LOS ANGELES – USA Basketball announced Monday that Los Angeles Sparks forward Dearica Hamby will replace her teammate Cameron Brink, who suffered an ACL tear earlier this month, on the U.S. 3×3 team for the upcoming 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.
The two-time WNBA Sixth Woman of the Year will join Hailey Van Lith, Rhyne Howard, and Cierra Burdick in the 3×3 event to defend the United States’ gold medal won in the inaugural Tokyo 2020 Olympics 3×3 competition.
“It is an honor to announce Dearica Hamby’s addition to the USA 3×3 Women’s National Team, and we look forward to getting to work as a squad very soon,” said Jay Demings, USA Basketball 3×3 national team director. “USA Basketball continues to keep Cameron Brink in our thoughts as she focuses on her recovery.”
Brink has previously expressed her appreciation for Hamby, noting that the WNBA veteran helped her adjust to the league’s style of play during training camp and build her confidence in taking on the pros.
One of Hamby’s goals this season was to make the Olympic 3×3 roster. When the official roster was announced without her name on it, Hamby said she was disappointed and felt she should have made the team.
“I think that should have been something originally done,” Hamby said. “Cam and I both should have been on that team. I thought it was a no-brainer, but the committee is the committee.”
Hamby played on the 2023 FIBA 3×3 AmeriCup team in Puerto Rico, where she helped Team USA bring home the gold. Hamby was named tournament MVP after averaging 6.6 points, 7.0 rebounds, and leading the team in total assists with 10.
With the Sparks this season, Hamby is averaging 17.8 points per game, 10.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 1.5 steals. In addition to her impressive stat line, Hamby stands at No. 10 in All-Star voting with 97,094 votes.
“I’m honored to be chosen to represent the United States at the Paris Olympics and excited to compete for a gold medal,” Hamby said in a statement.
The USA 3×3 Women’s national team is slated to compete from July 30 to August 5, 2024, at Place de la Concorde in Paris, France.
Amara Bullard is a Marketing + Media student at Loyola University in Chicago aspiring to work in basketball operations.
