Who’s Carrying the Torch for Team USA in Women’s 3x3 Basketball?

The 2024 Paris Olympic Games are just around the corner, and for fans of women’s basketball, there’s a lot to be excited about. The U.S. Olympic Women’s 3x3 Basketball Team has been announced, and this roster is looking to repeat as gold medal winners in the Women’s 3x3 Basketball competition.

Hailey Van Lith in action

Cameron Brink, Cierra Burdick, Rhyne Howard, and Hailey Van Lith will be repping the stars and stripes in Paris. This talented group of women brings a mix of experience and youth to the table, with Brink, Burdick, and Van Lith having won gold at the 2023 FIBA 3x3 World Cup.

A Star-Studded Lineup

Burdick, 30, is the only selected player for the U.S. Team who currently holds multiple World Cup titles, winning the World Championship in 2014. She has had an impressive collegiate and professional career, playing for several teams in the WNBA, including the Atlanta Dream, the New York Liberty, and the Phoenix Mercury.

Van Lith, 22, is a rising star in the world of women’s basketball. A collegiate point guard, she has recently transferred to TCU from LSU. She has a reputation for being a fierce competitor on the court and is sure to bring that same energy to the Olympic Games.

Howard, 24, plays in the WNBA for the Atlanta Dream and was the first overall pick in the 2022 draft. She was named WNBA Rookie of the Year that same year and has been making waves in the basketball world ever since.

A Winning Formula

By FIBA rules, each Olympic 3x3 team must have at least two members in that nation’s top 10 FIBA ranking. Burdick, Brink, and Van Lith all qualify on that basis, making them a formidable team.

Winning at the Paris Games would mark Team USA’s second gold medal in the sport since the Tokyo Olympics in 2020, when the event initially premiered.

Coaching the Dream Team

Jennifer Rizzotti will serve as head coach for the U.S. Team, with Tammi Reiss as assistant. Rizzotti has a wealth of experience coaching at the collegiate and professional levels and is well-equipped to lead this talented group of women to victory.

“I say this all the time, but there is no greater privilege than to represent the USA at the Olympics,” Rizzotti stated. “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 U.S. Olympic Women’s 3x3 Basketball Team

With this star-studded lineup and experienced coaching staff, the U.S. Olympic Women’s 3x3 Basketball Team is looking to make a big impact at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. Will they be able to repeat as gold medal winners? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure - this team is ready to give it their all and make their country proud.