After a robust selection process, including high-level camps and combined 3×3 hubs across the motu, Basketball New Zealand is proud to announce the squads heading to Singapore for the 2025 3×3 FIBA Asia Cup.
Leading the 3×3 Tall Blacks is New Zealand’s number one ranked 3×3 player, Aidan Tonge, who’s currently plying his trade professionally in Malaysia. He’s joined by Zach Hannen, and two emerging 3×3 talents, Te Tuhi Lewis and Christian Martin.
Daniel Dobson and Aston Inwood have been listed as non-travelling reserves.
The 3×3 Tall Blacks will be once again coached by Piet van Hasselt, who welcomes Joe Zhang onto the staff as the team’s physio.
A new-look squad for the 2degrees 3×3 Tall Ferns has brought some excitement to the campaign. Returning after the incredible successes of the last two years is 2023 and 2024 FIBA Asia Cup all-tournament team selection, Sharne Robati. She’ll lead the way as a trio of rising 3×3 stars join her in Azure Anderson, Eva Langton and Kaylee Smiler.
Youngsters Anika Hyland and Maddy Timms have been brought in to cover as non-travelling reserves.
Anthony Corban will once again lead the 2degrees 3×3 Tall Ferns, as he welcomes back former 3×3 Tall Fern, Olivia O’Neill into the fold in a different role as the team’s physio.
These new look 3×3 National Teams represent an exciting future for New Zealand’s 3×3 programme with the goal of medalling at the 2026 Commonwealth Games and representing Aotearoa at future Olympic Games at the forefront.
Basketball New Zealand’s 3×3 High Performance Manager, Nikolay Mikhalchuk, will travel with the teams as the Head of the Delegation.
“I’m extremely excited to see fresh talent representing New Zealand internationally. These players have come through a robust selection process, competing in our domestic combined hubs and exposure camps, proving their ability at every stage. This Asia Cup is just the first step toward bigger goals—a podium finish at the 2026 Commonwealth Games and qualification to the next two Olympic Games.”
Both teams had a reasonably successful 2024 3×3 FIBA Asia Cup.
The Tall Blacks placing fourth, knocked out in their semi-final against Iran before an agnosingly close loss to Mongolia in the third place game.
Taking home silver for the second time in as many years in 2024 after falling short to rivals the Australian Gangurrus, the 3×3 Tall Ferns will be looking to go one better this year. They start their campaign against a strong Chinese side at 7:30pm on March 28 (NZT).
Just a little while later the 3×3 Tall Blacks will start their run to FIBA Asia Cup glory in the early hours of March 29, their first game set for 12:25am (NZT).
3×3 Tall Blacks squad:
Coach: Piet van Hasselt
Physio: Joe Zhang
Zach Hannen, Christian Martin, Te Tuhi Lewis, Aidan Tonge, Daniel Dobson (non-travelling reserve), Aston Inwood (non-travelling reserve)
2degrees 3×3 Tall Ferns squad:
Coach: Anthony Corban
Physio: Olivia O’Neill
Azure Anderson, Eva Langton, Sharne Robati, Kaylee Smiler, Anika Hyland (non-travelling reserve), Maddy Timms (non-travelling reserve)
