Brian Windhorst, an esteemed ESPN Senior Writer, shared exciting news on March 26, 2024, at 10:53 AM ET, revealing the selection of the USA Basketball men’s 3×3 national team for the upcoming Paris Olympics. The team, comprising Canyon Barry, Jimmer Fredette, Kareem Maddox, and Dylan Travis, aims to build on their impressive silver medal victory at the 2023 World Cup.
Canyon Barry, known for his 3×3 expertise, has a rich basketball heritage as the son of NBA Hall of Famer Rick Barry. His experience spans four years in the NBA G League and international play. Jimmer Fredette, celebrated for his remarkable shooting skills, has contributed to five NBA teams over six seasons and has a substantial international career. Kareem Maddox, a forward with a successful tenure at Princeton and abroad, boasts five gold medals with Team USA since 2019, highlighting his dominance in international competitions. Dylan Travis, an NCAA Division II national champion with Florida Southern, has also adorned his career with numerous medals representing Team USA over the past four years.
Joe Lewandowski, the Team USA coach, expressed his pride and excitement for the team, emphasizing the honor of representing one’s country at the Olympics. He commended the players for their hard work and dedication to 3×3 basketball, underscoring the high standards of USA Basketball and the team’s aspirations for gold.
The 3×3 basketball format, distinct from the traditional 5-on-5 game, is played on a half-court with a 10-minute game clock and a 12-second shot clock. Following baskets, rebounds, or steals, teams must “clear” the ball behind a 2-point line. The game’s winner is the first team to score 21 points or the team leading at the end of the game clock, offering a fast-paced and exciting variation of basketball.