The upcoming 3×3 NZ Pro Quest Tour stop in Christchurch is set to be a thrilling event for basketball fans in the South Island.
The tournament resumes on 28 and 29 January and will again feature some of Aotearoa’s top 3×3 talent – with Taylor Britt (Canterbury Rams / Tall Blacks), Richie Rodger (Taranaki Airs, Tall Blacks), Lauryn Hippolite (Mainland Pouākai, Tall Ferns) and Rosalia Samia (Whai) all playing in this competition for the first time this weekend, alongside other Sal’s NBL And GJ Gardner Tauihi athletes.
The goal for the athletes in this competition is twofold; to boost them into consideration for the national 3×3 Tall Blacks and 3×3 Tall Ferns squads, as well as generating vital FIBA ranking points for New Zealand. BBNZ 3×3 Programme Manager, Nikolay Mikhalchuk says that he is excited to see 3×3 return in Christchurch.
“It will be a great opportunity for fans to see some of Aotearoa’s best 3×3 players in action, and for our 3×3 National Team head coaches to evaluate the various athletes who are participating,” says Mikhalchuk.
“The next big international tournament for both the 3×3 Tall Blacks and 3×3 Tall Ferns is the FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup at the end of March in Singapore; so the 3×3 NZ Pro Quest Tour is a great chance for players to show they belong in this squad.”
Adding to the excitement, Mikhalchuk has also confirmed that New Zealand has recently accepted an invitation from FIBA to participate in the upcoming U23 Nations League, which is the highest-level International 3×3 League that FIBA hosts.
This means that the 3×3 head coaches will be closely watching the performances of the U23 players at this Christchurch stop, with an eye on selecting the best players to represent New Zealand on this pivotal international stage.
Play tips off from 10am on 28th January at the home of the Canterbury Rams and Mainland Pouākai, Cowles Stadium, with two days of 3×3 action on offer. Entry is free and spectators are encouraged to attend.
