SINGAPORE - The eighth edition of the FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup was unforgettable and the best in history after an epic five days of competition. Here's all we learned from Asia Cup 2025 played for the third straight time at the famous Singapore Sports Hub OCBC Square.
The Gangurrus own Asia
It was history for these all-conquering Aussies, who became the first women's team to claim a tournament three-peat. They entered as the hot favorite having completely destroyed opponents over the previous two editions.
After crushing Indonesia and a shorthanded Philippines in the pool phase, Australia were made to work in the knockouts. This wasn't as easy as their previous two titles, but the Gangurrus were just too good when it mattered most as they overcame a tough Japan team 21-17 to claim gold.
Alex Wilson, Marena Whittle and Anneli Maley showcased why they are the 'big three' as their size, athleticism and sheer passion lifted Australia in key moments. After an impressive Champions Cup, Miela Goodchild has been an important addition for Australia and she celebrated her first Asia Cup in style.
Wilson claimed her second consecutive Asia Cup MVP after another two-way domination as Australia won their record-extending fifth title in the women's draw.
Australia's New Gen shines
If not for a crazy three-point play from Mongolian Anand Ariunbold in an epic 2023 decider, Australia would have won six straight Asia Cup men's titles! They have completely owned this event, but their latest triumph had to be done the hard way.
Even though they balled out at the Champions Cup, Australia's New Gen faced a tough task trying to maintain the country's Asian dominance in the face of rising contenders. Australia had a rare loss after succumbing to a crazy heat check from Japan's Ryo Ozawa but did enough to qualify for the knockouts.
After thrashing old rival Mongolia in the quarters, Australia were in a fight for their life against neighbor New Zealand in a classic semi. But big fella John Stith played the game of his life with 13 points and 8 rebounds to lift Australia to a 21-19 dub before they edged China in the final with the same scoreline.
Dunking machine Alex Higgins-Titsha showed off his hops as these young stars followed in the footsteps of their legendary predecessors. Stith was named MVP after his brilliant campaign and the 3x3 Boomers will next set their sights on success beyond Asia.
Japan make noise
Japan are a hoops power, but strangely had only won one bronze each in the men's and women's competitions. They were keen to change this and their energetic women's team produced Japan's best ever finish in the Asia Cup after pushing Australia all the way in a tense final.
Japan barely raised a sweat through to the final in stirring performances that mixed high skill with passion. Fuyuko Takahashi was a scoring machine as she finished with a leading 39 points, while Fatoumanana Nishi was also red-hot.
Speaking of heaters, Ryo Ozawa was a flame-thrower after a scoring binge for the ages. He racked up a tournament record 51 points and finished No.1 in player-value (53.3). It wasn't quite enough to deliver Japan a medal as they fell agonizingly short in the bronze medal game against New Zealand.
But no one will ever forget Ozawa's heroics.
Double delight for China
China stamped themselves as an Asian powerhouse after claiming men's and women's medals. The men produced their best ever Asia Cup performance with a silver medal winning run, which included a tight victory over Japan in a tight semi-final.
The powerful Hanyu Guo and Dianliang Zhang provided the one-two punch as China went one better than their bronze medals in 2019 and 2022.
The women continued their proud record after collecting their fifth medal in the women's draw. China started with a heart-breaking loss to New Zealand before they clicked into gear and their strong campaign was capped by beating a three-player Philippines to collect bronze.
Mengyun Zhou and Yuyan Li were unstoppable all tournament long for China, who enjoyed double delight in Singapore.
Philippines women show plenty of heart
Philippines are a crazy passionate hoops nation, but had never won a medal at the Asia Cup before. Their drought continues, but the Philippines women won plenty of admirers after an incredible run that was filled with pride and pure heart.
Disaster struck for Philippines in their pool game against Australia when star Camille Clarin suffered a right knee injury in terrible bad luck that appeared to end their medal hopes.
But they fought on bravely and produced a magical moment when the Philippines - playing without a sub - beat last year's bronze medalist Mongolia in an epic quarter-final victory that left Clarin unable to contain her emotions on the sidelines.
The Filipino fans in the bleachers were going crazy like Swifties in an unforgettable moment they'll never forget.
Singapore does it again
The Asia Cup returned to Singapore for the fourth straight year and the third consecutive time at the iconic Singapore Sports Hub OCBC Square. The venue has hosted many famous sports events over the years, including high profile soccer matches and tennis tournaments, with 3x3 now becoming a popular fixture on the calendar. The atmosphere just keeps getting better and better as 3x3 makes its mark in glitzy Singapore, which has a number of high-profile events in the coming years. Along with the Asia Cup returning next year, the FIBA 3x3 World Cup Qualifier 2026 will take place in Singapore followed by the FIBA 3x3 World Cup 2027.
We can't wait to return to the Lion City!
FIBA