On the 2nd of April, Basketball New South Wales in conjunction with the NBL, held the New South Wales 3X3 Big Hustle State Championship at Minto Indoor Sports Centre.
The National Basketball League created the 3×3 Big Hustle as pathway for individuals and teams to progress from grass roots to the professional level of 3×3.
There were a total of 21 teams across the four age groups that participated in the inaugural competition and as this was the first Hustle event, there were no qualification tournaments.
Throughout the tournament, a total off 44 games were played along with four grand finals. The age groups included Open Men, Under 14 boys, Under 16 girls & Under 18 boys.
The Open Men’s category showed cased a number of great athletes including Sydney Kings player, Tom Garlepp and his brother Josh Garlepp, who is currently the number third ranked 3×3 player in Australia.
The Junior Divisions also highlighted many players from the Waratah League competition, along with New South Wales State program athletes that continue to play at club level.
Basketball New South Wales Competitions Coordinator- 3×3, Daniel McIlwain said that the event was a great taste of the newly formatted 3×3 NBL Big Hustle format and hopes that future events will build on its success.
“It was wonderful to see so many talented athletes join the tournament and have a great day playing Basketball with their friends” McIlwain said.
“I hope we can continue to build and promote 3×3, it’s a great format to play in and enjoyable to watch”
Winners of the Opens Division will progress to the Pro Hustle later this year.
Basketball New South Wales would also like to say a big thank you to all the referees on the day and all the volunteers that dedicated their time to assist.
For more information about NSW 3×3 events, please contact daniel.mcilwain@bnsw.com.au
Grand Final Results:
U/14 Boys- Storm 14 defeated Bondi Snipers 7
U/16 Girls- Air Ballerz 10 defeated Tripple Threat 4
U/18 Boys- Golden Phoenix 16 defeated Vytautus 5
Open Men- Bears 21 defeated Sutherland 16
