VANUATU -- Vanuatu Basketball Federation (VBF) and the country's national 3x3 players teamed up to organize a Mixed 3x3 tournament in celebration of their Independence Day in Luganville, Santo.

VBF National Basketball Development Officer Sacha Dutu collaborated with 3x3 national team players, Manoah Moli and Alex Newman to run a 5-team 3x3 Mixed tournament, that concluded with Team Eleanor taking home the championship of the one-day tournament at the expense of Team Bred's.

"The participants really enjoyed the tournament and are thirsting for more. We will come back again later this year," shared Dutu.

Dutu shared that Manoah and Newman will organize their own tournaments in Luganville to sustain the development and interest of the city in 3x3 basketball.

FIBA Oceania Competitions Manager, Amanda Jenkins is enthusiastic with VBF’s direction and hope they continue their development that will lead to more participation in international tournaments.

“We're ecstatic to see Vanuatu celebrating their Independence day with a growing sport like 3x3 basketball. The 3x3 discipline will be part of the Pacific Games next year so we hope to see them there,” said Jenkins.

VBF is focusing their efforts on 3x3 and believes they are better equipped to develop the discipline that will be making its debut as an Olympic sport in 2020.

"We do believe that 3x3 basketball is the best asset for us to boost basketball in Vanuatu. It's easier to run competitions as an organizer and you need fewer people to form a team," said Dutu.

"Even 5 on 5 is the original way of playing the game, 3x3 basketball is a great alternative for the Pacific nations like us in Vanuatu," he added.

 Check out Vanuatu Basketball Federation's video of the tournament below: