A number of Olympic medalists honed their skills in all-important FIBA 3x3 Nations League

PARIS (France) - A slew of Olympic medalists sharpened their skills in the FIBA 3x3 Nations League, highlighting the importance of the developmental pathway in moulding young talent into global stars. 

Nine medalists from the Paris Olympics had at some point during their 3x3 journey played in the Nations League.

Launched in 2017, the series of worldwide connected tournaments serves as a development program for men and women under the age of 23 in preparation for the open category.

The five men's medalists: Jan Driessen (Netherlands), Lucas Dussoulier (France), Jules Rambaut (France), Franck Seguela (France) and Timothe Vergiat (France)

Women's medalists: Elisa Mevius (Germany), Marie Reichert (Germany), Juana Camilion (Spain) and Hailey Van Lith (USA)

The importance of continuity and chemistry is becoming increasingly evident in 3x3 as showcased on the big stage of Paris 2024.

Some teams benefited from years of playing together, most notably host France who rode a tidal wave of momentum to win silver in the men's competition. 

All four of their players have been in the 3x3 system since their youth and represented France in the Nations League previously.

Superstar Franck Seguela, Timothe Vergiat and Jules Rambaut were part of France's Nations League triumph in 2019, foreshadowing what was ahead five years later at La Concorde. 

Lucas Dussoulier, who starred at the Olympics to finish on the Team of the Tournament, put on a show in the Nations League a year earlier as France clinched the title in both men's and women's events. 

Olympic men's gold medalist Jan Driessen also showcased his emerging skills in the paint when he played a key role for the Netherlands in the Nations League 2018-19. 

Germany's gold medalists Elisa Mevius and Marie Reichert were outstanding in Paris and real ones have seen their teamwork in the past few seasons of the Nations League. 

Juana Camilion hit big buckets to help Spain win the silver medal and she made her 3x3 start in the Nations League in 2022. 

Last but certainly not least is megastar Hailey Van Lith, who added a bronze medal to her cabinet brimming with trophies after leading USA in Paris. 

Van Lith flat out dominated the Nations League in 2021 and 2023, thrilling fans with her insane skills that were later unleashed at the Paris Olympics. 

FIBA