## USA Basketball’s Current Crisis and the Potential of Paolo Banchero in 3×3 Basketball
USA Basketball is currently facing a significant challenge, with its longstanding dominance in the sport being seriously questioned early in the competition. However, this is not an issue concerning the U.S. Men’s National Team, where superstars like LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Anthony Edwards recently secured a 2-0 record by defeating South Sudan, guaranteeing their spot in the quarterfinals. Despite some minor concerns, such as Joel Embiid’s performance at center, the U.S. is still on track to win the gold.
The problem lies in the U.S.’s overall supremacy in basketball, which is now fragmented. The first two days of the 3×3 basketball competition have been disastrous for the U.S., with both the men’s and women’s teams losing their initial two games in group play. This has put the women’s team in jeopardy of not defending their gold medal and the men’s team struggling in their Olympic debut of the event, now in its second year.
The notion of the U.S. losing in basketball is unsettling for many. The NBA’s involvement might seem a logical solution, though it remains unlikely. Despite being somewhat of an afterthought in the basketball world, the 3×3 competition is an arena where NBA players could excel, and the U.S. should showcase its basketball depth.
### The Nature of 3×3 Basketball
3×3 Basketball, as the name suggests, involves three players on each side, played on a half-court. The Olympics have incorporated this format to attract younger athletes and audiences, featuring it alongside other youth-oriented sports like skateboarding, BMX freestyle, and breakdancing at La Concorde park in Paris.
Many individuals have played some form of 3-on-3 pick-up basketball, making this a grassroots-level competition. The games are played outdoors on a half-court, though not on asphalt like many local parks. The format differs significantly from the traditional 5-on-5, long associated with the Olympics.
Debuting at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, 3×3 Basketball has received positive feedback. Each game lasts about 30 minutes and is played for 10 minutes or until a team scores 21 points, with scoring by 1s and 2s instead of 2s and 3s, and a 12-second shot clock. This format ensures quick, continuous play, with minimal stoppages except for frequent fouls.
Currently, the U.S. is not using NBA players for the 3×3 competition, sticking with the qualifying team members, which includes familiar names like college legend Jimmer Fredette and former Florida Gator Canyon Barry. The men’s team consists of players all over 30, while the women’s team mixes WNBA and college players, including Dearica Hamby, Rhyne Howard, Cierra Burdick, and Hailey Van Lith.
Despite the initial setbacks for both U.S. teams, the competition remains open. The talent gap is less pronounced in 3×3, and the games can be chaotic due to the short shot clock and limited space. However, the right team can dominate, and many NBA players could thrive in this setting.
Paolo Banchero’s Fit in 3×3 Basketball
Paolo Banchero, a standout player, appears perfectly suited for the 3×3 format. This game thrives on space and player motion, requiring quick attacks and defensive switches to avoid being trapped in pick and rolls without help defense. With a 12-second shot clock, there’s no time for elaborate plays, making swift offensive moves essential.
Teams often use backdoor cuts or slips to create mismatches and get into the paint, with possessions frequently turning into isolations and dribble moves. Versatility is crucial, needing players who can both set screens and handle the ball, attack the basket, and exploit mismatches. They must also defend the perimeter and the paint effectively.
Banchero, already a formidable matchup in the NBA, would dominate in 3×3. His ability to bully defenders to get his shots or force his way to the basket would be even more effective in this format. The game’s scoring by 1s and 2s makes getting to the bonus and the foul line critical.
Other NBA players like Jalen Suggs, Franz Wagner, and Wendell Carter could also excel in 3×3 due to their versatility. This version of basketball demands quick decision-making, speedy attacks, and the ability to take shots under pressure, aligning well with Jamahl Mosley’s offensive philosophy.
### Future Prospects for NBA Players in 3×3 Basketball
Currently, NBA players are not participating in 3×3 due to FIBA’s requirement that two of the four players on each team be ranked in the top 10 in sanctioned 3×3 competitions, which no NBA players have pursued. Additionally, the NBA has shown little interest in the 3×3 format, partly to avoid undermining the qualification efforts of other players, like those from the G-League who qualify the U.S. for the World Cup.
However, given the NBA’s influence on FIBA, if there were a desire to include NBA players in 3×3, it could likely be achieved. For now, Banchero’s primary focus is on making the Senior Men’s National Team for the 5-on-5 competition, where he is expected to play a significant role in future tournaments, including the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.
In summary, while USA Basketball faces challenges in maintaining its dominance, especially in the 3×3 format, players like Paolo Banchero could be pivotal in showcasing the country’s basketball talent. The 3×3 format, with its unique demands and rapid play, provides an exciting alternative where versatile NBA players could potentially shine, ensuring the U.S. remains a powerhouse in the basketball world.
