VIDEO EXCLUSIVE: U.S. Olympic Basketball Player Canyon Barry: ‘Anytime You Wear USA, Gold Is The Expectation’

Canyon Barry, a U.S. Olympic basketball player and son of NBA legend Rick Barry, is excited about the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics. He has one clear goal: to win a gold medal. Barry shared his thoughts on winning, how basketball is changing, and how he prepares mentally for games.

“Anytime you wear the USA, I think gold is the expectation,” Barry said. “We need to stay focused, control what we can, and take it one game at a time. Our goal has always been to bring home a medal.”

Barry understands the high expectations for U.S. basketball teams and is determined to meet them.

Basketball at the Olympics has changed a lot, especially with the addition of 3-on-3 basketball. This version of the game, which started at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, is popular around the world but not as much in the U.S. Barry hopes that seeing both the men’s and women’s 3-on-3 teams play in Paris will make the sport more popular in the U.S.

“3-on-3 basketball is big overseas but hasn’t really caught on here,” Barry said. “Hopefully, with both our men and women’s teams playing in Paris, it’ll lift up the sport in the U.S. Because I do think it’s a great game and one that can really help develop basketball. 

When it comes to preparing mentally for games, Barry knows that everyone is different. Some players get very excited and energetic before games, while others stay calm and relaxed. Barry says it’s important to know what works best for you and your teammates.

“Everyone has a different way of getting ready mentally,” Barry explained. “Some people are very anxious and full of energy before the game, while others are calm. It’s important to find what works for you and your teammates so everyone is in the best mental state to compete.”

Barry’s path to the Paris Olympics is supported by his strong basketball background. He played college basketball at the College of Charleston and the University of Florida, where he was known for his unique underhand free-throw shooting style, just like his dad. After college, Barry played professionally in different leagues and has been a key player for the U.S. 3-on-3 basketball team.