All you need to know before FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup 2023

SINGAPORE - Are you ready? After a long off-season 3x3 is back with a bang at the FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup 2023 in Singapore on March 29-April 2.

The pride of Asia will be on the line and we've got all the information you need as 3x3 returns for the second straight season to world-famous Singapore in the sixth edition of the continent's biggest event. 

Where can I watch?

The action runs from March 29-April 2, and you can follow it live on TV and on social on the FIBA 3x3 YouTube Channel, Facebook page, CCTV in China & Macau, Sportsklub, iCABLE in Hong Kong,  , Sky New Zealand, United in Mongolia, CBC (Canada), Fox Australia and Iran International. 

Who is competing?

There are a whopping 43 teams competing in Singapore. The Qualifying Draw will be held on March 29-30 before the main draw - featuring 12 men's and 12 women's teams - on the following three days. 

 

What are the pools?

Men's

Pool A: Mongolia, Singapore, Qualifier
Pool B: Japan, Australia, Qualifier
Pool C: China, India, Qualifier
Pool D: Philippines, Qatar, Qualifier

Women's

Pool A: China, Iran, Philippines
Pool B: Japan, Chinese Taipei, Singapore
Pool C: Mongolia, Malaysia, Qualifier
Pool D: Thailand, Qatar, Qualifier

Who are the favorites?

In the men's, we just can't go past three-time defending champs Australia who have more Ws in this event than the world wide web.

The powerful Aussies have won 15 straight Asia Cup games since 2017 and will be eyeing a remarkable fourth straight triumph. 

But they will be challenged by teams aiming to take their crown led by No.1 seed Mongolia who were stunned last year in a quarter-final defeat to the Philippines. 

 

The Filipinos almost made the podium for the first time ever last year and will be hoping to go one step further in what would make them national heroes for their hoops-crazy fans. 

After winning bronze last year, a confident China loom as a gold medal contender while Qatar boast familiar 3x3 names such as Fadi Abilmona and Nedim Muslic to loom as a serious threat. 

In the women's, China might boast a different squad from last year's historic triumph but they have serious talent and are bringing their new gen to Singapore to defend their title. 

There will be serious competition with Mongolia and Japan continental heavyweights who are always serious contenders while this might be the year that the Philippines can go on a giant-killing run. 

They'll have to do it the hard way but former champs Australia and New Zealand just have to be mentioned among the favorites if they can get through qualification as expected.

And we would love these neighbors to meet at some stage because Australia and New Zealand games are always instant classics!

 

Who are the players to watch?

There will be more stars in Singapore than at the Oscars! 

We just have to start with Mongolia superstar Anand Ariunbold, who is out to live up to the hype and prove that he is the best payer in Asia. 

But his place on the throne will be fierce with Australia boasting snipers Andrew Steel and newcomer Todd Blanchfield who can splash from Marina Bay. 

You better watch out because a monsoon is about to hit Singapore and its name is Cyclone Wynyard! Yep, big fella Tai Wynyard is 3x3's Incredible Hulk and just want him make the paint his personal playground. 

While China's Peng Yan, Almond Vosotros of Philippines and Japanese 3x3 legend Tomoya Ochiai can all bring the heat to Singapore. 

 

In the women's, Anneli Maley had a taste of the Asia Cup last year for the first time and immediately made the team of the tournament.

The 24-year-old is out for the MVP this time around and you wouldn't bet against her because the former WNBA is a competitive beast. 

But Olympian Khulan Onolbaatar will believe she's the best player in Asia having been the heartbeat of Mongolia's remarkable rise in 3x3.

You just know she'll be doing everything to inspire a first medal for Mongolia's women at the event. 

While Philippines' wonder woman Janine Pontejos might just be the best sniper around as she's absolutely lights out from deep. 

 

The title of most entertaining player could well be Japan's Yua Emura, who can make defenders dizzy through her insane handles. The 20-year-old looms as Asia's next big thing. 

FIBA