Los Angeles Sparks forward Dearica Hamby has been selected to join the U.S. 3×3 women’s Olympic team as a replacement for her injured teammate, Cameron Brink, according to an announcement from USA Basketball on Monday.
Earlier in June, Brink was named to the Olympic squad but tragically sustained a season-ending anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in her left knee during a game against Connecticut on June 18. This unfortunate incident opened up a spot on the team, which has now been filled by Hamby.
Jay Demings, the USA Basketball 3×3 national team director, expressed his enthusiasm and confidence in Hamby’s capabilities in a statement. “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. He also mentioned that, “USA Basketball continues to keep Cameron Brink in our thoughts as she focuses on her recovery.”
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Hamby brings a wealth of experience to the team, having previously represented USA Basketball in the 3×3 format at the 2023 FIBA AmeriCup, where she contributed to the team’s gold medal victory.
Additionally, she has been involved in several training camps for the U.S. 5-on-5 team, showcasing her versatility and commitment to the sport at multiple levels.
In her professional career, Hamby has been a standout player in the WNBA.
Since being selected as the No. 6 pick in the 2015 WNBA draft out of Wake Forest by San Antonio, which later became the Las Vegas franchise, Hamby has made significant strides.
She earned the WNBA Sixth Player of the Year award in 2019 and 2020 with the Aces, and was part of the 2022 WNBA championship team.
After her trade to Los Angeles before the 2023 season, she has continued to excel, leading the Sparks in several categories including points, rebounds, assists, and steals during the 2024 season.
Hamby will be joining an impressive lineup on the 3×3 team, which includes Hailey Van Lith from TCU, former Tennessee and WNBA player Cierra Burdick, and Rhyne Howard of the Atlanta Dream.
Despite Howard currently recovering from an ankle injury sustained on June 19, she is still expected to participate in the upcoming Paris Games.
The inclusion of Hamby on the U.S. 3×3 team adds a powerful dynamic as the team prepares to defend their gold medal from the inaugural Olympic 3×3 competition held in Tokyo in 2021.
The team will be looking to replicate the success achieved by Allisha Gray, Stefanie Dolson, Kelsey Plum, and Jackie Young, with Plum and Young also representing the U.S. in the 5-on-5 team at the Paris Games.
