SINGAPORE - Australia's title defenses launch with their men's team facing a blockbuster clash against power Japan, while the all-conquering Gangurrus start their bid for a three-peat against the Philippines as excitement builds for the FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup 2025 on March 26-30.
For the fourth straight year, Asia's biggest 3x3 event will be held in world famous Singapore with the eighth edition of the tournament set to be the best one yet.
Let's start with the men's pools. After a heart-breaking defeat to Mongolia in 2023 ended their long-time dominance of the tournament, Australia rebounded last year in style to capture a record-extending fourth title. In a Pool C headline game, Australia face Japan who won bronze in the 2018 edition.
Two-time champions Mongolia feature in Pool A and you just know the atmosphere will be crazy when they take on host Singapore, who have risen to great heights in front of their fans before.
New Zealand always play a physical brand and are a perennial contender as they headline Pool D featuring former winners Qatar.
Two-time silver medalist China face Chinese Taipei in Pool C.
Last year's surprise finalist Iran, Philippines and India are also in the QD.
POOLS MEN: QD A: Malaysia; Indonesia; Hong Kong, China; Bahrain, Guam QD B: Philippines, Republic of Korea, India, Macau QD C: Kazakhstan, Iran, Maldives, Papua New Guinea QD D: Thailand, Turkmenistan, Vietnam, New Caledonia POOL A: Mongolia, Singapore, QD A Winner POOL B: China, Chinese Taipei, QD B Winner POOL C: Japan, Australia, QD C Winner POOL D: New Zealand, Qatar, QD D Winner
In the women's, Australia have run rampant over the past two editions with the same awesome foursome. We don't know yet if they'll return, but the Gangurrus will need to be at their best in Pool D as the Philippines eye a first medal in the competition.
China was the last team to knock off Australia and they start their campaign in Pool A with perhaps the most intriguing group game when they face New Zealand, who have been runners-up the past two editions.
Mongolia's bronze medal win last year was one of the most emotional moments ever seen on the half-court. But they will return to Singapore eying gold and that quest starts in Pool B against Thailand, who shocked the world by finishing fourth in 2023.
Former bronze medalist Japan will be aiming to silence the crowd when they face host Singapore in Pool C.
Former champions India, Malaysia and Chinese Taipei, who finished fourth last year, are in the QD.
WOMEN QD A: Malaysia, Republic of Korea, Bahrain QD B: Chinese Taipei; India; Hong Kong, China; Guam QD C: Kazakhstan, Iran, Vietnam, Maldives QD D: Indonesia, Turkmenistan, Macau, Papua New Guinea POOL A: China, New Zealand, QD A Winner POOL B: Mongolia, Thailand, QD B Winner POOL C: Japan, Singapore, QD C Winner POOL D: Australia, Philippines, QD D Winner
FIBA