- The 3×3 game is played on half court with a 10-minute clock and a 12-second shot clock.
- There are only 1 and 2 point baskets: the first team to get 21 points wins
- United States won inaugural 3×3 title at Tokyo 2021 Games with Kelsey Plum
Cameron Brink couldn’t hide her emotions upon discovering she was selected for the USA at the 2024 Paris Olympics, as the WNBA star broke down in tears during the reveal.
Heartwarming images shared to the 24-year-old’s Instagram on Tuesday showed the moment the Los Angeles Sparks forward found out she had made the cut for the Star and Stripes 3×3 women’s team, while national team manager, Jen Demings surprised her in Arizona. The Sparks had played the Phoenix Mercury two days earlier.
“Oh my God, oh my God,” Brink said as he hugged Demings and accepted his No. 8 jersey. ‘Thank you.’
“I am very grateful to have been selected and it is an honor to represent the United States at the Paris Olympics this year,” she also said, according to The Associated Press.
“The 3×3 training camp experience helped me with my transition to the league, and now I can’t wait to start preparing for games with Cierra (Burdick), Rhyne (Howard) and Hailey (Van Lith).”
Cameron Brink broke down in tears upon learning she had made the cut for the U.S. Olympic women’s 3×3 team this summer in Paris.
Howard plays guard for the Atlanta Dream. Burdick, a forward, is no longer in the WNBA, while Van Lith, a point guard, is still in college and transferred to TCU last spring.
The sport requires two of the four team members to be in the top 10 in the country in terms of total points accumulated in the FIBA rankings. Burdick, Brink and Van Lith are all in that classification.
The United States won the inaugural 3×3 title at the Tokyo Games with Allisha Gray, Stefanie Dolson, Jackie Young and Kelsey Plum.
The team will be coached by Jennifer Rizzotti, president of the WNBA’s Connecticut Sun. Tammi Reiss of Rhode Island will help.
“I say this all the time, but there is no greater privilege than representing the United States in the Olympic Games,” Rizzotti said. ‘We understand the challenge ahead as we face tremendous talent and experienced 3×3 teams.
Brink is one of the biggest stars in the WNBA and plays as a forward for the Los Angeles Sparks.
‘I’m confident this roster gives us what we need to compete for another gold medal with USA Basketball’s experience, versatility and commitment to excellence. I can’t wait to get started.’
The 3×3 game is played on half court with a 10-minute clock and a 12-second shot clock. Games are played to 21 with 1 and 2 point baskets. The first team to reach 21 or is leading when time runs out wins the game.
“What I remember most is that every game is unique,” Van Lith told the AP in April about 3v3. ‘The strategy from one game to the next is very different. You can’t specialize in one thing and do it as a 3-on-3 player. You have to be able to defend each position for at least a couple of seconds.’
The United States has not yet announced its 5-on-5 roster. Howard was also in consideration for that team, but it would be virtually impossible to play on both teams.