On Tuesday, the United States men's and women's 3x3 basketball teams faced opening-round defeats at the 2024 Paris Olympics, setting a tough tone for their journey ahead. The U.S. women's team, despite an initial 5-0 lead, fell to Germany with a final score of 17-13. In the men's division, Serbia, the world's No. 1 team in men’s 3x3 basketball, overpowered the U.S. men with a decisive 22-14 victory.
For the U.S. women's team, the game began with promise as they surged ahead early against Germany. However, Germany's resilience saw them claw back to claim victory. Despite the setback, the U.S. women's 3x3 team remains one of formidable stature. Dearica Hamby, who joined the squad after Cameron Brink's unfortunate ACL tear, brings significant experience from the Los Angeles Sparks. Rhyne Howard of the Atlanta Dream, Hailey Van Lith from the college basketball scene, and Cierra Burdick, playing in Spain for Valencia, round out the team. Both Burdick and Van Lith were pivotal in the team's gold medal win at the 2023 FIBA 3x3 World Cup.
Cierra Burdick reflected on the match’s outcome, expressing her surprise succinctly: "I didn't think it was going to be that ugly." Yet, there remains an air of determination within the squad, willing to rally and regain their form as the tournament progresses. The U.S. women's 3x3 team isn’t unfamiliar with success, having secured the gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics with a roster that included Stefanie Dolson, Alisha Gray, Kelsea Plum, and Jackie Young.
Shifting focus to the men's team, their encounter with Serbia was a clash of titans. The U.S. men, featuring Jimmer Fredette, Dylan Travis, Canyon Barry, and Kareem Maddox, showed early dominance but couldn’t maintain their lead. Relatively well-known in basketball circles, Fredette's NBA background spanning six seasons adds a layer of experience to the squad. Despite their opening loss, the men’s team qualified for the Olympics by securing a second-place finish in the 2023 FIBA World Cup.
Jimmer Fredette remained optimistic following the defeat, characterizing the tournament's duration as an opportunity for redemption: "It's a long tournament for us, and we're excited to get back at it tomorrow." Serbia, recently crowned champions of the 2023 FIBA World Cup, had previous success against the U.S., including a narrow 21-19 victory in that tournament's final game. The Serbian team also holds a bronze medal from the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, underscoring their consistent performance on the global stage.
Meanwhile, the broader U.S. basketball program continues to thrive, particularly in the traditional 5x5 format. The U.S. women's 5x5 team, profoundly dominant in the Olympics, aims for their eighth consecutive gold medal. The roster is star-studded with talents such as A'ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, and the legendary Diana Taurasi, who notably marks her sixth Olympic appearance. The women's 5x5 team has remained undefeated in Olympic play since 1992, a testament to their enduring prowess and dominance.
On the men's side, the U.S. 5x5 team is equally formidable, eyeing their fifth consecutive gold medal. While the 3x3 teams face immediate challenges, there is hope and expectation that they will adapt and overcome as they progress through their respective Olympic journeys.
As the 2024 Paris Olympics unfold, the early setbacks for the U.S. 3x3 teams inject a sense of urgency and determination into their campaigns. Both teams are equipped with talent and experience, poised to bounce back stronger in the upcoming matches. The road ahead may be demanding, but the spirit and resilience of these athletes will drive their pursuit of Olympic glory. As the tournament continues, fans await seeing how these narratives of ambition and redemption will conclude on the world's biggest stage.