Australia’s FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup Opponents Set

Australia’s group stage opponents in the FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup have been set, after the qualifying draw concluded on Thursday.

The men open their campaign on Friday night at 7:20pm AEST against South Korea, before battling Mongolia at 10:15pm AEST.

South Korea advanced through the qualifying draw with three impressive victories. They knocked off Vanuatu and Malaysia 21-3, before they managed to get past India in a closer affair, 20-19.  Seung Jun Lee is the man to watch for South Korea, after he hit the game winning buzzer beater against India.

Seung Jun Lee aka “Mr.Clutch”

🇰🇷 goes to the #3x3Asia 🏆 Main Draw courtesy of a Lee’s @Tissot Buzzer Beater. pic.twitter.com/7B3Sc98YMu

— FIBA3x3 (@FIBA3x3) May 23, 2019

Australia is no stranger to Mongolia, after the two nations battled in an epic final at last year’s Asia Cup, which was decided by Tom Garlepp’s game winner in overtime.

Dulguun Enkhbat is the danger man for Mongolia, as his lockdown defensive capabilities and scoring prowess makes him an incredibly tough player to deal with.

The women begin their campaign against a familiar foe on Friday night, when they face New Zealand at 8:15pm AEST, with Stella Beck one of the key players to watch.

Australia will then play number one seed China at 11:05pm AEST, who are led by Dilana Dilishati. The 22-year-old is an imposting figure at 6’4″, and has been playing the 3×3 format since 2012, making her one of the smartest players at the Asia Cup.