MIES (Switzerland) -There were plenty of 3x3 wonder women in 2024, but 10 stars truly left an indelible mark on 2024. Sonja Greinacher
In what might be the defining image of 2024, one that is instantly iconic in German sport, Sonja Greinacher is raising her arms in triumph after clinching Germany's first Olympic gold medal at a basketball discipline with NBA legend Dirk Nowitzki jumping for joy in the background.
'Sunny G' was Germany's undisputed star at the Paris Olympics, capped by hitting the game-winning bucket against Spain in an epic final, as she deservedly walked off with the MVP. It was reward for years of consistency and persistence as Greinacher became a household name in Germany after her success in Paris.
Sandra Ygueravide
No one enjoyed success this year more than legendary Sandra Ygueravide, who for years has put everything into 3x3 but had many times come up short after painful defeats.
But Ygueravide's toil was rewarded when she was the inspiration behind Spain's silver medal run at the Paris Olympics. Spain were not rated among the contenders, but Ygueravide left everything on the half-court in trademark style as her speed and shooting provided headaches for taller and younger opponents.
Ygueravide played with constant energy and heart to ignite Spain to silver, finishing on the Team of the Tournament.
She wasn't done with this ageless wonder dominating the Europe Cup with an MVP performance as Spain reclaimed the continental crown.
Hailey Van Lith
HVL has carried the flag for USA women's 3x3 ever since her memorable breakout in 2018 when the then 16-year-old helped her mighty hoops country win gold at the Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Van Lith has always been destined to play a major part at the Olympics. Having not been part of USA's gold medal winning team in Tokyo, the 5ft. 9in (1.75) firebrand was on a mission in Paris. She didn't finish with gold, but Van Lith held a new-look USA team together and ensured they did not go home empty-handed.
She led her team with 47 points and finished a strong tournament with 6 points and 5 highlights to ensure USA edged Canada for bronze.
Katherine Plouffe
Once again, this Canadian 3x3 legend finishes the year in the top three of the rankings. One half of the devastating Plouffe sisters, she led Canada in Olympic qualification with an MVP performance and was then Canada's leading scorer in Paris with 54 points as they agonizingly missed the podium.
But powerhouse Canada still had plenty of success with Plouffe leading them to three titles in the Women's Series. They saved the best for last with Canada regaining their continental crown to win the AmeriCup with Plouffe dominating the paint once again to finish second overall in scoring with 36 points.
It ensured Plouffe remains one of the very best players in the business.
Tiffany Hayes
What was the best story in women's 3x3 this season? It just has to be Azerbaijan, who performed a 3x3 miracle by firstly qualifying for the Olympics then performing credibly in Paris. Their giant-killing run was largely attributed to Tiffany Hayes, who was the hero in Azerbaijan's stunning qualification in Hong Kong where she averaged a team high 6.5 ppg to walk off with the MVP.
Hayes, who earlier in the year came out of WNBA retirement to sign with Las Vegas Aces, showcased plenty of heart after playing with an injury in Hong Kong but she gave it everything to ensure Azerbaijan created history. The former UConn women's basketball star then shone at La Concorde as she finished third overall in scoring with 54 points from 7 games to almost lift underdog Azerbaijan into the play-in against all the odds.
By putting a new hoops nation on the 3x3 map, Hayes just has to be on this list.
Cierra Burdick
A decade since being part of USA's first World Cup title, this American OG won Olympic bronze to go full circle on her legendary career on the half-court.
As the only woman to have won two World Cup titles, Burdick has poured her energy into developing the 3x3 game and she was the glue that held a new-look USA team together in Paris. Her defensive instincts and calmness under pressure helped the Americans overcome struggles as she proudly reached the podium.
Burdick also was key in USA's Women's Series triumph at the Quebec Stop to add another trophy to her packed cabinet.
Janis Boonstra
The Netherlands had an amazing year in the men's, but they also had success in women's 3x3. Their best achievement was winning bronze at the Europe Cup, where towering Janis Boonstra finished on the Team of the Tournament after pouring in a team-high 34 points.
She also led them to a title in the Women's Series before an inspired performance at the showpiece Hangzhou Final, where she finished the season with 33 points to inspire the Netherlands to a runner-up performance.
In the process she ended 2024 in the top 5 of the women's rankings.
Noortje Driessen
Who finished No.1 on the rankings? It's this brilliant Dutchwoman Noortje Driessen, who uses her height to devastating effect to remain arguably the best two-way player in the business.
She was an ironwoman throughout the Women's Series with her 38 games the most by any player in 2024. Driessen topped most of the major stats as she did it all for her country. She also played a major role in Netherlands' reaching the podium at the Europe Cup as she combined with Boonstra to form an unstoppable duo.
At just 25, her best years are still ahead.
Khulan Onolbaatar
There was no more emotional and heartfelt moment in 2024 than when Mongolian women's hero Khulan Onolbaatar was in tears in a post-game interview at the Asia Cup after her 3x3-crazy nation had clinched bronze. It ended a long drought for Mongolia, who had not medalled in the women's draw since 2013, and was a particularly proud moment for Onolbaatar, who has been a trailblazer for her country.
Mongolia has been one of the major success stories in 3x3 and Onolbaatar has been a huge part of that. She deserved her crowning moment and her unforgettable 2024 also included winning MVP in her home Women's Series in Ulaanbaatar.
Marie Mane
This fabulous Frenchwoman might be France's lucky charm. She played three events in the Women's Series for three titles. She saved her best for last with an MVP performance at the Hangzhou Final to ensure France finished 2024 on a high after they had endured a disappointing home Olympic performance.
Mane was electric in Hangzhou and she led France's triumph with 30 points, including a ton of clutch shots, and stellar defensive plays. She deservedly walked off with the MVP and France will hope she's regularly available in 2024 because Marie Mane might have the Midas touch.
FIBA