▲ Men’s 3×3 Basketball National Team

The South Korean men’s 3×3 basketball national team, led by head coach Bae Gil-tae, has advanced directly to the quarterfinals after finishing the group stage with a perfect 3-0 record at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games.

South Korea defeated Singapore 19-14 in their final Group D match of the tournament held today (September 23) at the special court near Kinjofuto Station in Nagoya, Japan.

Having previously secured consecutive victories against Thailand (21-11 win) and Japan (21-12 win), South Korea triumphed over Singapore to claim their third straight win in the group stage, securing the ticket to the quarterfinals reserved for group leaders.

South Korea will face the winner of the match between Indonesia and China, who will advance through the play-in tournament, in the quarterfinals.

A total of 16 teams are competing in the men’s 3×3 basketball event at this tournament, which features players aged 23 and under (U-23).

The format dictates that each group winner advances directly to the quarterfinals, while the second and third-place teams play in a play-in tournament for the remaining quarterfinal tickets.

Since 3×3 basketball was adopted as an official event at the 2018 Jakarta-Palembang Games, South Korea is aiming for its first-ever gold medal at this tournament.

In particular, Lee Ju-young, Kim Seung-woo (both from Yonsei University), Lee Dong-geun (Korea University), and Gu Min-gyo (Sungkyunkwan University), who combined to finish as runners-up at the FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup in April of this year, are maintaining their teamwork, making them strong medal contenders.

They finished first overall at the FIBA 3×3 Youth Nations League Central and East Asia regional tournament last month to secure a spot in the U-23 World Cup, and after competing in the U-23 World Cup held in China from September 15 to 19 to solidly build their teamwork, they arrived in Nagoya.

In the match against Singapore, Lee Dong-geun spearheaded the attack with a team-high 7 points along with 3 rebounds and 2 blocks, while Lee Ju-young performed strongly with 5 points and 4 rebounds.

(Photo courtesy of the Korea Basketball Association, Yonhap News)

※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.

WUHAN (China) — Paulius Velutis capped a dominant tournament by being named Men’s MVP of the FIBA 3×3 U23 World Cup 2026, after leading Lithuania to a second consecutive Men’s title in Wuhan.

Velutis was at the heart of Lithuania’s championship run, producing a series of impactful performances as the defending champions navigated the knockout rounds and held off Latvia 19-18 in a thrilling Final.

Lithuania defeated New Zealand 21-17 in the Quarter-Finals before overcoming Serbia 22-15 in the Semi-Finals. Velutis delivered 11 points against Serbia, including a decisive step-back two-pointer that sealed Lithuania’s place in the Final.

When the pressure peaked against Latvia, Velutis again delivered, scoring nine points as Lithuania held on for a 19-18 victory and successfully defended their U23 World Cup crown.

Throughout the tournament, Velutis amassed 47 total points (third overall) and 26 highlights (second overall). He also recorded 13 drives (second overall) and finished with a 60.9 total player value (third overall).

His all-around production and decisive contributions earned Velutis the MVP trophy, capping a memorable campaign as Lithuania repeated as Men’s U23 World Cup champions.

Stay Connected

Follow all the latest action from the FIBA 3×3 Cups tournaments throughout the 2026 season by visiting the official FIBA 3×3 website, where you can find the latest news, star players and everything you need to know. Fans can also keep track of the Event Calendar and the latest FIBA 3×3 Individual and Federation Rankings as teams and players continue their push toward the season finale.

Want to learn more about 3×3 basketball? Explore the official FIBA 3×3 Rules to understand the unique fast-paced format of the game, or discover the FIBA 3×3 Competition Structure to see how the discipline’s global pathway connects grassroots events, professional tours and world-class international competitions.

FIBA

TORONTO, Ont. (September 10, 2026) — Canada Basketball will host a 3×3 Men’s National Team Open Identification Session on Wednesday, September 30, at the Humber Lakeshore Community Gym in Toronto.

The Open ID will provide athletes with an opportunity to showcase their abilities in front of Canada Basketball’s 3×3 Men’s National Team staff. Athletes selected from the session will be invited to attend the team’s national training camp, taking place October 1–4 in Toronto.

The camp will help Canada prepare for the FIBA 3×3 AmeriCup 2026, which will be held in El Salvador in October.

Athletes interested in participating can register: click here.

The registration fee is $15 and includes a Gatorade towel and water bottle. The session time will be confirmed and communicated to registered participants.

Open ID details

Date: Wednesday, September 30, 2026
Time: To be confirmed
Location: Humber Lakeshore Community Gym, Toronto
Registration fee: $15
National training camp: October 1–4, 2026, in Toronto

ANTWERP (Belgium) – The road to continental 3×3 basketball glory starts with a pecking order, but the FIBA 3×3 Europe Cup has a habit of tearing up predictions. Germany lead the men’s Power Rankings heading into Antwerp, with Serbia, Latvia and the Netherlands close behind. Here’s how the 12 teams stack up before the action begins.

1. Germany

Germany take the No.1 spot after emerging as one of Europe’s most dangerous sides. Their blend of size, versatility and two-way intensity makes them a tough matchup. Of course, that’s embodied by no other than Fabian Giessmann. After beating France at the FIBA 3×3 World Cup 2026 Semi-Finals and just falling short in the Final against Latvia, the Germans arrive in Antwerp with genuine title credentials.

2. Serbia

Few teams can match Serbia’s individual firepower, with world No.1 Strahinja Stojačić leading the charge. Of course, they will also have some of the biggest names from the FIBA 3×3 World Tour like Filip Kaluđerović and Nenad Nerandžić of Ub alongside Dorde Simeunovic of Liman. As such, this squad has the experience and pedigree to thrive when games tighten up. If their stars find rhythm early, Serbia can quickly turn the rankings into reality.

3. Latvia

The reigning FIBA 3×3 World Cup champions remain one of the safest picks, especially with the ‘Batman and Robin’ duo of Karlis Lasmanis and Nauris Miezis leading the way. Latvia’s explosiveness and big-game experience make them dangerous in any knockout matchup. They would also love to finish the job after losing in last year’s Europe Cup Final to Lithuania.

4. Netherlands

Olympic champions Netherlands sit fourth, but that ranking hardly tells the whole story. Worthy de Jong brings championship pedigree and elite scoring ability as the Dutch chase a first men’s Europe Cup crown. Having Utrecht’s Nesta Agasi will also be quite interesting. If he meshes well with de Jong & Co., the Dutch could go very far. Their pool play matchup with Spain will set the tone.

5. France

France have consistently been among Europe’s elite and will be hungry after falling to Germany at the World Cup. Not having Franck Seguela is a genuine curiosity, but Hugo Suhard and Paul Djoko give them veteran leadership, playmaking and shooting under pressure. They also carry extra motivation as they chase a first men’s Europe Cup title.

6. Belgium

The hosts land at No.6, but home-court energy could make them a major threat. Dennis Donkor and Jonas Foerts lead a Belgian side capable of feeding off the Antwerp crowd. Put Thibaut ‘Must-see TV’ Vervoort in the mix, and they have guys who can catch fire in the blink of an eye. Belgium’s pool play clash with Serbia is one of the event’s must-see matchups.

7. Lithuania

Defending champions Lithuania may be seventh, but that also makes them the ultimate ranking upset candidate. Ignas Vaitkus returns as the reigning Europe Cup MVP, giving them a proven continental closer. Never count out a team that already knows what it takes to win.

8. Spain

Spain do note enter as the reigning World Cup champions after losing the title in Warsaw earier this year. Still, they find themselves eighth in the Power Rankings. That makes them one of the most intriguing teams in the field. Iván Aurrecoechea will be immovable under the basket, while Diego De Blas’ versatility will be all-important. Their opening pool battle with Olympic champions Netherlands should be a statement game.

9. Switzerland

Switzerland may not have the same trophy cabinet as the teams above them, but they have earned their place among Europe’s best, especially after sweeping the Kosice Qualifier. Their disciplined approach can make them very dangerous opponents. A strong start against Lithuania and Latvia would instantly change the conversation.

10. Italy

Italy occupy the No.10 spot and arrive with everything to gain. Their pool alongside Netherlands and Spain gives them opportunities to make an early statement, or an early exit. If the Italians disrupt the established order, they could become one of Antwerp’s surprise stories.

11. Estonia

Estonia sit just outside the top 10, but the gap can disappear quickly in 3×3 basketball. After all, this team swept all their games at the Bucharest Qualifier. Overlook them at your own risk. That said, Estonia will need to embrace the pace and physicality from the opening possession. A pool upset would put them firmly on the map.

12. Ireland

Ireland round out the rankings after topping the Pristina Qualifier. However, that position comes with zero margin for hesitation. Their pool features Lithuania and Latvia, the protagonists from last year’s Europe Cup Final. With nothing to lose, Ireland can play the spoiler and make life difficult for the favorites.

The rankings may point to Germany, Serbia and Latvia at the front, but Antwerp will decide what matters. With Olympic, World Cup and Europe Cup champions alongside legitimate challengers and new faces across the field, expect the order to change once the first check ball is made.

Stay Connected

Follow all the latest action from the FIBA 3×3 Cups tournaments throughout the 2026 season by visiting the official FIBA 3×3 website, where you can find the latest news, star players and everything you need to know. Fans can also keep track of the Event Calendar and the latest FIBA 3×3 Individual and Federation Rankings as teams and players continue their push toward the season finale.

Want to learn more about 3×3 basketball? Explore the official FIBA 3×3 Rules to understand the unique fast-paced format of the game, or discover the FIBA 3×3 Competition Structure to see how the discipline’s global pathway connects grassroots events, professional tours and world-class international competitions.

FIBA

PATRICK Fran gets another shot at a 3×3 men’s basketball medal at the Asian Games.

The 53-year-old former PBA player has been tasked to handle the Gilas men’s 3×3 side that is out to redeem itself in the quadrennial showcase slated in Nagoya, Japan this month.

Fran was named head coach of the team put together by 3×3 project director Ryan Gregorio of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) after working with JJ Espanola in calling the shots for the U21, U23, and senior men’s teams.

Comprising the Asiad 3×3 unit are Binan Tatak Gel’s Nic Cabanero, Koji Buenaflor of University of Santo Tomas, and the De La Salle duo of Doy Dungo and Luis Pablo.

Fran, a proud product of Santo Tomas who played for TNT and Air21 and later, became assistant coach at Meralco, was with the coaching staff of the Gilas 3×3 team when the half-court game made its debut in the Hangzhou Asiad in 2022.

The national team – then comprised of Bismarck Lina, Bryan Sajonia, Janrey Pasaol, and Justine Sanchez – made it to the knockout quarterfinals, where it lost to South Korea, 19-16.

But the Philippines was the only team to beat Chinese Taipei, 17-12, during the group stage. Chinese Taipei eventually ended up winning the gold by beating Qatar, 18-16.

This time, Fran will be handling a team whose members are seeing action in the FIBA 3×3 World Cup in Wuhan, China a week before the Asiad.

Espanola will call the shots in the World Cup.

Buenaflor is with the U-21 team that qualified for Wuhan, while Pablo and Dungo are with the U-23 team seeing action in the same World Cup meet in China.

Cabanero meanwhile, was with the Gilas 3×3 team that advanced in the semis of the Asian Beach Games, but lost to perennial rival Thailand, 20-18.

The 3×3 World Cup will be held from Sept. 15 to 19, although the half-court competitions in the Asiad won’t start until Sept. 21 at the Kinio-futo Station Square.

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China claimed both the men’s and women’s titles as the 2026 IWBF 3×3 Asia Oceania Championships concluded in Shanghai.

Held at the Shanghai Disabled Persons’ Sports Training Base on 15 and 16 August, the competition brought together 12 teams representing eight countries for two days of fast-paced 3×3 wheelchair basketball.

In the men’s competition, China 2 secured the gold medal, with Thailand taking silver and China 1 completing the podium with bronze. The United Arab Emirates also produced an impressive campaign. After topping Pool A with three victories from four games, the UAE advanced to the semi-finals and ultimately finished fourth.

China 2 also emerged victorious in the women’s competition, finishing ahead of silver medallists Thailand and bronze medallists China 1 to complete a sweep of the two titles for the host nation.

The tournament featured teams from China, Hong Kong, China, Kuwait, Malaysia, the Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Thailand and the United Arab Emirates. China entered two teams in both competitions.

The Championships provided another important opportunity for countries across the Asia Oceania Zone to gain international experience in the developing 3×3 format and showcased two days of competitive and entertaining wheelchair basketball.

IWBF Asia Oceania congratulates all the teams, athletes and officials who participated and thanks the Local Organising Committee and everyone involved in delivering the event in Shanghai.

Final standings

Men

1. China 2
2. Thailand
3. China 1
4. United Arab Emirates

Women

1. China 2
2. Thailand
3. China 1

Full competition results are available on the official FIBA 3×3 event page.

WARSAW (Poland) – Karlis Lasmanis was named Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the FIBA 3×3 World Cup 2026 after helping Latvia to the title in Warsaw.

The Latvian star was recognized for his outstanding performances throughout the tournament, leading from the front during his team’s run to the championship. Lasmanis was a driving force behind Latvia’s campaign, scoring a total of 56 points to lead the entire tournament. Lasmanis also delivered several standout performances throughout the tournament. He capped his World Cup run with 12 points in the Final against Germany to help guide his team to their first FIBA 3×3 World Cup title.

Joining Lasmanis on the FIBA 3×3 World Cup 2026 Men’s Team of the Tournament were Denzel Agyeman of Germany and Strahinja Stojacic of Serbia.

Together, the trio produced some of the tournament’s most memorable performances and played key roles in their respective teams’ success during seven days of competition in Warsaw.

FIBA

Published August 21, 2026 1:19pm

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The Gilas Pilipinas U23 men’s and women’s teams ruled Stop 3 of the FIBA 3×3 Youth Nations League – Asia SEA, held in Malaysia on August 19.

The Philippine men’s team, composed of collegiate standouts Andrew Bongo, Doys Dungo, Rhyle Melencio, and Luis Pablo, swept all three of its games, defeating Vietnam, 21-9, Chinese Taipei, 21-13, and New Zealand, 21-19, in the final to claim the title.

The women’s team also swept the stop, beating Thailand, 21-9, New Zealand, 17-16, and Chinese Taipei, 17-14, in the final.

The women’s team is composed of Amyah Espanol, Kennan Ka, Jamanah Meniano, and Maria Victoria Pasilang.

In the first stop, the Philippine women’s team also ruled the tournament, while the men’s team placed third.

In Stop 2, the men’s team finished second.

The Philippines will return to action on Friday for the fourth stop, with two more stops happening this weekend.

—JKC, GMA News

The Indian men’s basketball team stormed into the main draw of the FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup 2026 in Singapore after beating Bahrain, Kazakhstan and Hong Kong China in Pool D of its qualifying round on Wednesday.

India, 83rd in the 3×3 basketball rankings, produced a clinical performance to beat world No. 19 Bahrain 21-12 in their final Pool D qualifying match. Harsh Dagar dominated the court, scoring 15 of India’s total points.

Earlier in the day, India kept themselves in contention with two hard-fought wins.

They staged a late comeback to beat world No. 55 Kazakhstan 20-18 in their opener. Pranav Prince top-scored with nine points, while Arvind Muthu added five. 

Kazakhstan had moved 18-16 ahead in the closing stages, but India responded with a decisive four-point burst, with Prince and Muthu driving the turnaround.

India then edged 84th-ranked Hong Kong China 19-18 in another thriller. Muthu led the scoring with seven points, while Kushal Singh contributed five. 

With three wins, the men’s Indian basketball team, which is yet to win the FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup, is now in Pool D of the main draw alongside Qatar and New Zealand.

Matches in the main draw games will begin on April 3. The top two teams from the group stage will progress to the quarter-finals. 

Last year, India made it to the quarter-finals after 12 years. The same four-member squad is competing this year. 

The Indian women’s 3×3 basketball team, which won the inaugural edition in 2013, will play their qualifying round matches on Thursday.