SINGAPORE - On the back of an absolutely incredible season launch at the Champions Cup, the action returns in quick fashion with the FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup 2025 on March 26-30. The pride of Asia will be on the line and we've got all the information you need as 3x3 returns for the fourth straight time to the Lion City in the eighth edition of the continent's biggest event.
Where can I watch? The action runs from March 26-30, and you can follow it live on TV and social media on the FIBA 3x3 YouTube Channel.
Who is competing? There are a whopping 48 teams competing in Singapore. The Qualifying Draw will be held on March 26-27 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, QD Pool B: China, Chinese Taipei, QD Pool C: Japan, Australia, QD Pool D: New Zealand, Qatar, QD Women's Pool A: China, New Zealand, QD Pool B: Mongolia, Thailand, QD Pool C: Japan, Singapore, QD Pool D: Australia, Philippines, QD Who are the favorites? In the men's, we just have to start with defending champs Australia, who comprehensively outgunned the opposition 12 months ago to take back the crown. If it wasn't for crazy heroics from Anand Ariunbold two years ago then Australia would have won this event a ridiculous five straight times!
But the 3x3 Boomers will have to fight for the crown and they might just have to face old foe Mongolia - who ended their title hopes in 2017 and 2023.
Two-time former champs Mongolia have those famous dudes you well know led by Ariunbold who just loves stepping foot at the Singapore Sports Hub.
New Zealand have made the final four in each of the previous three events in Singapore, but they will bring a brand new team this time around. Young gun Aidan Tongue has starred at U23 level and is currently the No.1 ranked New Zealand player. He'll be out to live up to top billing and get tongues wagging. China, Japan and former champion Qatar also have to be rated as contenders, while Iran shocked the world last year to storm into the final but they'll have to go the long way through the QD.
In the women's, Australia have proven unbeatable over the past couple of editions as they crushed every opponent with ease. They bring back former tournament MVPs Marena Whittle and Alex Wilson while superstar Anneli Maley is also a two-time champion. They add Miela Goodchild who absolutely balled out in Australia's bronze medal run at the Champions Cup.
Australia's bid for a historic three-peat won't be easy and they might again be on a collision course with rival New Zealand, who they have beaten in the final of the last two Asia Cups.
A new-look China boasting young bucket getter Duoling Hu should be a title threat, while Mongolia, Japan and Thailand - coming off a stirring home upset against power France at the Champions Cup - also could be in the mix.
Who are the players to watch? We've already name dropped some of the biggest stars, but buckle up because there are plenty more to come. Alex Higgins-Titsha is the next big thing to come out of Australia and he's a one-man wrecking ball who is both a dunk and block machine.
Hanyu Guo and Peng Yan will provide the one-two punch for China, while Japan's Ryo Ozawa has ridiculous handles and can get to whatever spot he wants. Nedim Muslic has plenty of savvy moves as he leads former champs Qatar and big fella Chanatip Jakrawan feasts in the paint for Thailand.
There is no more revered women's player than Khulan Onolbaatar, who made us tear up after her emotions poured out following Mongolia's bronze medal victory last year. We can't wait to see her back and so too Sharne Pupuke-Robati, who has had plenty of success in Singapore leading New Zealand previously. If you're out to be amazed then Kaye Pingol's insane handles will leave you mesmerized and if you notice that the temperature has been raised then that is most likely because Thailand's Rattiyakorn Udomsuk is on a heater.
FIBA