18 June 2025

Kym West

The Triathlon Park in Astana was transformed into a global basketball battleground as the inaugural VIBF 3x3 Basketball Championships brought together elite athletes and electric competition in a celebration of international sport.

Australia emerged as a standout force across the tournament, collecting medals in both the men’s and women’s divisions and showcasing the depth of talent in the 3x3 format. With five Victorian athletes plus the assistant coach, Team Manager and Physiotherapist in the Pearls team, four athletes, the head coach and a Victorian Team Manager in the Boomerangs, we are following their campaigns closely.

In the men’s II1 competition, Australia Gold delivered a strong performance in the bronze medal match against Portugal Red. In a tightly contested game filled with fast breaks and sharp shooting, Portugal narrowly claimed victory 21–17. But redemption came quickly for the Australians, as the Australia Green squad went on to defeat France in a thrilling gold medal showdown, securing the championship title.

Jack

Photography Credit: @idsportfederation

On the women’s side, it was an all-Aussie battle for gold as Australia Green took on their compatriots from Australia Gold. Australia Green dominated the match with a commanding 21–7 win, displaying cohesion, intensity, and exceptional skill.

Individual accolades capped off a stellar tournament for the green and gold, with Jack Innella and Jessica McCulloch both named to the tournament's 3x3 team and earning MVP honours for their standout performances on court.

For many athletes, the tournament was also a chance to embrace a new style of play and a new cultural experience.

“It was definitely a different style of basketball - smaller court, fewer players, and way more physical,” said Boomerangs player Dylan. “I’m still more of a five-on-five guy, but playing 3x3 was a great experience. Venezuela were probably the toughest - older, physical, and smart. And being here in Kazakhstan has been eye-opening, there isn't a lot of wildlife, we’ve only seen about six birds the whole time!”

For Jessica McCulloch and Montana Haag of the Australian Pearls, the experience was equally unforgettable.

“The best part of this tournament has to be getting that championship gold back -winning gold with my team,” said Haag. “It was also pretty special playing against another Australian team.”

McCulloch reflected on the challenge and the honour of international play:
“It was actually really cool to play proper 3x3 outside for the first time - and Japan was tough, especially their number five,” she said. “But she tested me, and I feel like I came out a better player.”

Jess

Photography Credit:@idsportfederation

Both athletes also expressed deep gratitude to their supporters back home.
“We’d like to thank everyone back in Victoria who supported us and helped get us here - our coaches, families, and friends. It’s a real privilege to represent Australia.”

Boomerangs head coach Ryan Hollaway praised the unity and resilience of his team across both squads, “To think we only began training for 3x3 a few months ago and with less than 15 hours on court, is incredible,” he said. “Despite a disrupted lead-in, both teams showed character, composure, and a deep pride in wearing the green and gold. This campaign was never about individuals or separate squads. It was about building one Boomerangs team, and that unity has driven our success.”

With the 3x3 competition wrapped up, attention now turns to the 5x5 format, where the Aussies are already making headlines.

The Pearls bid to defend its 5x5 World Championship title, originally earned in 2011 in Italy. The early signs are promising. In their first VIBF 5x5 games today, the Australian Pearls defeated Spain 100–21, while the Boomerangs delivered a dominant performance, defeating Spain 155–30. It was a clinical display—humble, professional, and played in great spirit.

“We’re carrying momentum, belief, and a strong team culture into the next phase,” the coach added. “If we bring the same mindset and intensity, we’ll continue to showcase the very best of Australian basketball on the global stage.”

The inaugural VIBF 3x3 Championships not only marked a new chapter in international basketball for the Virtus games but also firmly placed Australia among the global leaders in the dynamic and fast-growing 3x3 game - and now, eyes turn to 5x5, where the green and gold are out to make history once again.

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