The exciting Kiwi quartet of Aidan Tonge, Josh Book, Te Tuhi Lewis and Christian Martin are set to make their mark at the 2026 FIBA 3×3 World Cup in Warsaw.
The experienced and fiery New Zealanders (affectionately referred to in 3×3 spaces as #2pointnation) will travel to Poland, with the same head down mentality that has seen them rise to the occasion time and time again.
While the four-man two-point crew of Book, Lewis, Martin and Tonge will take to the floor in the Paris of the North, they’ll be ably supported by the squad’s two reserves Sam Gold and Aston Inwood.
3×3 Tall Blacks long-time head coach, Piet van Hasselt, is adamant that regardless of the occasion, the goals remain consistent for ‘2-Point Nation’.
“Our goals remain the same as ever, improve in every game and cherish the opportunity that is in front of us. Our team is methodical in our processes. We plan, prepare, play, review and recover as a unit. We don’t get ahead of ourselves. We build game-by-game and target the playoffs in the first instance.”
The 3×3 Tall Blacks are one of the youngest 3×3 teams on the international circuit, despite that their experience playing together as a squad over the course of the last year and a bit will be invaluable to the team making a real splash at this year’s World Cup.
“Continuity is huge in 3X3 as we evolve our strategies and consistency in our performances. We have a squad of six this year who prepared over the summer and are ready to play and run through a brick wall for the New Zealand 3X3 programme.”
The flare of New Zealand’s style of play has made waves across the 3×3 world, with the team’s ability to knock down the deep ball at a high percentage seeing them labelled as one of 3×3’s most exciting teams to watch.
Across the 3×3 FIBA Asia Cup, the team drained a staggering 26 two-point shots across the tournament, which was 6 more than any other team at the tournament.
Coach van Hasselt wary that the 3×3 Tall Blacks no longer come into these FIBA events as the unknown underdogs.
“Teams will know who we are and not take us lightly. Our team is locked in and ready to bring the intensity from the opening check-ball. Everyone’s focus is on improvement and showing what we are made of. All four playing uncompromising defence and showing assertiveness on offence will be huge for us.”
The head of that snake, Te Tuhi Lewis, the 2026 FIBA Asia Cup MVP, has been touted as one of 3×3’s newest star attractions.
His ability to hit the long-range ball and attack the basket sees him as a consistent go-to option for the 3×3 Tall Blacks, whilst also having the ability to pass the ball, and kick to great knockdown shooters like Christian Martin and Josh Book.
The man who keeps it all together for the squad, Aidan “The General” Tonge will lead the team around the half-court with the same poise and control he always does.
“Iron sharpens iron. Playing against the best teams in the world will only help refine our strategies and processes.
The 3×3 Tall Blacks face a tough pool, and will play Netherlands, Germany, China and Japan in Group C.
“All the pools at the World Cup are tough.
The top 20 nations can beat anyone on their day. Three of five make it through to the playoffs, and nothing will be handed to us, we must go out there and grab it.
With two European and two Asian countries in our pool we are looking forward to taking on the various styles that accompany a World Cup.”
The 2026 FIBA 3×3 World Cup starts on June 1st, with New Zealand’s first game against the Netherlands at 11:45pm, before taking on Germany in the early hours of the morning (3:30am).
As they always do, Aotearoa’s electrifying 3×3 Tall Blacks will be ready to give it their all come opening night.
“We are young, hungry and never satisfied. We have a strong vision for the future and a World Cup gives us another chance to build on our Asia Cup success.”
All games at the FIBA 3×3 World Cup can be watched via livestream on the FIBA 3×3 YouTube channel.
3×3 Tall Blacks Squad for the 2026 World Cup in Warsaw, Poland:
Josh Book
Te Tuhi Lewis
Christian Martin
Aidan Tonge
Sam Gold (Reserve)
Aston Inwood (Reserve)
Head Coach: Piet van Hasselt
3×3 Tall Blacks 2026 World Cup Schedule:
June 1st – 11:45pm
v Netherlands
June 2nd – 3:30am
v Germany
June 3rd – 11:45pm
v China
June 4th – 1:35am
v Japan
*all games free on FIBA 3×3 YouTube
