UTSUNOMIYA (Japan) - "Anything is possible!". It's an iconic catchphrase that was immortalized by an amped up Kevin Garnett after the Boston Celtics won the 2008 NBA title.
It is also a motto new 3x3 team London (USA) will be channelling as they make their World Tour debut at the traditional Utsunomiya Opener on April 26-27.
"I think anything is possible," London star Ashley Hamilton said. "We are a new team and we have the ability to do well.
"Like anything, there is a learning curve and there are teams who have been around for a lot longer that will do their best to stop us from being successful. It’s an exciting challenge."
London have rebranded from iconic American team Princeton (USA). Hamilton, a long-time veteran with Great Britain, has been the brains behind the operation and there is a distinct British flavor - as gleaned by the name - to this team.
Its Princeton roots are evident too with familiar names Austin Butler, Jerome Desrosiers and Justin Pierce part of the team in Utsunomiya and the subsequent WT Chengdu.
"We formed a partnership with Princeton," Hamilton said. "We met at the FIBA 3x3 teams meeting in Geneva and found out that we align in our thinking and found that a partnership would be mutually beneficial, so here we are."
The showpiece season-opener in Utsunomiya has a loaded draw featuring the top 10 ranked teams. The No.10 seed will be an underdog, but loom as a dark horse in Pool C boasting No.2 Toulouse (FRA) and power Riffa (BRN).
"We’ve been building and growing together already and even though it’s new, it feels like we have known each other for years," Hamilton said.
"When we started the team, we dreamed about what it would be like to play at a World Tour event. Now we will be in the Utsunomiya Opener...madness." The Utsunomiya Opener mark's Hamilton's debut on the World Tour having represented Great Britain in the international arena and German team Wiesbaden (GER) on the pro circuit. The 6ft. 8in (2.04m) wing is a two-way force, who will be a glue guy for London.
"I’m extremely excited for my first event," Hamilton said. "The World Tour is the top level for pro 3x3, everyone is trying to get a spot here. I don’t take it for granted.
"We plan to be a staple on the World Tour for years to come."
FIBA