Basketball New Zealand are thrilled to announce a new format 3X3 event which gets underway this weekend in Auckland – the NZ Pro 3X3 Quest.
Parts of this article initially published on BBNZ’s website
The NZ Pro 3×3 Quest, formerly known as 3×3 Quest Tour, is an invite-only competition that will feature the top 3×3 basketball players in New Zealand with the aim of earning enough FIBA ranking points to qualify for upcoming pinnacle 3×3 events including the 2024 Paris Olympics.
The NZ Pro 3×3 Quest will have a total of eight stops over the next three months – four in Auckland and four in Christchurch – two of the main hubs for basketball talent in Aotearoa. The first Christchurch stop will be at Cowles Stadium on December 3-4. The finals will be on March 11 in Auckland.
High Performance 3×3 Director Nikolay Mikhalchuk says the NZ Pro 3×3 Quest is crucial to generate FIBA points and gaining qualification into international 3×3 events.
“The world of 3×3 is changing and we need to adapt quickly to avoid missing out on international opportunities, as other countries are picking up their game.
“Talent identification, opportunities to impress national coaches and building the profile of 3×3 are very important amongst our high performance players across all age groups.
“This event will also bridge a significant gap that has existed at the domestic level historically with women’s participation at Quest Tour events – with our goal to have 12 men’s and 12 women’s teams playing alongside each other for equal profiling,” said Mikhalchuk.
There are six women’s Spots available for the first Christchurch Event (3-4 December, 11am-2pm). “Fun short games, club player/keen social level players would be welcome to compete, and no 3×3 experience required. BBNZ will put players into a team. Please contact Helen Williamson on h.williamson@middleton.school.nz to register interest for one of the limited spaces.”
Full NZ Pro 3×3 Quest schedule:
Dec 3-4 | Cowles Stadium, Christchurch
Jan 28-29 | Cowles Stadium, Christchurch
Feb 11-12 | Cowles Stadium, Christchurch
Feb 25-26 | Cowles Stadium, Christchurch
Nov 26-27 | Auckland YMCA, Auckland
Dec 10-11 | Pulman Arena, Auckland
Feb 4-5 | Eventfinda Stadium, Auckland
Feb 18-19 | Pulman Arena, Auckland
Mar 11 | Eventfinda Stadium, Auckland
Please visit the Basketball NZ Events page for details on the NZ Pro 3×3 Quest: https://nz.basketball/whats-on/
