2019 FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup Player Preview: Alice Kunek

Alice Kunek will be a match-up “nightmare” for opposing teams at this weekend’s FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup, according to Australian coach Matt Paton.

Kunek shined at the FIBA 3×3 World Cup Qualifiers two weeks ago and will be looking to replicate those performances in China this weekend.

Paton believes Kunek’s unique skillset – one that merges the best elements of a guard and a forward – is perfectly suited to the 3×3 format, making her an incredibly difficult player to defend.

“She is a real mid-sized versatile player and she has guards skills in a small forward package,” Paton said.

“She is deceptively strong, she is just as happy in the low post as she is outside the three-point line.

“I think she offers a bit of a match-up headache for opposition teams that might be running with a traditional big. She is an elite athlete, she has obviously been involved in Opals programs and is continuing to forge her way within the 3×3 pathway as well.”

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Paton also explained how Kunek’s production will be elevated when joined with her Asia Cup teammates, Bec Cole, Hanna Zavecz and Maddie Garrick.

“I also think she offers us a great deal of experience as well and in combination with the likes of the other three, a good amount of nous to be able to navigate any particular hurdles or pressure situations that they might confront,” Paton said.

The Australian women’s 3×3 Asia Cup campaign begins on Friday night at 8:15pm AEST against New Zealand.