MIES (Switzerland) - For Ari Geli, the journey to the global 3x3 basketball stage began not in packed arenas but on the street courts of Barcelona.
Born and raised in the Catalan capital, Ari grew up immersed in a city where basketball culture thrives in public spaces. With limited players and shared courts, games naturally leaned toward the half-court format. That setting would quietly shape her future.
"I was born and raised in Barcelona, and I am lucky because it is a city with a lot of streetball," she said. "Many times you play 3x3 on a half court. That is where I fell in love with this format."
What began as pure fun gradually evolved into a deep calling, then a dream, and eventually a professional pursuit.
Competing beyond size
At 1.60m/5'3", Geli has never fit the traditional mold of a dominant basketball player, especially in a format as physical as 3x3. Rather than seeing that as a limitation, though, she built her game around maximizing her strengths.
"Height and size... are very important," she admitted. "What has helped me compete in top leagues is excitement, desire to learn, surrounding myself with the best players, and developing my strengths."
Chief among those strengths is her shooting.
"In my case, I think that is my two-point shot. I try to be very aggressive with the things I do well."
Her philosophy is simple. She focuses on controllables, embraces growth and never lets physical disadvantages define competitive ceiling.
Learning the game, building a team
Ari entered 3x3 basketball at 18 years old, still learning the nuances of the fast-paced discipline. One of the biggest turning points in her development came not just from playing but from building something of her own.
She founded her own team, Panthers 3x3, with a clear vision: surround herself with experienced, passionate players and grow together within the format.
"When I created Panthers 3x3, which is my own private 3x3 basketball team, I made sure to surround myself with very good people," she said. "So I could learn from the best."
That environment accelerated both her learning curve and the team’s rise. The Panthers went on to compete deep into major events, reaching semifinals and even a Women’s Series final.
Injury reshaped her dream
The Panthers project, however, was born from adversity. Ari revealed that the team’s origins trace back to a professional tournament in India that ended in heartbreak after she tore her ACL.
"I went there to play a professional tournament, but it did not go well because I tore my ACL," she recalled. "So I promised myself that if I ever played basketball again, I would create my own team."
She kept that promise.
"If I couldn’t play for that team in India, I would create it myself -- Panthers," she recalled. "I also promised myself I would play at the highest level."
By 2024, that promise had materialized, with Barcelona Panthers competing on the FIBA 3x3 Women’s Series stage. It was a full-circle moment she describes as a dream realized.
Global journey, second home
3x3 basketball has taken her across continents, exposing her to different playing cultures and styles. Among all her travels, Asia holds a special place.
"I have been able to travel all over the world, but Asia has always been very special for me," she said. "I think it is where I have learned the most about basketball."
Within the region, one country stands out above the rest.
"The Philippines has won my heart. I have already gone three times to play," she shared. "The people, the culture around basketball, I fell in love with it in every way."
She smiles when she calls it her "second home," and she hopes to return to compete there again soon.
Built for speed
With the discipline’s Olympic rise and increasing professionalism, Ari believes experience in the format is now indispensable.
"3x3 is very fast. I think preparation is the most important thing," she explained. "There are many great basketball players, but when they move to 3x3, experienced 3x3 players end up beating them."
For her, the difference lies in rhythm, instincts, and situational awareness, which are qualities sharpened only through repetition on the half court.
Fighting beyond basketball
While basketball remains central to her identity, Ari has recently stepped into another combat arena, boxing.
"Right now I am involved in another project, boxing, preparing for my next fight," she shared.
What began as an invitation to compete in Spain’s high-profile La Velada del Año event has quickly turned into a genuine passion.
"Since I tried it, I fell in love with the sport," she said. "I would say it has also become a passion."
She believes that the discipline and mentality required in the ring have only strengthened her mindset as an athlete.
Platform for the next generation
Beyond competition, Ari is deeply aware of her influence, especially among young girls discovering the sport.
"Thanks to the big community I have on social media, I always try to share the right values," she said. "I try to motivate girls, especially in women’s sport, not to give up and to always fight for their dreams."
It’s a message rooted in her own journey, which was shaped by street courts, setbacks, self-belief and relentless pursuit.
Because for her, success is not defined solely by winning.
"You do not always need to win," she declared. "Just by trying, you are already one step closer."
FIBA