When it was announced by the Olympic Committee that 3×3 basketball was being added to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, there was some questions as to why and was it a good fit to begin with.
The qualifying process was far from easy, as the powerhouse teams have been in Europe for the last several years. Qualifying for one of the 8 spots in the Olympics would be no easy task for USA basketball. In fact, that proved to be the case as the USA Men’s 3×3 team failed to qualify.
The USA Women’s 3×3 team proved to be pre-Olympic top seed as they won their qualifying tournament in quick fashion. This squad, coached by women basketball legend Kara Lawson (Duke University), has captured the attention and hearts of all who have watched them play. Team members Kelsey Plum (Las Vegas Aces/Washington/Poway, Calif.), Allisha Gray (Dallas Wings/South Carolina/Sandersville, Ga.), Stephanie Dolson (Chicago Sky/Connecticut/Port Jervis, N.Y.), and Jackie Young (Las Vegas Aces/Notre Dame/Princeton, Ind.) have jelled into a terrific team that plays well together.
In searching Twitter for comments on the Olympics thus far, the most common word used is FUN. After each game of 3×3 in the Olympics, men or women, the comments reveal that people are finding this version of basketball fun, exciting, super-fast paced and made for TV. With games running 10 minutes or first to 21 points, the fast action and non-stop play is indeed, FUN to watch. This USA 3×3 team fulfils that “Fun to watch” label 100%.
We are not surprised, as we have known this all along. And that’s why we sought to bring Hoop It Up 3×3 to SoCal. This wave of interest is just beginning. Jump on this wave now and get in on the FUN.
