Dunedin will play host to the fifth stop of the Youthtown 3×3 Quest Tour on Sunday.
The action will take place at the Edgar Centre in the MoreFM Arena. The event has been split into two sessions this time, with the first session tipping off at 9am and running to 12pm for the Under 15, Under 17 and Under 19 age groups. The Open men’s and women’s session will run from 1pm-3pm.
Entry is free for all men’s and women’s teams in the U15, U17, U19 and Open age-groups. However, there will be no same-day registrations. Unfortunately, the current red light setting in New Zealand means spectators will not be allowed at the venue.
Local product Josh Aitcheson will be suiting up for the HP NZ Select team on Sunday and is excited to battle it out with the best Dunedin has to offer.
“There’s going to be some awesome competition across all levels this weekend. It’s a great chance to come down no matter what level you are and have a good day playing some basketball with your mates.”
Aitcheson has spent time with the Otago Nuggets in recent years, winning a title with the team in 2020, and he was also invited to the 3×3 Senior Team camp in Auckland a couple of weeks ago.
The 23-year-old believes 3×3 basketball is the perfect introduction to the game for new players.
“3×3 is a really fast paced game where there is always something happening. It’s a great intro into basketball because you only need six people and a half court to play. Because the teams are small, you’re always involved and there are multiple ways to show your creativity and skill on the court,” said Aitcheson.
“3×3 basketball is gaining popularity in New Zealand and around the world. It’s kind of basketball’s version of T20 cricket or rugby sevens; both have become popular because of the shorter format and fan appeal. The fact that it was recently introduced to the Olympics shows how mainstream it’s becoming.”
At a Glance:
- This Youthtown 3×3 Quest Tour event is this Sunday February 20 at Edgar Centre (in MoreFM Arena) in Dunedin.
- The event is free for players, with Covid restrictions in place to ensure everyone’s safety
- Teams can register online via nz.basketball/3×3/3×3-quest-tour – please note all teams must be registered by Saturday February 19. There is no same day registration.
- This is the fifth of six 3×3 Quest Tour events being held around New Zealand over the next three months, with the Quest Final to be held in Auckland on 12 March 2022
- Follow the event on Basketball New Zealand’s social media accounts @BasketballNZ via Facebook, Instagram, Twitter.
