America Dominates Olympic Basketball, but What About ‘3×3’?

The game is played to 21 points, with ordinary baskets worth 1 and long-range shots 2, essentially doubling the value of what in ordinary basketball is a 3-point shot.

Having everyone be able to shoot 3-point shots is a major plus, even if they are only worth two points. “It’s hard to get to 21 with 1-point shots,” Barry said.

The game can be physical, too. Players cannot foul out, though teams that accumulate more than six team fouls start giving up free throws and eventually technical fouls.

“You need to be a thinker,” Demings said. “There’s no coaching during the game”

“I.Q. is very important,” Jones said.

U.S.A. Basketball has a lot of options. Take a pre-existing team, like the New York-based one Jones plays on, or mix it up. Go big or go small. “We’ve had all types of teams,” Demings said. “We’ve had a team full of mostly wing players. We’ve seen teams of mostly guards who shoot.”

“Mostly we want a player who can do a little bit of everything. Specialists don’t really work. ”

It remains to be seen whether three-on-three basketball can stand out in the crowded Olympics field — surfing, skateboarding and other events are also joining the lineup this summer.

But many of the candidates are sold on a game that is played outside, has great passing, cutting and screens, and only lasts 20 minutes.

“It’s straight intensity,” Plum said.

Article source: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/16/sports/3x3.html?emc=rss&partner=rss