Team
LOS ANGELES–– USA Basketball announced today that WNBA Champion, two-time All-Star and two-time Sixth Woman of the Year Sparks forward Dearica Hamby has been named to the USA Basketball 3×3 Women’s National Team set to compete at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. Hamby joins the four-woman roster, which includes Cierra Burdick, Rhyne Howard and Hailey Van Lith, as an injury replacement for Sparks teammate Cameron Brink.
“I’m honored to be chosen to represent the United States at the Paris Olympics and excited to compete for a gold medal,” said Hamby.
Hamby has previous USA Basketball 5-on-5 and 3×3 experience. Most recently, she made her FIBA 3×3 Women’s Series debut at the Springfield Stop as a member of team Springfield. Hamby was named to team Springfield at the conclusion of the 2024 USA 3×3 Women’s National Team training camp, which preceded the Springfield Stop. In 2023, Hamby was a member of the gold medal winning USA squad that stood atop the podium at the FIBA 3×3 AmeriCup. Additionally, she was recognized as the tournament MVP. Hamby has been involved in USA 5-on-5 programs since 2022, having participated in USA Women’s National Team training camps (2022), FIBA Women’s World Cup Qualifying (2022) and the USA Basketball Women’s College Tour (2023).
Hamby is having a career season for the Sparks, leading the WNBA in double-doubles (11) and ranking second in defensive rebounds per game (8.8) and third in rebounds per contest (10.4). She also ranks 10th in points per game (17.8), tied for 11th in three-point percentage (40.0), 12th in field-goal percentage (50.9) and 14th in steals per game (1.5). Earlier this season, the versatile forward was named Western Conference Player of the Week for the week ending June 9.
“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 and member of the USA Basketball 3×3 women’s selection committee. “USA Basketball continues to keep Cameron Brink in our thoughts as she focuses on her recovery.”
“We are so happy for Dearica and her family! The Sparks are proud of how she consistently shows up as a leader, a teammate, and a competitor all while consistently producing on the court,” said Sparks General Manager Raegan Pebley. “We are excited to cheer for her and the 3×3 team as they compete for gold in Paris.”
Last week, FIBA also announced the Paris 2024 3×3 schedules, featuring eight teams in both men’s and women’s. For more information, click here. The Paris 2024 Olympics are set for July 26-August 11, with the 3×3 basketball competition slated for July 30-August 5 at Place de la Concorde.
To apply for 2024 USA Basketball Showcase accreditation, which includes training camp for the USA 3×3 Women’s National Team in Phoenix, visit sportssystems.com/usabasketball. For additional media information, click here.
ABOUT THE LOS ANGELES SPARKS
Founded in 1996, the Los Angeles Sparks are one of three original franchises in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA). The Sparks have won three WNBA Championships (2001, 2002, 2016), and have qualified for the playoffs in 20 of their 27 seasons. The Los Angeles Sparks are dedicated to ensuring each home game at Crypto.com Arena has a championship-level entertainment experience while showcasing the best female athletes from around the world on the court.
ABOUT USA BASKETBALL 3X3 COMPETITION
In total, USA Basketball will be represented by four teams at the 2024 Olympic Games, including 5-on-5 men and women and 3×3 men and women. Different than 5-on-5, 3×3 is played on a half-court with a 10-minute game clock and 12-second shot clock. Play is continuous, as teams “clear” the ball behind the 2-point line following a made basket, defensive rebound or steal. The first team to score 21 points via 1-point field goals or 2-pointers behind the arc is victorious; or if time expires then the team leading wins.
