The 3×3 Olympics team for the USA finally gets good news. After two major injuries one after the other last week, the team has finally announced who will replace LA Sparks’ Cameron Brink. Surprisingly, it is not Caitlin Clark or Angel Reese. In fact, it is no one from the 2024 draft class. However, this choice not only makes sense but also brings the much-needed experience. Hence, in place of the 2024 National Defensive Player, her very own WNBA teammate and mentor, Dearica Hamby, will go to Paris.
On June 18, Cameron Brink fell to the floor awkwardly and injured herself. Later, it was announced that the second overall pick from Standford would be missing the entire 2024 WNBA season. After her injury update of torn ACL, not only did the Sparks have to quickly change their game plans but also the Olympics team. Brink was supposed to be a part of the 3×3 event in Paris. Since then, team USA has searched for her substitution. And they have found one now.
Team USA announced on June 24, 2024, that Dearica Hamby will be joining the roster. The official account of ESPNW on Instagram shared the same. They captioned the post, “Breaking: Dearica Hamby has been named to the USA 3×3 Olympic roster, USA Basketball announced. Hamby will replace Cameron Brink, who is out with a torn ACL.”
The roster comprises Rhyne Howard of the Atlanta Dream, Hailey Van Lith, and Cierra Burdick. Sadly, Howard twisted her ankle vs the Lynx as well. While she is indefinitely out, she might join the rest for the Olympics. The biggest shock that might come after Hamby’s selection is the fact that Caitlin Clark or Angel Reese did not even come into consideration. But there is a reason why.
Making the case: Why Dearica Hamby over Caitlin Clark or Angel Reese
For firsts, there are quite a few differences between the traditional 5×5 format and the 3×3 event. Moreover, the specific rules for the format make choosing just any player all the more impossible. The NCAA’s all-time leading scorer may be coming at the top for average scoring among the rookies, she does not have any experience related to the 3×3 format. On the other hand, Angel Reese does have the experience from the 2023 FIBA Women’s AmeriCup in Mexico. Her team won a silver medal then. Nevertheless, it is not enough to get her into the Olympic squad.
Dearica Hamby was one of the obvious choices because of two reasons. One, she has previously represented USA’s 3×3 team in the 2023 AmeriCup Tournament. Moreover, for her tie-breaking final shot, they won a gold medal, handing Brazil a loss. For her immaculate performance, she also swept away the AmeriCup MVP award.
Undeniably, more than anything, many basketball fans would have loved to see Caitlin Clark in the USA jersey after her snub from the 5×5 team. Angel Reese’s fans would have loved to see her in Paris as well. However, after Cameron Brink’s sad news, Dearica Hamby surely comes as a refreshing and positive update for Team USA.
Stay tuned for more such updates, and to follow what Shaq’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, has to say about the infamous Shaq-Kobe feud, Caitlin Clark’s Olympic snub, and more, watch this video.
