- The 3x3 game is played on a halfcourt with a 10-min clock & 12-sec shot clock
- There are only 1-point and 2-point baskets - the first team to score 21 points win
- The U.S. won the inaugural 3x3 title in the 2021 Tokyo Games with Kelsey Plum
Cameron Brink couldn't hide her emotions upon her discovery at being selected for the US at the 2024 Paris Olympics, as the WNBA star broke down in tears during the revelation.
Heartwarming footage shared on the 24-year-old's Instagram, Tuesday, showed the moment when the Los Angeles Sparks forward learned that she made the cut for the Star and Stripes 3x3 women's team, as national team director Jen Demings surprised her in Arizona. The Sparks had played against the Phoenix Mercury, two days prior.
'Oh, my God, oh, my God,' Brink said as she hugged Demings and accepted her No. 8 jersey. 'Thank you.'
'I'm so grateful to be selected and it's an honor to represent the United States at the Paris Olympics this year,' she also said, per The Associated Press.
'The 3×3 training camp experience helped me with my transition into the league, and now I can't wait to start preparing for the games with Cierra [Burdick], Rhyne [Howard] and Hailey [Van Lith].'
Cameron Brink burst into tears upon learning that she made the cut for Team USA's women's 3x3 Olympics team this summer in Paris
Howard plays as a guard for the Atlanta Dream. Burdick - a forward- isn't in the WNBA anymore while Van Lith - a point guard - is still in college and transferred to TCU this past spring.
The sport requires that two of the four members of the team be in country's top 10 for total points accumulated in FIBA rankings. Burdick, Brink and Van Lith are all ranked that high.
The U.S. won the inaugural 3x3 title in 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 assist.
'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.
Brink is one of the WNBA's biggest stars and plays as a forward for the Los Angeles Sparks
'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.'
The 3x3 game is played on a halfcourt with a 10-minute clock and 12-second shot clock. Games are played to 21 with 1-point and 2-point baskets. The first team to get to 21 or be leading when time expires wins the game.
'What I remember most is that every game is so unique,' Van Lith told the AP in April about 3x3. 'The strategy from game to game is so different. You can't specialize in one thing and make it as a player in 3 on 3. You have to be able to guard every position for at least a couple of seconds.'
The U.S. hasn't announced its 5-on-5 roster yet. Howard was in consideration for that team as well, but it would be virtually impossible to play on both teams.
