MELBOURNE (Paulo Kennedy's View from Downunder) - It seems like 3x3 has landed finally in Australia, and in a pretty big way, judging by the events of recent weeks and months.

It's not like the newest form of basketball is suddenly on the back page of the newspapers, leading the evening news and dominating the social media scene.

But after quite a long period now where 3x3 wasn't taken seriously at any level of the sport in this country, people are now starting to catch on to what it’s all about.

For those who had already entered hibernation for the southern winter - before thankfully re-emerging to read this column - the Australia team took out the FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup in Shenzhen, China this week.

Some folks Downunder laugh when told the final win was over Mongolia - not known as a hoops powerhouse - but perhaps what's actually best about the 3x3 format is it levels the playing field across the globe and gives a Mongolia the chance to outperform their massive rivals to the south.

If you think I'm taking the mickey, have a look at the highlights from what was a cracking final, complete with an incredible ending.

"I don't think it's any secret that in Australia we're way behind the eight-ball with 3x3," he said at the time. "There are a lot of countries that are a long way in front of us and there hasn’t really been any strategic focus on 3x3."

Of course, things change. The 3x3 game became a significant priority for BA's head honchos, the reinvigorated NBL got involved, partnering with BA and others to create the 3x3 Hustle, which is slowly starting to attract interest.

The other thing that has made a difference Downunder is the number of known players starting to dip their toes in the 3x3 water.

NBL stalwart Tommy Garlepp was a revelation at the 3x3 Asia Cup, taking out tournament MVP as well as hitting the title-winning shot.

Owen Odigie is another NBLer who was on that team. I remember watching Owen dominate U14 basketball for McKinnon in Melbourne, an athlete on another level to the kids trying to defend him.

He went on to represent Australia at junior level and eke out a reserve role in the NBL most hoops junkies would be very proud of. However, for different reasons he wasn't able to stick.

But Odigie is made for the 3x3 game with his speed, ups, physicality and natural instincts for athletic basketball. Don't believe me? Have a look at this.

It's surely only a matter of time until BA and the NBL find ways to further engrain this in Australian basketball culture. 3x3 is made for this country’s relaxed, outdoor lifestyle.

It's our sport's version of Twenty-20 cricket or Rugby Sevens, but Coten thinks it has the edge over those shortened variations when it comes to slotting into people’s lifestyle.

"If you think about the difference between Twenty20 cricket and even one-day cricket, it's still played in front of the same crowds in the same environment in the same venues, whereas 3x3 basketball is actually fundamentally different, it's played in the street in front of different crowds," he said.

"It's a lot different from the way other sports are played, a lot more casual, you can play it anywhere. You can't play a game of Twenty20 cricket without a lot of infrastructure, you can have a game of 3x3 basketball with a hoop and a ball."

The Kiwis caught on to this emerging game some time ago, launching the careers of such promising talents as Tai Webster, Isaac Fotu, Reuben Te Rangi and Tai Wynyard at the U18 World Cup.

It was fitting their women's team claimed gold in China this week and they did it in style with an incredible buzzer-beating Semi-Final win over big sister Australia.

They then put on a clinical display in the final against the hosts and their rabid crowd, with long-time national team guns Micaela Cock and Toni Edmondson leading the way.

But the game has come a long way, there are some serious stakes when nations meet, and that will only grow as we head to Tokyo 2020. I recommend you give 3x3 a chance if you haven't already.

Paulo Kennedy



FIBA

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