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Los Angeles Sparks rookie Cameron Brink and TCU women’s basketball transfer Hailey Van Lith headline the USA Basketball 3×3 Women's National Team for the 2024 Olympics in Paris, as announced by the organization Wednesday. They are joined by Cierra Burdick and Atlanta Dream guard Rhyne Howard, creating a formidable lineup for the upcoming games.
Brink, Burdick and Van Lith were part of the gold-winning squad at the 2023 FIBA 3×3 World Cup, with Brink earning MVP honors. Burdick also boasts a gold medal from the 2014 World Championship for 3×3. All four players recently showcased their skills at the FIBA 3×3 Women's Series Springfield Stop, where they faced a tough defeat against Canada in the finals. Each player brings a wealth of experience from both 3×3 and 5×5 formats, having represented USA Basketball in various competitions.
Brink, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft by the Sparks, has rapidly made a name for herself with her dynamic playing style. Howard, drafted No. 1 overall by the Dream in 2022, adds significant talent and versatility to the team. Burdick, a veteran with experience playing for six different WNBA franchises, most recently the Seattle Storm in 2021, brings seasoned leadership to the roster. Van Lith, who had impactful stints at Louisville and LSU, will complete her college career at TCU this upcoming season after heading to Paris.
Team coached by Jennifer Rizzotti
“It is an honor to announce the USA Basketball 3×3 Women's National Team,” Jay Demings, USA Basketball 3×3 national team director said, per Alexa Philippou of ESPN. “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 3×3 competitions on the journey to Paris 2024.”
The team will be led by head coach Jennifer Rizzotti, with Tammi Reiss serving as her assistant. Rizzotti expressed her enthusiasm and commitment to leading the team to success.
“I say this all the time but there is no greater privilege than to represent the USA at the Olympics,” Rizzotti said. “We understand the challenge in front of us as we face tremendous talent and experienced 3×3 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.”
3×3 basketball debuted at Tokyo Olympics
The inclusion of 3×3 basketball in the Olympics, which debuted in Tokyo 2021, has added a new dimension to the games. The U.S. women's team won gold in the inaugural event, with Stefanie Dolson, Jackie Young, Kelsey Plum and Allisha Gray bringing home the top prize. The 2024 competition in Paris will feature teams from China, France, Azerbaijan, Australia, Germany, Spain and Canada. According to the most recent federation rankings, the U.S. women are ranked second in the world behind China.
3×3 basketball, inspired by street basketball, is played on a half-court with a 10-minute game clock and a 12-second shot clock. The game is fast-paced, with teams winning by either reaching 21 points first or having the lead when time expires. Field goals are worth one point, while shots made from behind the arc are worth two points.
The Olympic 3×3 event will run from July 30 to Aug. 5 in Paris.
