All-conquering 3x3 nation Australia riding high ahead of Paris Olympics

MELBOURNE (Australia) - After running through the competition in 2024, Australia will enter the Paris Olympics riding a wave of confidence. 

Let's take a closer look at the reigning two-time Asia Cup champions. 

AUSTRALIA

Ranking: 22nd

Previous Olympic Appearances: Nil

Squad: Anneli Maley, Lauren Mansfield, Marena Whittle, Alex Wilson

Key Player: Marena Whittle  

With strength and determination, the 5ft. 11in (1.8m) Whittle is a tour de force who ignites the powerful 'Gangurrus' team. 

Whittle leaves it all on the half-court and with her relentless energy lifting her teammates to great heights. She dominates the boards and Whittle also has the shooter's touch to make her an all-round player that was seemingly built in the 3x3 lab.

Whenever the team needs a spark it's Whittle who pumps up Australia with her mighty celebrations to give the team an intimidating aura.

Whittle has been building up for this moment having already won a swag of MVPs and you just know she'll bring her best to Paris. 

Qualification: Australia had one opportunity to qualify for the Olympics at the FIBA 3x3 Universality Olympic Qualifying Tournament 2. 

The pressure intensified after Australia lost their opener against Europe Cup champs Netherlands in OT on Day One before twice beating No.1 seed Canada - including in a dramatic final - to clinch their spot. 

Australia gave up plenty of size to Canada's imposing Plouffe sisters, but they made up for it with hustle, determination and heart.

Asia Cup MVP Alex Wilson hit two clutch free throws and also capped off her mighty performance with an emphatic block as Australia stormed into the Paris Olympics in trademark resilient style.

Expectations: Australia over the years have been hindered by distance, which has kept them away from regular competitions held in far away destinations. 

After Australia, a formidable team led by highly popular Bec Cole and Maddie Garrick, failed to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics, they rejuvenated through fresh blood. 

The results have been spectacular with Australia having won the past two golds at the Asia Cup and were bronze medalists at last year's World Cup, while their only event on this season's Women's Series resulted in victory at the Chengdu Stop. 

They've built up nicely and are peaking right in time for Paris. The success lies at a team that has almost perfect chemistry with the foursome having played together for the past two seasons. 

Unlike some other teams, Australia don't have a giant patrolling the paint but they make up for a lack of height with Maley's strength and the sheer athleticism of Wilson and Anneli Maley, whose versatility ensures she's a Swiss army knife for her team. 

The sublime ball-handling skills and slick shooting of Lauren Mansfield perfectly complements this line-up. 

Australia only knows success and they loom as a medal contender in Paris. 

 FIBA