Basketball New Zealand (BBNZ) has announced an exciting development for basketball enthusiasts as the 3×3 Men’s and Women’s national teams gear up for a momentous occasion this October. The teams will face off against their Australian counterparts in a brand-new Trans-Tasman series hosted on New Zealand soil for the very first time.
The high-stakes matchups are scheduled to take place at ILT Stadium Southland from October 25th to 28th.
Both the 3×3 Tall Ferns and 3×3 Tall Blacks will take on the Australian 3×3 national Women’s and Men’s teams in an exhilarating eight-game International Series that spans four intense nights. Basketball fans across the nation can catch every moment of action, as all 16 games of the Trans-Tasman series will be broadcast live on Sky Sport.
Nikolay Mikhalchuk, BBNZ 3×3 Programme Manager, expressed his enthusiasm for this momentous event. He acknowledged the dedicated efforts of the 3×3 Tall Ferns and 3×3 Tall Blacks, who have collectively participated in an impressive 78 international games, showcasing their skill on global stages like the Commonwealth Games, the 3×3 World Cup, and the 3×3 Asia Cup.
Mikhalchuk emphasized the rare nature of the opportunity, given that premier 3×3 tournaments often take place in Europe, North America, and Asia. This Trans-Tasman series presents a unique chance for New Zealand fans to experience the exhilarating action of their national teams up close and against formidable competition.
Both Australia and New Zealand have a history of intense matchups over the past two years, including at the 3×3 Asia Cup held earlier this year in Singapore. During this tournament, the 3×3 Tall Ferns secured a remarkable 8-0 record but ultimately settled for silver after a hard-fought final against Australia. Similarly, the 3×3 Tall Blacks faced Australia in pool play, experiencing a loss but eventually securing a commendable bronze medal.
Dillon Boucher, BBNZ Chief Executive, highlighted the organization’s continued investment in the 3×3 programme and its evident success. He praised New Zealand’s exceptional 3×3 talent, evident in the team’s silver and bronze wins at the 3×3 Asia Cup earlier in the year. Boucher emphasized the value of competing against the world’s best teams, driving growth and popularity for the sport within the country.
As the anticipation builds, basketball enthusiasts eagerly await the squad announcements for both the 3×3 Tall Ferns and 3×3 Tall Blacks, set to be revealed in late September. With a lineup of 24 Men’s and Women’s teams and over 160 games of thrilling entertainment, the 3×3 Cup promises to be a must-attend event for basketball aficionados.
Joz Shepard, ILT Stadium Southland Event Manager, shared her excitement about hosting the first-ever Trans-Tasman series in New Zealand. Shepard praised the significance of the event in showcasing the venue, the community, and the city of Invercargill. She highlighted the unique opportunity for local fans to witness a series that includes defending champs Southland Sharks, the Southland Storm, and the historic Trans-Tasman series.
The 3×3 Cup is set to deliver an unforgettable four days of fast-paced basketball action from October 25th-28th, featuring 24 Men’s and Women’s teams from across New Zealand. With all 3×3 Cup games broadcast live on Sky Sport, fans won’t miss a moment of the electrifying tournament.