Atlanta Dream guard Rhyne Howard, the 2022 WNBA Rookie of the Year, and Los Angeles Sparks center Cameron Brink, the second overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft, have been selected to spearhead Team USA’s women’s 3×3 basketball squad at the 2024 Paris Olympics. They are set to compete alongside TCU guard Hailey Van Lith and former WNBA player Cierra Burdick, as confirmed by USA Basketball on Wednesday.
3×3 basketball is a relatively new addition to the Olympic lineup, having made its debut at the Tokyo 2020 Games. In that inaugural competition, the American women’s team secured the gold medal by defeating Russia, with a roster consisting of Stefanie Dolson, Allisha Gray, Kelsey Plum, and Jackie Young.
Though the 2024 roster lacks prior Olympic experience, many of the players are no strangers to international play. Brink, Burdick, and Van Lith were integral parts of the squad that clinched the gold medal at the 2023 World Cup in Vienna. Howard, although new to the team, is expected to integrate seamlessly due to her adaptable and dynamic playstyle.
The women’s 3×3 event in Paris will feature eight nations: Australia, Azerbaijan, Canada, China, France, Germany, Spain, and the United States. These teams will participate in a round-robin format, with the top six advancing to a single-elimination stage. The leading two teams will earn direct entry to the semifinals, while the third through sixth-placed teams will compete in an additional round to secure their spots.
Distinct from the traditional 5×5 format, 3×3 basketball is played on a halfcourt with both teams competing on the same basket. Points are scored differently, with shots inside the arc worth one point and those beyond the arc worth two. The game concludes when a team reaches 21 points or holds the lead at the end of a 10-minute period.
The games will be held at the historic Place de la Concorde, the largest public square in Paris, known for its rich history and location at the eastern end of the Champs-Élysées. This iconic venue will provide a striking backdrop for the fast-paced and thrilling Women’s 3×3 Basketball competition as Team USA aims to defend their Olympic gold and continue their legacy in this emerging sport.
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