Basketball Australia has announced the 3×3 men’s and women’s teams bound for the FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup, set for Singapore.
Both Australian teams will launch their campaigns directly from the pool games, with the men tipping off this Friday and the women on Saturday.
The first 3×3 Asia Cup in three years, Australia will have a target on their back as they look to return to the form that saw the men win back-to-back gold medals in 2018 and 2019, and the women claim gold in 2017 and 2019.
Andrew Steel will be the men’s (seed 16) most experienced player, having featured within the Australian 3×3 competition since 2017 alongside Lucas Walker who was also a part of that 2019 gold medal campaign. Jesse Wagstaff comes off one tournament earlier this year in Manila while Daniel Johnson will make his 3×3 debut.
Men’s coach, Dave Biwer said, “it’s exciting to be back on the 3×3 stage. The pandemic made it incredibly difficult to continue international sport and it left our 3×3 athletes and staff chomping at the bit. To head to Singapore with a new-look team and an opportunity for these players to bring back gold is simply exciting times for 3×3 Australia. Can’t wait to show our toughness, desire and pride in wearing the green and gold.”
The women’s team (seed 15) will welcome back experienced 3×3 campaigners Anneli Maley and Marena Whittle to the national team. The duo a reoccurring feature of the Australian lineup, with the WNBL 2021-22 MVP, Maley launching her 3×3 career in 2015 and Whittle in 2018. Lauren Scherf made her first 3×3 appearance back in 2013 and then in 2018, however this event will be her first national team appearance. Lauren Mansfield will also make her 3×3 debut.
Women’s coach, Damon Lowery said, “I couldn’t be more excited to coach this team. Even though they’ve all represented Australia previously, two of them make their international 3×3 debut. Besides the obvious talent they bring, they display basketball values that the entire country can be proud of. We look forward to defending our title and having a shot at qualifying for the 2023 3×3 World Cup.”
MEN’S 3X3 TEAM: Drawn in Pool B
Lucas Walker
Jesse Wagstaff
Daniel Johnson
Andrew Steel
WOMEN’S 3X3 TEAM: Drawn in Pool C
Anneli Maley
Lauren Mansfield
Lauren Scherf
Marena Whittle
