Burdick, these challenges offer a chance to demonstrate resilience and the competitive spirit that U.S. basketball teams are renowned for. As the games progress, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how these athletes respond and whether they can add new chapters to their storied basketball legacy.