USA Basketball announces Dearica Hamby as Cameron Brink’s replacement for 3×3 Olympic team

Dearica Hamby, forward for the Los Angeles Sparks, has been named as the replacement for Cameron Brink, who suffered a season-ending torn ACL on June 18 for the USA women’s 3×3 basketball team.

This injury will keep Brink sidelined for the remainder of the 2024 WNBA season, leaving a critical gap in the team just ahead of the Paris Olympic Games.

Hamby is a decorated athlete in 3×3 basketball

Jay Demings, USA Basketball 3×3 national team director, expressed both concern for Brink’s recovery and optimism for Hamby’s addition.

“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 Demings.

“USA Basketball continues to keep Cameron Brink in our thoughts as she focuses on her recovery.”

Hamby is no stranger to 3×3 basketball, having showcased her skills most recently at the FIBA 3×3 Women’s Series in Springfield.

Her performance at the 2024 USA 3×3 Women’s National Team training camp secured her a spot on Team Springfield, highlighting her readiness for high-level competition.

Furthermore, her contribution to the USA’s gold medal victory at the 2023 FIBA 3×3 AmeriCup, where she was named MVP, underscores her prowess in this fast-paced format.

Hamby’s credentials extend beyond 3×3 basketball

Since 2022, she has been an integral part of the USA 5-on-5 programs, participating in national team training camps, the FIBA Women’s World Cup Qualifying, and the USA Basketball Women’s College Tour.

Her versatile experience makes her an invaluable asset to the national team.

Currently, Hamby is enjoying a standout season with the Los Angeles Sparks, averaging 17.8 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 3.5 assists.

These impressive stats follow her recognition as the WNBA Sixth Woman of the Year in 2019 and 2020, and her likely selection for the 2024 All-Star team.

The upcoming All-Star game will feature league stars against the Olympic women’s 5-on-5 team, a testament to the depth of talent in women’s basketball.

Joining Hailey Van Lith, Rhyne Howard, and Cierra Burdick, Hamby will complete a formidable 3×3 squad aiming to defend their gold medal.

The 3×3 basketball event, which made its Olympic debut in Tokyo, is set for July 30 to August 5 at Place de la Concorde during the Paris 2024 Games.

As the team gears up for the competition, the addition of Hamby promises to bring both experience and dynamic play to the court.

Her ability to perform under pressure and her familiarity with both 3×3 and 5-on-5 formats will be crucial as the USA aims to maintain its dominance in Olympic 3×3 basketball.