3×3 Basketball
The fast paced street-style game of 3×3 basketball has been shaking up the scene at the 2024 Paris Summer Olympic Games, capturing the attention of both fans and athletes. Around the world, 3×3 basketball has brought a fresh and dynamic energy to the Games, differentiating itself from the traditional basketball game. Jake Gilliam, an English 9 teacher and boys assistant varsity basketball coach believes that,
“Playing 3×3 is something we actually like doing with our guys to kind of just let them know how to play. It shows 3×3 is a little more of a park pickup, less serious version of the game, and some of the fundamentals is spacing and movement because both are really on display during the game.”
3×3 basketball was recently introduced to the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games. The game consists of three people per team on a half-sized basketball court. To win, a team must have the most points at the end of the regulation or score 21 points which ends the game. Not only is there only 15 minutes on the clock, but 3×3 does not stop throughout the 15 minutes of gameplay. 3×3 basketball becomes a fast-paced, high-scoring game that leaves viewers on the edge of their seats. Varsity basketball point guard, Cody Shen (12) reflects that,
“3×3 is a lot more focused on endurance and energy rather than strategy, like 5×5 is. Since 3×3 doesn’t stop for anything, players have to be able to play non-stop and have great endurance in order to keep up with their peers,” Shen said.
The future of 3×3 basketball in the Olympics looks promising. Its previous success in Tokyo has paved the way for its continued presence in future Games, with many predicting that the sport will only grow in popularity.
The inclusion of 3×3 basketball has opened doors for athletes interested in a variation of traditional basketball and has given these athletes a spotlight through the Olympics. 3×3 basketball becomes even more interesting as there are no current WNBA and NBA players playing 3×3 professionally. Although traditional professional basketball players are allowed to play 3×3, there are many eligibility rules. Each country’s roster must have two players ranked Top Ten in the country and two in the Top Fifty. Additionally, FIBA, the International Basketball Federation, requires that players must play consistently and in the FIBA 3×3 World Tour or the FIBA 3×3 Women’s Series as well as any challenger events. These rules cause problems for NBA or WNBA players that want to try out because not only is there not enough interest, but players do not have enough time to play both sports.
At this year’s Olympics, Germany’s women’s 3×3 team won gold, while Spain placed second with the U.S. third. For the men’s side, the Netherlands won first place, France took second and Lithuania came in third.
Although 3×3 basketball is not as popular as traditional basketball, the Olympic stage has provided a platform for 3×3 basketball to reach new heights. The sports exposure on such a global scale has inspired a new generation of players and fans, ensuring that 3×3 basketball will remain a vibrant part of the Olympic program for years to come. Savi Ayala (11) a point guard on the JV girls basketball team at the school has grown up playing 3×3 at the park with her friends and family.
“Playing 3×3 basketball has really changed my life. The fast pace forces me to think quickly and make decisions on the spot, which has helped me in other areas, too. It’s made me more agile and stronger, and I love how intense and exciting the game is,” Ayala said.
3×3 basketball’s inclusion in the Olympic Games reflects the sport’s journey from local street play to the global stage. 3×3 basketball’s fast-paced and thrilling nature is unique to the game originating as a sport played for fun, while adding a fresh and different sport to the Olympic lineup. As 3×3 basketball continues to grow, the sport will leave a lasting impact on the Olympic Games and the world of sports.
by Kai Stzelecki
