World Cup Calling for 3×3 Gangurrus

The FIBA 3×3 World Cup will tip off in Vienna this month, with Australia qualifying in both the men’s (17) and women’s (19) competition. The event will run from May 30 – June 4 and both teams face fierce opponents in their opening games.

The Australian 3×3 teams, known as the ‘Gangurrus’, which is the Indigenous word for kangaroo, will compete against the best teams in the world following their qualification at the Men’s Asia Cup in 2022 and the Women’s Qualifier Event in Israel last month.

NBL superstar Mitch McCarron is an exciting addition to the team with his international experience and basketball IQ, while Anneli Maley comes fresh from the WNBA and is always match ready for 3×3 duties.

There’s no greater honour than pulling on the green and gold to represent Australia, and both Maley and Daniel Johnson are looking forward to suiting up.

“I can’t wait to be with my 3×3 family at the World Cup. Sometimes, as one door closes, another one opens and for me, to be able to represent my country with the Gangurrus means more than anything I can put into words,” Maley said.

Johnson echoed Maley’s sentiments.

“I’m extremely grateful to be given another opportunity to represent Australia at the FIBA 3×3 World Cup. I’m looking forward to getting to Austria and competing against the best teams in the world,” Johnson said.

“We have been building toward this tournament for a while now and have great expectations of what our team is capable of achieving.”

The teams will be coached by Dave Biwer (men) and Damon Lowery (women), both experienced and passionate about the 3×3 format.

“It’s an understatement saying we can wait for the first “check ball” in Vienna,” Biwer said.

“Most of the team has had some preparations with 3×3 camps and an Asia Cup tournament last month, so we are heading into this with high expectations.

“3×3 is building momentum here, with all the talent putting their hands up for selection, once our experience levels begin to compare to that of the European countries, I’m confident we will be amongst the top teams in the world – both men and women.”

Lowery said he and the team are looking forward to the challenge.

“Anytime we get the opportunity to represent Australia, we’re fired up. I couldn’t be happier with the way the team have been playing, with spirit, enthusiasm, and tremendous unselfishness,” Lowery said.

“It’s going to be incredibly difficult over there and that’s just how we like it, we look forward to battling it out withe best in the world.”

3×3 Men’s Team

Daniel Johnson

Mitch McCarron

Andrew Steel

Lucas Walker

Todd Blanchfield

3×3 Women’s Team

Anneli Maley

Lauren Mansfield

Alex Wilson

Marena Whittle

Emma Clarke

Women’s Schedule

June 1: Australia v Japan 2:15am AEST, Australia v Poland 4:50am AEST

June 3: Australia v Egypt 2:40am AEST, Australia v Germany 4:40am AEST

Men’s Schedule

June 1: Australia v USA 3:20am AEST, Australia v Austria 5:40am AEST

June 2: Australia v Slovenia 1:10am AEST, Australia v Latvia 3:45am AEST