The PLAYGRND Showdown International Basketball Federation (FIBA) 3×3 Quest Basketball Tour is inbound for Rockhampton this weekend.

Event hosts, Fulfilling Dreams Inc, received a $6,000 sponsorship through Rockhampton Regional Council’s Community Assistance Program to bring the tour back to the Beef Capital for the second consecutive year.

The competition will see teams of three battle it out in games of one-hoop-only games of basketball, with each team allowed one substitute player.

Communities, Culture and Heritage Councillor Drew Wickerson said the event would see people of all ages and abilities participate.

“Basketball is a popular sport, and to have this unique 3×3 format come to our region for the second time is very exciting,” Cr Wickerson said.

“The event is expected to attract more than 100 participants, with junior, wheelchair, all-inclusive and open men’s and women’s games throughout the day, which is great for our local economy and demonstrates the calibre of sporting events we can host in the Beef Capital.

“Last year, the winning Rockhampton team did us all proud and progressed to the finals in Brisbane, and I know our region will be backing our local athletes all the way at this year’s event.”

PLAYGRND Showdown Ambassador and former professional basketball player Deola D’Brown said the funding from the Community Assistance Program would help cover the costs associated with running the competition.

Mr D’Brown said the event would help break down barriers local athletes face when accessing high-level competitions.

“Basketball gave me opportunities I could never have imagined growing up. It took me from playing on outdoor courts and in local communities to competing professionally around the world, representing clubs at the highest levels and building a career through the game,” Mr D’Brown said.

“That’s why I’m passionate about FIBA 3×3. It’s one of the few sports where young athletes can begin on a local outdoor court, compete in sanctioned events, earn international ranking points and work towards representing their country. It’s a genuine pathway that rewards commitment, competition and consistency.

“Some of the athletes who have come through our events have gone on to wear their national colours, including players such as Jarrod Bairstow, Bride Hopoate and New Zealand representative Chevy, demonstrating the calibre of talent these competitions attract and develop.”

PLAYGRND Showdown FIBA 3×3 Quest Basketball Tour will be held on Saturday, 5 September from 9am at Bravus Arena on Sir Raymond Huish Drive.

The Community Assistance Program supports non-profit, community-based organisations through grants and sponsorships for projects and events that enhance the wellbeing of the region.

Applications for the next round of the Community Assistance Program open on 21 September and closes on 2 November 2026.

The Gilas Pilipinas 3×3 Women are headed back to the FIBA 3×3 World Cup after eight years, following a 21-10 win over host Singapore to secure the third and final ticket in the World Cup Qualifiers on Sunday.

Earlier, the Gilas Women squad, composed of Cheska Apag, Afril Bernardino, Mikka Cacho, and Kacey Dela Rosa, fell to Lithuania, 21-16, in the semifinals, relegating them to the battle for the last World Cup berth.

The Philippines then took control early in the match, building an 11-7 lead before Cacho went down with an apparent leg injury at the fourth minute. She later returned and helped extend the advantage, combining with Dela Rosa for consecutive baskets to give Gilas a 16-8 cushion with just over three minutes remaining.

Cacho then pushed the lead to 17-9, before Dela Rosa’s free throws stretched the gap to double digits. Singapore managed to trim the deficit, but Bernardino sealed the win, and the World Cup berth, with clutch free throws.

Dela Rosa had 11 points, while Bernardino and Cacho had 6 and 4 points, respectively.

On Saturday, Gilas opened with a 16-13 loss to Brazil before bouncing back with a 21-19 win over Singapore to advance to the knockout phase.

The Philippines last qualified for the FIBA 3×3 World Cup in 2018, where it finished 17th.

—JKC, GMA News