Everything you need to know before FIBA 3x3 World Cup Qualifier Asia 2022

24 Mar 2022

DOHA (Qatar) - The last tickets for the FIBA 3x3 World Cup 2022 are up for grabs in Doha on March 25-26, as 12 desperate teams fight to qualify for this year's showpiece in Antwerp. 

Six teams in each gender have their dreams on the line during the two-day FIBA 3x3 World Cup Qualifier Asia 2022 with the winners of each gender to qualify for the 3x3 World Cup on June 21-26. 

 

The event is held at the Al Gharafa Sports Complex, a state-of-the-art sport venue. Doha is a much-loved 3x3 destination having held Masters events in the past three seasons of the FIBA 3x3 World Tour

Let's take a closer look at the action in Doha, an iconic 3x3 site over the years. 

Where can I watch the FIBA 3x3 World Cup Qualifier Asia 2022?

The action starts on March 25 and you can follow it live on the FIBA 3x3 YouTube and Facebook pages. 

Who is competing in Doha?

Men: Qatar (host), New Zealand, Kazakhstan, Iran, Sri Lanka and Malaysia. 

Women: Qatar (host), Iran, New Zealand, Uzbekistan, Sri Lanka, Kazakhstan 

What are the pools?

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Who are the favorites?

It's tough to judge because there has unfortunately been little action in 3x3 in Asia since the pandemic, so realistically this could be wide open races. 

In the men's, it does appear a two-horse race between Qatar and New Zealand who have been drawn together in Pool A and will meet in a day one blockbuster. 

Qatar famously won the FIBA 3x3 World Cup 2014  and will be boosted by their home support but New Zealand, the No.1 ranked team in Oceania, loom as a tough opponent. 

In the women's, Qatar and New Zealand are right in the mix like their counterparts but Uzbekistan, ranked No.4 in Asia, and Iran should fancy their chances too. 

 Who are the players to watch?

You  surely haven't forgotten Tai Wynyard? OG fans will remember this talented teenager being built like a man mountain as he bullied opponents like they were in kindergarten.

He won MVP at the FIBA 3x3 U18 World Cup 2015 to lead New Zealand's triumph then again starred in the same event 12 months later before embarking on a basketball career which saw him play for iconic college Kentucky in the USA. 

After injuries derailed his career, the 6ft. 10in (2.08m) beast is fit and firing and looking to issue a reminder of his talents by leading the Tall Blacks into the 3x3 World Cup. 

 

Qatar will be led by Nedim Muslic, who is only 24 years old but an experienced 3x3 player on the World Tour and in international competition. He played at the FIBA 3x3 World Cup 2019 and was a key member of Qatar's victory at the FIBA 3x3 U18 World Cup 2016

This 6ft. 6in (1.98m) high-flyer will surely get the home fans hollering from the bleachers.

In the women's,  real ones will probably recognize New Zealand's Tiarna Clarke who has previously played on the Women's Series and at the 3x3 U18 World Cup. She is a ball handling wizard and - for those unaware - don't be surprised to see her drop a filthy dime. 

Another player to keep an eye out for is 22-year-old Negin Rasoulipour, who was part of Iran's team attempting to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics. Her dimes are not dimes, they're bitcoins and she has a mean step-back game.

She can blow by with the drive to the rim and also pull out the two from deep. In other words, the 5ft. 9in, (1.75m) dynamo is a walking bucket. 

FIBA