SINGAPORE — The FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup 2026 delivered elite competition on the half-court, but the local organising committee (LOC) also made sure the action extends well beyond the arc and far beyond the final buzzer.
In a meaningful display of commitment to growing 3x3 basketball at every level, the Singapore LOC, in close collaboration with Sport Singapore, rolled out a rich programme of activities that put local players, young kids from underserved communities and grassroots coaches front and centre of Asia's premier 3x3 event.
Sharpening Singapore's Next Generation
Skills Training Sessions with Singapore's U19 National Teams, which were guided by FIBA experts Seda Erdogan and Angelo Tsagarakis, gave the country's most promising young ballers a rare opportunity to learn directly from internationally credentialed coaches.
For the athletes who took part, the experience was transformative.
"The trainers are very supportive and encouraging, even when we made mistakes," said Claire Soo Wen Ai, 17, a Singapore National Programme U19 National Youth Development Programme athlete. "I've learnt that I shouldn't be passive in my game. 3x3 is a game that requires me to read the game and react quickly to what's happening on court."
Her peer Peter Singh Sandhu, 19, was equally galvanised.
"I think the clinic was all about fixing our fundamentals," Sandhu said. "We now have a better understanding of 3x3," he said. "The biggest takeaway for me would be how we need to be precise in angles when performing screens. Understanding this brings our game to a higher level."
These are exactly the kinds of players FIBA 3x3 is counting on for the future. Some could be lining up for Singapore at the Youth Olympic Games 2026 before the end of the year, with more expected to feature in upcoming Youth Nations League campaigns and potentially the Pro Circuit and National Team Cups beyond that.
3x3 for the Community
The Singapore LOC's vision extended well beyond elite pathways. A Training Session for 13-19-year-olds gave kids from underserved communities the chance to experience 3x3 basketball in its most positive light -- not just as a sport, but as a vehicle for personal growth.
This is 3x3 basketball living up to its values: fast, inclusive and impactful.
A separate training session for U14 and U16 local players, led by Erdogan, added another layer of inspiration, offering young Singapore ballers the thrill of learning from a high-level expert who has competed and coached on the world stage.
Levelling Up the Coaches
The community investment didn't stop with the players. On April 4, a Coaching Forum & Clinic brought local basketball coaches together for a day of learning and exchange, bridging the gap between international expertise and local development.
John Ng Jing Lun, a 32-year-old basketball coach who attended the session, came away with fresh ideas for his training sessions.
"My biggest takeaway was learning how to structure training sessions more effectively to simulate game situations," he said. "It helped me better understand how to develop players' decision-making, not just their technical skills."
Ng was equally clear-eyed about the bigger picture.
"It is very important for Singapore to host international sports events. It raises the overall standard of sports locally, provides exposure for coaches and athletes, and creates valuable learning opportunities by observing and interacting with international-level professionals."
Singapore: A 3x3 Home
These side activities reflect something deeper, which is a shared belief between FIBA 3x3 and Sport Singapore that hosting a world-class event comes with a responsibility to leave a lasting legacy for the local basketball community.
Singapore has earned its reputation as one of the most committed 3x3 basketball hosts on the global calendar. The FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup has now returned to Singapore for consecutive editions, and with the FIBA 3x3 World Cup Qualifier 2026 and the FIBA 3x3 World Cup 2027 also on the horizon, Singapore is cementing itself as a true home of the sport in Asia.
For the young players on the court and the coaches in the room, this week was proof that 3x3 basketball has the power to inspire, connect and make a real difference, one half-court at a time.
*All above images are by The Kallang
FIBA