AUT to host Oceania basketball event
It’s considered the largest urban team sport in the world, is one of the newest additions to the Olympic Games programme, and now 3x3 basketball is coming to AUT.
The International University Sports Federation (FISU) has announced AUT will host the FISU Oceania 3x3 Basketball World Cup Qualifying Tournament at our Te Āhuru Recreation Centre on the 21st and 22nd of July.
President of FISU Oceania, David Schmude, says it is the first time this event has been held since the global COVID-19 pandemic.
“We are excited to be able to hold our 3x3 Continental Qualifying Tournament in person this year,” David says. “The event will not only determine who will represent Oceania at the FISU 3x3 University World Cup, it will also bring students together from our region who might not normally get the opportunity for international competition.”
What is 3x3 basketball?
3x3 (pronounced 3 ex 3) - also known as street ball or street basketball - has just three players on each team, compared to the usual five-a-side basketball game.
The sport has its origins in the USA in the late 1980s where the condensed form of basketball was often practiced in backyards and parks before eventually evolving into the cultural phenomenon it has become today with over 250 million players globally, making it among the world’s most played recreational sports.
The game is played on a half-court with one hoop. 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.
Hosting Oceania’s best young basketballers
Auckland was chosen as the host city due to its access to direct flights to many Oceania countries, and AUT was selected as the venue due to its convenient CBD location and modern facilities at the Te Āhuru Recreation Centre.
Teams from all FISU Oceania member countries have been invited to compete. The tournament will include a men’s and women’s competition as well as ‘dunk and free throw’ competitions for individual players.
Winners of the qualifying tournament will represent Oceania at the 3x3 University World Cup being held in October 2023.
AUT Recreation Manager Bruce Meyer said the university is proud to host the first in-person 3x3 qualifying event for FISU Oceania.
“The opportunity to host an international event enables us to showcase the best of our university and city to visiting teams, and more widely to the FISU community,” Bruce says.
“Our university is proud of its sporting history, achievements and our world leading academic sports science programmes. We can’t wait to host the best 3x3 teams from Oceania for the Qualifying Tournament”.