2019 FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup Player Preview: Maddie Garrick

Maddie Garrick’s creativity and basketball savviness will be a major asset for Australia at this weekend’s FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup, according to coach Matthew Paton.

Paton will be coaching the women’s side at the Asia Cup, and he can’t wait to see Garrick on the 3×3 court again.

Garrick was a member of last year’s Asia Cup team, but didn’t play in this year’s NBL 3×3 Pro Hustle and World Cup Qualifiers, due to commitments in Turkey with Botaş SK.

Despite not playing the format for a while, Paton doesn’t believe it will be an issue, explaining how Garrick’s play style will see her inject herself back into 3×3 with little dramas.

“Someone as basketball savvy as herself, she is familiar with the format, she will be right back into it,” Paton said.

“Maddie gives us a lot of x-factor. She has a great sense for the game and is highly skilled.

“Her ability to take an opponent and breakdown an opponent one on one is something that is of paramount importance in 3×3 basketball.

“I think she is also a strong athlete and she can defend out of what her position demands. I think she offers a great amount of versatility and also the x-factor ability, savviness and creativity, elements that I think 3×3 really magnifies.”

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