MIES (Switzerland) - Before we wrap up 2024, it's time to give a shout out to the teams who will always define this incredible year for 3x3.
Germany
2024 will always be remembered for the Paris Olympics and that just means Germany's heroics in the women's competition will stand the test of time. Much to the delight of all the German fans, let's recap.
Germany have been a women's power for some time, but mixed results in major competitions meant there were a lot of unknowns heading into the big pressurised stage of the Olympics. Some so-called experts dismissed Germany's medal hopes, but that proved foolish.
Germany lost just once in the tournament capped by a thrilling victory over European rival Spain as they completed the greatest moment in their country's hoops history. Up until that magical night on August 5, Germany had never won an Olympic medal in a basketball discipline.
This gritty team deservedly created history. Superstar Sonja Greinacher overcame a hand injury to put up big numbers and she hit the clutch shot to lift her country over Spain in the decider. She had plenty of support with veterans Marie Reichert and Svenja Brunckhorst hitting big buckets, while 20-year-old Elisa Mevius provided a spark with her infectious energy and high skill level.
With German basketball legend Dirk Nowitzki watching on courtside, these four German heroes produced a legendary performance that compares favorably with any in their country's rich history.
Spain
Like Germany, Spain weren't among the Olympic favorites but were fueled by trademark guts and determination to win silver.
Legendary Sandra Ygueravide continued to inspire her nation, with sidekick Vega Gimeno a reliable scoring option as the smaller Spain used speed and shooting to overcome their rivals.
It was an emotional triumph with Spain enduring years of heartbreak capped by crushingly missing out on the Tokyo Olympics. Spain's memorable year went beyond the Olympics with a stunning triumph at the Europe Cup and four titles from six stops in the Women's Series.
USA
The strength of women's 3x3 can be underlined by hoops power USA not winning a major title in 2024. But they didn't miss out entirely with a bronze medal at the Paris Olympics. USA were unable to defend their gold medal after losing to Spain in a heart-breaking OT loss in the semis.
The defeat showed that talent is no longer enough in 3x3 with USA coming up short despite boasting WNBA All-Stars Dearica Hamby and Rhyne Howard. They didn't quite have the chemistry of teams like Spain and Germany, but long-time 3x3 star Hailey Van Lith stepped up to ensure USA reached the podium. USA unleashed a new batch of WNBA stars on the half-court at the AmeriCup 2024 and they almost went all the way before losing a thriller against Canada in a final for the ages. The Americans did win one title from three stops they played on the Women's Series to confirm their status as one of the very best 3x3 nations.
Canada
The Canadians have been one of the very best teams for a long time, but in a heartbreak they missed a first Olympic medal after losing to rival USA in the bronze medal game in Paris. But Canada exacted revenge to end the season on a high after beating the Americans to reclaim their AmeriCup crown.
Paige Crozon, a 3x3 trooper, enjoyed the finest moment of her career with an MVP performance to step out of the shadow of the Plouffe sisters, who both once again this season took turns dominating the half-court.
Canada also claimed three titles on the Women's Series to be singing 'Oh Canada' plenty of times in 2024.
France
2024 will always be bittersweet for France, who could not shine under the bright lights of the Paris Olympics. But this long-time heavyweight still had plenty of success this year. They claimed silver at the Europe Cup to continue their outstanding record at the continental championship having medalled five of the last six editions.
France were extremely dominant in the Women's Series with four titles from six stops, including the showpiece Hangzhou Final. Marie Mane reinforced her star credentials by taking home the MVP and ensuring 2024 still brought cheer for these Frenchwomen.
Australia
The Gangurrus repeated at the Asia Cup in absolutely dominant fashion. No team was able to crack double digits against them until the final when New Zealand put up a tough challenge, but Australia showcased their composure under pressure to step up in the nerve-jangling last minute. MVP Alex Wilson, who enjoyed her 3x3 breakout at last year's event, proved she's a legit star while Marena Whittle and Anneli Maley were again the heartbeat of the team, while speedy Lauren Mansfield was sizzling from deep. Having memorably qualified to the Olympics, after edging Canada, Australia were among the medal contenders in Paris and lived up to that status with a four-game winning streak. But disaster struck when Mansfield succumbed to a back injury and their dreams ended in tears after being thrashed in the play-in by Canada.
Australia, however, remain in the absolute elite tier of teams and won two titles from just two stops in the Women's Series this season.
Azerbaijan
There are plenty of amazing things about 3x3, but arguably the best is spreading the game to non-traditional basketball countries.
Azerbaijan is a prime example and they are quickly becoming a force having defied the odds to qualify for the Olympics. They weren't just merely content with making up the numbers.
Apart from a heavy defeat against Australia, Azerbaijan were highly competitive and lost several games in heart-breaking fashion, including a 21-19 defeat to Canada on day five.
A victory would have lifted them into the play-in as they incredibly fell one point short of sixth-placed China.
It wasn't meant to be, but Azerbaijan did make their country of 10 million people proud with an upset of USA on day two already part of their country's Olympic lore.
They became heroes as their compatriots back home rode their every move with the team becoming a feel good story in Azerbaijan. Tiffany Hayes in the process of a dominant run became a legit superstar with 54 points at an average of 7.7 ppg to be the leading scorer in the pool phase.
FIBA