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3x3 basketball gains momentum in Singapore; nation takes aim at 2032 Olympics

While more players taking to the sport, challenges remain in getting experienced 3x3 basketball coaches and referees.

3x3 basketball gains momentum in Singapore; nation takes aim at 2032 Olympics

A player shoots at the hoop during a 3x3 basketball game in Singapore.

SINGAPORE: A compact, quicker version of basketball is gaining momentum in Singapore, with a mounting fan base among both professional and amateur players.

“3x3 basketball has a much faster game pace. It is thrilling, and there isn't much time to think,” said national player Ng Shi Yu.

The Basketball Association of Singapore (BAS), the nation’s governing body for the sport, wants a shot at qualifying for the 2032 Olympic Games in this discipline.

To attract more players and give them experience in the arena, those in Singapore’s basketball fraternity are organising grassroots and international tournaments, and scouting for coaches.

2032 OLYMPIC DREAMS

The Basketball Association has set its sights on the Brisbane 2032 Summer Olympics, giving the nation about nine years to get a team ready.

Its coaching and development chairman Allen Lee believes the country has what it takes.

“There is a lot of potential in 3x3 basketball. It really boils down to how much training you have, and how you identify the strengths and weaknesses of your opponents,” said Mr Lee.

“We do know the formula in terms of how we can actually (qualify) … Singapore stands a very good chance if we are able to put in more resources.”

To bring in new blood and drum up enthusiasm for the game, sport organisations are looking at more community 3x3 tournaments.

“Competitions are a main draw. Because nobody likes to just train, right? You want to compete. You want to test out your skills as a team, as an individual,” said Mr Marcus Tan, chief of the sport development group at Sport Singapore (SportSG).

“The 3x3 discipline is a very hyped and fast-paced game, which we strongly believe will attract the younger players. So yes, we will be running a lot more grassroots-based community competitions to encourage more people to participate in this sport.”

National player Ng Shi Yu shoots during a 3x3 basketball practice in Singapore.

WHAT IS 3X3 BASKETBALL?

3x3 basketball has just three players on each team, compared to the usual five-a-side basketball game.

The game is played on a half-court with one hoop. After taking possession of the ball, the offensive team has only 12 seconds on the shot clock to attempt to score – half of the 24 seconds allowed in regular basketball.

Each game lasts just 10 minutes and can be won in two ways: by scoring the most points at the final whistle, or by reaching 21 points first.   

Mr Ng said the intense pace and short playing time means a strong focus is what makes or breaks a team. Unlike regular basketball, which lasts 40 minutes, this speedy variation allows players little time to plan their moves or stage a comeback.

“After you score a basket, you have to go to defence straight away. And it is only a 10-minute game, so everything happens in the 10 minutes,” said the 22-year-old, who is a towering 1.97m tall.

The national athlete, who trains up to four times a week while serving his National Service, said he loves this version of basketball for its intensity and versatility.

GROWING APPEAL

Urban sports such as skateboarding and BMX cycling are on the rise, particularly among the youth, and 3x3 basketball is the most popular of these non-traditional sporting activities.

It was first introduced to the Youth Olympic Games in Singapore in 2010, and later included in the Olympic basketball programme starting with Tokyo in 2021.

“The whole idea of a street feel, a bit less structured, incorporating music and graffiti – all these are a draw for the younger crowd,” said Mr Tan.

“The participants who are coming onboard, the fans, a lot of them are young audiences. There’s something about the hype that attracts them.”

Players take part in a 3x3 basketball game practice session.

Courting elite tournaments will accelerate the game's appeal, industry professionals said.

Last month, Singapore hosted the 3x3 Asia Cup for a second consecutive year. For the first time, the national men's team made it to the quarter-finals.

Seats in the arena were increased to 700, from 500 a year ago, and weekend tickets were mostly sold out.

SportSG said it is looking to expand spectator capacity to accommodate more fans when the nation hosts the event for the next two years.

GOING INTERNATIONAL

Next on the board is the SEA Games in Cambodia next month. National players are looking to rebound from last year's campaign in Hanoi, where both the men’s and women’s teams did not make it past the first round.

Mr Tan said that while more players taking to the sport, challenges remain in getting experienced 3x3 basketball coaches and referees.

There are plans to hire a head coach from overseas to grow the expertise of local trainers.

Hosting competitions and taking part in international events will also allow players to hone their skills, and clock points to qualify for the Olympics.

Aside from Brisbane, Mr Tan said a nearer goal is the 2029 SEA Games on home ground in six years’ time, where the national team will take a shot at gold.

For professional players like Mr Ng, who is on the roster for next month’s regional tournament, there are hopes that the adrenaline-charged variation will attract more enthusiasts to the sport.

“3x3 has more opportunities for professional players – world tours, FIBA, Masters Cups ongoing around the world. So it opens up a lot of opportunities for people like me who love basketball,” he said.

Source: CNA/dn(ca)

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