USA 3x3 Teams Tour Rome, Ride Bikes in Rimini

Sept. 8, 2011

The inaugural FIBA 3x3 Youth World Championship kicks off Friday, Sept. 9, in Rimini, Italy, and the USA Basketball boys and girls teams have had just two-and-a-half days to settle in -- not to mention finalizing preparations for the tournament.

Surely it's been a whirlwind trip, and it's not going to slow down until medals are awarded on Sunday. A total of 36 boys teams will be competiting, and the U.S. squad will play eight opponents before the top four teams from each preliminary round group advance to playoffs.

Twenty-four teams comprise the girls tournament, and the U.S. team will face four countries before the top 16 teams advance to the medal round.

The USA's domestic training camp included five practices between Sept. 3-5 in Virginia, and the teams departed for Europe on Monday, Sept. 5. The players have made the most of their few days in Italy, however, touring Rome during a long layover and enjoying the beach across the street from their hotel in Rimini.

Check out some of the fun in our Photo Gallery and watch the team enjoy a bike ride in the video below.