Asia Cup Redemption Feels “So Good” Says Cole

FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup tournament MVP Bec Cole says redemption feels “so good”, after Australia secured gold at the event.

Cole has spoken on numerous occasions about the pain she felt at last year’s Asia Cup when Australia won bronze, and how it has been a motivating factor in the lead-up to this year’s event.

The team of Cole, Alice Kunek, Maddie Garrick and Hanna Zavecz ensured a repeat of last year wouldn’t happen, as they went undefeated throughout the pool games and the finals.

Cole says the lure of winning gold and being crowned champions helped drive her and the Aussies at the Asia Cup.

“It feels so good, that was such a good team game to finish on,” Cole told the FIBA 3×3 broadcast.

“Everyone did great and we are bringing the gold back to Australia.

“It (not winning gold last year) drives you everyday, not just when you’re coming back to tournaments, but everyday when you’re training, getting on that court to get better, you want to get the team better.

“We came back here with revenge, redemption, whatever you want to call it and we ended up playing really tough pool games. They were our toughest games and it was a team effort from there and it feels good.”

The combination of Cole, Kunek, Garrick and Zavecz were incredibly difficult to defend, as each player brings a different skillset to the table.

“That makes us so hard to guard, everyone can step up when needed,” Cole said.

“If it is small people we are looking inside to Alice, if they’re sagging off, we got the two points in Maddie, Hanna gets those extras, tough second possessions and then I just attack the rim.

“You got different things we are all good at and when it comes together, it’s beautiful.”