"You just feel so proud": Team USA's Hailey Van Lith expresses happiness after winning bronze in 3x3 basketball after 0–3 start

Hailey Van Lith and Team USA women's 3x3 basketball roster made a dismal 0-3 start to their 2024 Paris Olympic campaign, dropping to the lowest spot in the pool. However, a win over Spain and a one-point win over hosts France allowed Rhyne Howard to sink a buzzer-beater against Canada to pit the USA back into medal contention.

The roster battled through China twice before falling to Spain in the semi-finals (16-18 OT). However, they defeated Canada in the third-place game to clinch the bronze medal. While it was an underwhelming journey for Team USA, Hailey Van Lith reflected on the positive aspects of the tour and anticipates a shot at gold in 2028.

"Winning a medal for your country just makes you super proud," Hailey Van Lith said after winning the bronze game. "Even after the game, I got super emotional,"she added.

"There just aren't enough words. You just feel so proud. You're just so thankful for your family and friends and everyone who cheered and supported you. If they will have me again at the next [Olympics], I'll be back," Van Lith followed.

The first-year TCU star led the USA with six points on their 16-13 win, spearheading the 7-point run that prevented them from going home empty-handed. Van Lith was arguably the most impressive Team USA player with a team-high of 47 points throughout the tourney and ranking 8th in the entire competition.

Hailey Van Lith did not like the Olympics officiating

Even though she wants to reappear in the Olympics and redeem herself, Hailey Van Lith returns home with some reservations about international 3x3 basketball.

After Team USA dropped the semi-finals against Spain, she voiced her frustration by bashing officiating at the Olympics.

"This was 1,000% BS. Those refs wanted the U.S. to lose," she said. "They were flopping left and right. They are not that good. Great job, ladies, we know who should have won."

Moreover, ESPN's insider Brian Windhorst shed light on the unusual methodologies of FIBA in 3x3 basketball.

"FIBA doesn’t really want the USA to do good at three-on-three basketball. They really want that to be for countries that can’t field five-on-five teams," Windhorst said.

With that, the insider questioned the number of qualifiers and other games of less weightage the FIBA 3x3 sees regularly.