The 3×3 Tall Blacks have created New Zealand Basketball history, etching themselves into the history books as New Zealand’s first ever gold medal at the FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup, downing Korea in the tournament’s final 21-15.
Not only have they created history, but Te Tuhi Lewis’ incredible campaign saw him win the tournament’s Most Valuable Player award for his 41 points and 13 two-pointers across the five games.
But it wasn’t just Lewis living up to the #2pointnation name, with the squad knocking down a whopping 26 long-range baskets throughout the competition. That lights-out performance a key contributor in bringing the gold home to Aotearoa.
The young, but experienced core of Aidan Tonge, Josh Book, Te Tuhi Lewis and Christian Martin put on a show for the fans in Singapore, breezing through pool play with wins over India (16-11) and Qatar (21-11) before taking on Australia in the quarter-finals.
In the quarter-final Te Tuhi Lewis and Christian Martin would combine for six two-point field goals. Aidan “The General” Tonge went a perfect 6/6 from the field before Josh Book put the icing on the cake with a driving lay-up to secure the 21-16 victory over their neighbours.
That win would match them up with Japan, the team they beat in last year’s third place playoff to win bronze.
Josh Book would continue his momentum built from the last bucket in the quarter-final, to top score in this one with 7 points, while Martin and Tonge chipped in 6, as the 3×3 Tall Blacks took down Japan to earn their way into the FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup final.
Of note also, to this point in the competition floor general Aidan Tonge had scored 18 points on a perfect 17/17 from the field across the team’s four games. Tonge would eventually end the competition shooting a ridiculous 19/20 (or 95%) from the field, his only miss coming in the final.
The Republic of Korea would await the 3×3 Tall Blacks, the only team remaining that stood between them taking home gold around their necks.
It was the tournament’s MVP that would score New Zealand’s first 5 points of the game, as they shot out to a quick 5-2 lead after the first minute of play.
Book would extend their lead out with his first two-pointer of the game before Tonge and Lewis added three more points to quickly extend the lead to 10-4 after just two and a half minutes of action.
Christian Martin then scored four straight points for the Kiwi’s, keeping Korea at bay with New Zealand’s biggest lead of the game at 14-7. Korea went on a quick run, cutting into the lead, but all four Kiwi’s responded contributing with points to extend the lead back out to five, before Te Tuhi Lewis finished proceedings with a long range bomb to claim victory and the Asia Cup Gold, final score 21-15.
“Very, very proud of the team and staff on board with us!”
Aidan Tonge stoked with the way the team worked together over the past campaign.
“All of us were working really well together, and ultimately we were able to get the result we were after.”
The team’s incredible chemistry evident in their play through the five games at the 2026 Asia Cup. A trait Tonge believes is a key reason why success as followed this group.
“It’s an awesome group of guys we have in the team, and the system. Everyone being committed allows us to build and grow as a team. But we all compliment each other really well and ensure we get the best out of ourselves.”
The gold at the 2026 Asia Cup and great build on last year’s bronze medal, and indeed great start to a 3×3 calendar this year includes the second edition of 3×3 at the Commonwealth Games. Tournament MVP, Te Tuhi Lewis reflecting on what has been an incredible journey to date and the togetherness of this team.
“It’s always a blessing to step out on the court and represent New Zealand.”
The Waikato native attributing his teammates to his personal success on court this tournament that saw light up the 3×3 Asia Cup for the second year in a row.
“I honestly believe the biggest contributing factor in my success is the trust that my teammates have in me. In the semi-final against Japan, I missed all my two-point shots, and internally I was pretty disappointed in myself.”
But in the build up to the team’s final against Korea, words uttered by his teammate were all he needed to hear to clear those doubts. A statement that epitomises what this unit is all about.
“Aidan came up to me and said, “Don’t you dare hesitate, don’t even think twice.” and it’s that mindset that gives me the freedom to succeed in what I do best and that’s shooting the ball. And we saw in the Japan game, even if I don’t shoot well, Josh and Christian are more than capable of performing at the same level”
But for the Lewis and the 3×3 Tall Blacks, they know this is just the beginning and there’s more work to be done.
“Honestly I’m just super excited for what’s to come for us. It feels like it’s only the beginning.”
His thoughts echoed by his teammate, the man now referred to by New Zealand 3×3 fans as “The General”, Aidan Tonge.
“I’ve always had excitement for this group, knowing what we could achieve. But I hope winning the Asia Cup gives excitement to our supporters, friends and families back home who allow us to be here and be present when we play.”
The win is an incredible feat for the 3×3 programme that has been building steadily for the last few years, including the special duo of Piet van Hasselt and Nikolay Mikhailchuk.
“Lastly from us players we wanted to say huge thanks to Piet and Nikolay for their endless efforts and hard work towards us and this programme!
The 3×3 Tall Blacks now move onto the 3×3 FIBA World Cup Qualifiers in a few days time, where they will look to secure a spot at June’s World Cup in Warsaw.
