Cameron Brink, Rhyne Howard, Cierra Burdick and Hailey Van Lith will represent the United States in 3x3 basketball at the Paris Olympics this summer.
Brink, Burdick and Van Lith led the U.S. to a gold medal at the 2023 FIBA World Cup. Burdick was also on the squad that won gold in 2014. Howard played 3x3 for the first time with the U.S. at a training camp in Springfield, Massachusetts in April.
“It is an honor to announce the USA Basketball 3x3 Women’s National Team,” said Jay Demings, USA Basketball 3x3 national team director. “It is an exciting process to put a roster together that will represent the country on a global stage. We are thankful for all the athletes who attended training camps or participated in 3x3 competitions on the journey to Paris 2024.”
The sport requires that two of the four members of the team be in country's top 10 for total points accumulated in FIBA rankings. Burdick, Brink and Van Lith are all ranked that high.
“I’m so grateful to be selected and it’s an honor to represent the United States at the Paris Olympics this year,” said Brink. “The 3×3 training camp experience helped me with my transition into the league, and now I can’t wait to start preparing for the games with Cierra, Rhyne and Hailey.”
Brink plays for the Los Angeles Sparks, Howard for the Atlanta Dream. Burdick isn’t in the WNBA anymore while Van Lith transferred to TCU this past spring.
The U.S. won the inaugural 3x3 title in the Tokyo Games with Allisha Gray, Stefanie Dolson, Jackie Young and Kelsey Plum.
The team will be coached by Jennifer Rizzotti, president of the WNBA’s Connecticut Sun. Tammi Reiss of Rhode Island will assist.
“I say this all the time but there is no greater privilege than to represent the USA at the Olympics,” said Rizzotti. “We understand that challenge in front of us as we face tremendous talent and experienced 3x3 teams. I am confident this roster gives us what we need to compete for another gold medal with experience, versatility and a commitment to USA Basketball excellence. I cannot wait to get started.”
The 3x3 game is played on a halfcourt with a 10-minute clock and 12-second shot clock. Games are played to 21 with 1-point and 2-point baskets. The first team to get to 21 or be leading when time expires wins the game.
“What I remember most is that every game is so unique,” Van Lith told the AP in April about 3x3. “The strategy from game to game is so different. You can’t specialize in one thing and make it as a player in 3 on 3. You have to be able to guard every position for at least a couple of seconds.”
The U.S. hasn't announced its 5-on-5 roster yet. Howard was in consideration for that team as well, but it would be virtually impossible to play on both teams.
___
More AP coverage of the Paris Olympics: https://apnews.com/hub/2024-paris-olympic-games
http://accesswdun.com/article/2024/6/1246367