Sparks’ Dearica Hamby named to U.S. Olympic 3×3 team, replaces injured Cameron Brink

LOS ANGELES — Dearica Hamby is an Olympian.

USA Basketball announced on Monday that Hamby has been named the Team USA 3×3 women’s basketball team that will compete in the Summer Olympic Games in Paris. She is an injury replacement for Sparks rookie forward Cameron Brink.

The 30-year-old Hamby is currently averaging a career-high 17.8 points, 10.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.5 steals for the Sparks.

“I’m honored to be chosen to represent the United States at the Paris Olympics and excited to compete for a gold medal,” Hamby said, a two-time WNBA All-Star (2021, 2022) and 2021 WNBA champion (Las Vegas Aces).

Hamby has three years of USA Basketball experience, spanning 5-on-5 and 3×3 squads. Most recently, she made her FIBA 3×3 Women’s Series debut at the Springfield Stop as a member of USA’s team Springfield in April. She also attended the 2024 USA 3×3 Women’s National Team training camp in April and will participate in another training camp before the Olympics in Phoenix in July.

The 6-foot-3 forward will be a versatile interior presence on a four-member team that includes Cierra Burdick, Rhyne Howard and Hailey Van Lith. The team roster was announced in early June and originally included Brink. However, Brink is no longer able to compete after suffering a season-ending left knee injury (torn ACL) on June 18.

“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,” USA Basketball 3×3 national team director Jay Demings said. “USA Basketball continues to keep Cameron Brink in our thoughts as she focuses on her recovery.”

In 2023, Hamby was a member of the USA team that won the gold medal at the FIBA 3×3 AmeriCup. She was also named tournament MVP.

“We are so happy for Dearica and her family. The Sparks are proud of how she consistently shows up as a leader, a teammate, and a competitor all while consistently producing on the court,” Sparks general manager Raegan Pebley said. “We are excited to cheer for her and the 3×3 team as they compete for gold in Paris.”

The 3×3 women’s competition at the Paris 2024 Olympics will feature eight teams. The Paris games will be held from July 26-Aug. 11. The 3×3 basketball competition is slated for July 30-Aug. 5.