25 Mar 2024
SINGAPORE - The biggest event in the region is back as the season starts with a bang at the FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup 2024 on March 27-31.
Here are 5 reasons to watch.
3x3 returns to Singapore
This is the third straight year that Asia's biggest prize will be contested in world famous Singapore.
But OGs will know that Singapore holds a special place in 3x3 history with the South East Asian country unleashing the half-court game to the world at the Youth Olympic Games in 2010.
For the second straight year, the Asia Cup will be played at the OCBC Square at the world renowned Singapore Sports Hub - which has been the site of high-profile soccer matches and tennis tournaments.
The crowd will be electric and you just know that this will be the Asia Cup's biggest ever event.
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Australia's all-conquering women are back
Australia, affectionately known as 'Gangurrus', swept to their third gold medal last year after completing the most dominant run seen at Asia's showpiece event.
The irresistible women's team were a class above with no team scoring more than 11 points against them as Australia avenged falling short in 2022.
They bring back their gold-winning heroes led by reigning MVP Marena Whittle as Australia look to repeat as champs.
Mongolia are looking to repeat as champs
3x3-crazy Mongolia produced one of their greatest moments in the tournament's history when they claimed the crown in style last year.
It will be a new-look team, as Mongolia show off their wealth of talent in Singapore. But there is one dude you might just have heard of - Anand Ariunbold who became better known as 'The Archer' after his heroics made him an instant Mongolian legend.
Heated rivalries resume
Mongolia and Australia have an epic rivalry in the men's that reached an absolute peak at last year's Asia Cup final. With Ariunbold on target, Mongolia ended three-time defending champions Australia's stranglehold of the event.
But you know the Aussies will be out to rebound and we can't wait for a rematch.
Australia also share an iconic sporting rivalry against New Zealand, which spills over into the Asia Cup where the women's team beat their neighbour in last year's final.
The teams will renew their rivalry in a Pool D blockbuster.
Perhaps the most heated rivalry is reserved for China and Japan who always bring it whenever they do battle. If their paths meet in either gender you just know fireworks are going to go off.
A resumption of these rivalries can't be missed.
Diversity
Once again proving FIBA's commitment to gender equality, the men's and women's events are played simultaneously.
There will be 43 teams combined descending to Singapore with 12 men's and 12 women's teams to play in the main draw.
It's another opportunity to watch the best men's and women's teams competing concurrently at a major event.
FIBA
