Cameron Brink, Rhyne Howard, Sierra Burdick and Haley Van Lith will represent the United States in 3×3 basketball at the Paris Olympics this summer.
Brink, Burdick and Van Lith led the United States to a gold medal at the 2023 FIBA World Cup. Burdick was also on the gold medal-winning team in 2014. Howard played in the 3×3 for the U.S. for the first time during training camp in Springfield, Massachusetts, in April.
“We are honored to announce the USA Basketball 3×3 Women's National Team,” said USA Basketball 3×3 National Team Director Jay Demings. “It's an exciting process as we assemble the roster that will represent our country on the world stage. We'd like to thank all of the players who attended training camps or took part in 3×3 competitions on our road to Paris 2024.”
The sport requires that two of the four team members be ranked in the top 10 in the country by FIBA rankings, and Burdick, Brink and Van Lith are all in that position.
“I am thrilled to have been selected and am honored to represent the United States at the Paris Olympics this year,” said Brink. “My experience at the 3×3 training camp helped me adjust to the league and now I can't wait to start preparing for competition with Sierra, Rhyne and Haley.”
Brink plays for the Los Angeles Sparks and Howard plays for the Atlanta Dream.
Burdick is no longer in the WNBA, but Van Lith transferred to TCU this spring after one season at Louisiana State University. She previously played at the University of Louisville.
Which country won the women's 3×3 basketball tournament at the Tokyo Olympics?
The U.S. team, comprised of Alisha Gray, Stephanie Dolson, Jackie Young and Kelsey Plumb, won the 3×3 title for the first time at the Tokyo Olympics.
The team will be coached by Jennifer Rizzotti, president of the WNBA's Connecticut Sun, with Rhode Island's Tammy Rice serving as her assistant.
“As I always say, there is no greater honor than representing the United States at the Olympic Games,” Rizzotti said. “We understand the challenge as we face off against incredibly talented and experienced 3×3 teams. I am confident that this roster, with its experience, versatility and dedication to USA Basketball excellence, gives us what we need to compete for a gold medal again. We can't wait to get started.”
How will 3×3 basketball be played in the Olympics?
3×3 games are played on a half court with a 10 minute clock and a 12 second shot clock. Games are played to 21 points with 1 and 2 point baskets. The first team to reach 21 points or lead when time expires wins the game.
“The thing I remember most is that every game is so unique,” Van Lith told The Associated Press in April about 3×3. “Every game has a completely different strategy. You can't thrive in 3-on-3 as a one-specialty player. You have to be able to defend every position for at least a few seconds.”
The U.S. has yet to announce its 5-on-5 roster, and Howard was named to that team, but playing on both teams would be virtually impossible.
