3×3 IBS Opportunity Is “Unbelievable” Says Hire

FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup gold medallist Greg Hire says the chance for people to play 3×3 basketball on the biggest stage at this year’s International Basketball Series (IBS) is an “unbelievable opportunity”.

In a once in a lifetime opportunity, you could be playing on either RAC Arena, Marvel Stadium or Qudos Bank Arena before games involving the Australian Boomers, USA Basketball and Canada.

The finalists of three different NBL 3×3 Street Hustle events will advance to the IBS stage, and Hire says it provides the perfect avenue for people to start their 3×3 career.

“The opportunity that exists before the Boomers Canada game (and other IBS matches) is an unbelievable opportunity,” Hire told SportFM 91.3.

“We are really new to this format, so it is about getting as many people into the pathway and getting acclimatised to the different skillset and style of play.”

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Hire has become an integral part of Australia’s 3×3 framework since retiring from the NBL earlier this year, winning gold at the Asia Cup and then competing at the FIBA 3×3 World Cup.

The 31-year-old is now fully immersed in the concept, saying he is focused on getting Australia to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where 3×3 basketball will make its debut.

“It’s been a whirlwind of an experience and now with the possibility of representing Australia at the Olympics, it is quite bizarre, but something now I have turned my attention to,” Hire said.

Hire also explained why winning gold at the Asia Cup was such a special feeling, saying it was an achievement that stands “right up there” in his basketball career.

“I’m not sure you can compare any championships but representing your country in any format, any time you put on the green and gold is extremely humbling,” Hire said.

“I took a lot of pride in wearing that and to get over there, we are relatively quite new to the sport, there were plenty of challenges we faced. To get a gold and start making a footprint in terms of this format is exciting for the sport and for the country.”