While Team USA is well on their way to earning a medal at the 2024 Olympic Games, going 3-0 in group play with wins over Serbia, South Sudan, and Puerto Rico, the 3×3 squad is already eliminated.
Led by former BYU star Jimmer Fredette, Team USA went just 2-5 and finished with nine points, tied with Poland and only ahead of China. The team’s last chance was against the Netherlands on Sunday, and with Fredette sidelined with a hip injury the squad sputtered to a 21-6 loss.
It’s devastating for Fredette, who could miss six months, but many wondered why USA basketball didn’t field a team of NBA players to secure a gold medal, or even college stars.
Fielding a team of NBA players doesn’t really work, as the process to qualify for the olympics involves events that take place during the NBA season, although it could work in a college setting.
It’s too late now, but could a 3×3 team of college basketball teammates win gold? We picked five programs and compiled a four-man roster of current teammates to see who might be able to compete for a medal in 3×3.
All players are eligible to represent the United States, which eliminated many potential stars like VJ Edgecombe, Khaman Malauch, Ryan Nembhard, and Norchad Omier.