The 2024 3x3 Olympic roster will feature Cameron Brink, Cierra Burdick, Rhyne Howard, and Hailey Van Lith.
USA Basketball has announced it's starting 2024 Women's National 3x3 team. Headlined by Cameron Brink, the roster will include Rhyne Howard, Hailey Van Lith, and Cierra Burdick. Selected by the committee, the Olympic Games will take place in Paris. And what a complete, dominant, and versatile roster this will be.
One year ago, Brink, Van Lith, and Burdick led USA to a gold medal in the 2023 FIBA 3x3 World Cup. With a combination of veteran and youthful leadership, the chemistry will only improve. For Van Lith and Burdick, they've shared the court since the 2022 World Cup.
And watching the player's reactions to their calling was a deeply emotional experience on social media.
Brink, 22, was selected second overall by the Los Angeles Sparks in the 2024 WNBA Draft. A four-year player out of Stanford, Brink is averaging 8.8 points, 5.4 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.1 steals in her rookie year. Known for her defensive prowess, Brink has certainly not disappointed at the pro level. Second in the WNBA in total blocks (21), No. 22 leads all rookies in that category and ranks third in rebounds among rookies. Brink is one of the most elite rim protectors in the league, leading the pack in defensive rebounds per game. Averaging 2.6 blocks per game, Brink's defense will be critical, especially in a 3x3 type play.
Scoring a career-high 21 points against the Fever last week, the Stanford alum was named the 2023 3x3 FIBA World Cup MVP after leading her team to a Gold Medal. Additionally, she was a member of the 2018 FIBA U17 and 2019 U19 Women's World Cup teams. In bringing dexterity on the offensive end, Brink is a floor spacer who can not only shoot beyond the perimeter but post-up opponents as well. The x-factor will be her ability of grab the offensive boards.
Jennifer Rizzotti, President of the Connecticut Sun, is set to coach the 2024 USA 3x3 Women's Basketball team. This week, Rizzotti expressed her excitement in a press release:
“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.”
USA Women's advance to the @fiba3x3 World Cup Final after defeating China in semifinal play. The ladies will compete against the winner of France vs Australia. #3x3WC @usab3x3 pic.twitter.com/MizZxyrvQh
— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) June 4, 2023
For Van Lith, it's been a wavering year for the guard. Having spent her first three years with Louisville, the Washington native took her talents to Baton Rouge to chase a National Championship under coach Kim Mulkey. Unfortunately, the LSU Tigers fell short of that goal against Iowa in the Elite 8, and Van Lith experienced playing a position outside her comfort zone. Surrounded by Angel Reese, Aneesah Morrow, Flau'jae Johnson, Mikaylah Williams, Van Lith took on a less prominent role.
Now, with one year left of eligibility, Van Lith officially declared her transfer to TCU for her final collegiate season. A remarkable scorer, the guard averaged 19.7 points per game, which ranked her no. 24 in the nation in 2022-2023 with Louisville. Named All-ACC player at Lousiville, Van-Lith has a total of five gold medals between 5-on-5 and 3x3 games. Suitable for 3x3, Van Lith has the ability to score in a multitude of ways.
Howard, selected No. 1 overall in the 2022 WNBA is now in her third season with the Atlanta Dream. One of the more dominant guards in the league, Howards been a two-way force, and will leave opponents checking their ankles. A two-time All-Star, the 6 foot 2 guard is just 24 years old. Having taken place in training camp earlier this year, the Dream guard shined in Belgium. Out of the entire roster, Howard has the most versatility, both on the offensive and defensive side of the ball. Howard is coming off a double-double, and five-steal performance, against the Chicago Sky on Saturday.
This block felt PERSONAL!!! 😈 @cameronbrink22 @FIBA3x3 pic.twitter.com/uvyTAUsAPS
— Ballislife Womens Basketball (@ballislifewbb_) July 2, 2023
No stranger to USA Basketball, Burdick has been part of USA Women's Basketball since 2009. The former Tennessee Lady Vol played 56 professional games played in the WNBA, as a member of the six teams. A mix of veteran leadership and skills, Burdick has won three gold medals throughout her illustrious USA Olympic career. With extensive experience in 3x3 basketball, Burdick was a member of the 2023 FIBA 3x3 World Cup team, and a gold medalist in 2014.
According the USA Basketball, different than 5-on-5, 3x3 is played on a half-court with a 10-minute game clock and 12-second shot clock. Play is continuous, as teams "clear" the ball behind the 2-point line following a made basket, defensive rebound or steal. The first team to score 21 points via 1-point field goals or 2-pointers behind the arc is victorious; or if time expires then the team leading wins. It also helps, she has a longstanding relationship with coach Jen Rizzotti.
The 3x3 made its Olympic debut at the Tokyo Games back in 2021. An exciting yet challenging style of basketball, Rizzotti and company will make their Paris debut in late July, early August.
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Sara Jane Gamelli is a full-time Sportswriter, Content Creator and Social Media Manager for Ballislife Bets. She has a focus on the Women's Basketball and the NBA. Sara Jane currently resides in Connecticut/NYC area with her Cat and Dog. SJ has her undergraduate degree from the University of Connecticut in Economics, with a minor in business administration.
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