After Jackie Young, Kelsey Plum, Allisha Gray and Stefanie Dolson captured the inaugural 3×3 women’s basketball gold medal the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Rhyne Howard, Cameron Brink, Hailey Van Lith and Cierra Burdick will attempt to defend the Americans’ 3×3 gold at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.
On Wednesday, USA Basketball named Howard, Brink, Van Lith and Burdick to the USA Basketball 3×3 Women’s National Team for the 2024 Olympics.
Together, the four offer the versatility and adaptability necessary to succeed in the 3×3 setting. The No. 1 pick in the 2022 WNBA Draft and a two-time All-Star for the Atlanta Dream, Howard injects the American side with star power; she’s an explosive offensive talent with the ability to make plays defensively. The No. 2 pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft by the Los Angeles Sparks after a decorated collegiate career at Stanford, Brink not only is a premier paint protector, but also threatens on the offensive end as a ball handler and shooter. Set to finish her college career at TCU after stints at LSU and Louisville, Van Lith is a three-level scoring guard capable of playing on or off the ball. A standout at Tennessee from 2011-15 who has had several cups of coffee with WNBA franchises, Burdick is a long-tenured 3×3 veteran who provides high-floor, connective play on both sides of the ball.
The four played together at the FIBA 3×3 Women’s Series Springfield Stop in April, where they finished second to the Canadian squad. Brink, Van Lith and Burdick represented the United States at the 2023 FIBA 3×3 World Cup, winning gold with Brink earning MVP honors.
Jennifer Rizzotti will coach the team, with Tammi Reiss serving as an assistant. Addressing the task ahead for her team, Rizzotti said in a statement:
I say this all the time but there is no greater privilege than to represent the USA at the Olympics. We understand that challenge in front of us as we face tremendous talent and experienced 3×3 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.