NZ 3x3 Asian champs to try for World Cup
- May 26
- 2 min read
The quartet of Aidan Tonge, Josh Book, Te Tuhi Lewis and Christian Martin have been selected as the New Zealand team to the 2026 FIBA 3x3 World Cup in Warsaw, Poland.
The 3x3 Tall Blacks long-time head coach, Piet van Hasselt, is adamant that regardless of the occasion, the goals remain consistent for ‘2-Point Nation’.
LATEST HEADLINES:
“Our goals remain the same as ever, improve in every game and cherish the opportunity that is in front of us. Our team is methodical in our processes. We plan, prepare, play, review and recover as a unit. We don’t get ahead of ourselves. We build game-by-game and target the playoffs in the first instance.”
The 3x3 Tall Blacks are one of the youngest 3x3 teams on the international circuit, despite that their experience playing together as a squad over the course of the last year and a bit will be invaluable to the team making a real splash at this year’s World Cup.
“Continuity is huge in 3X3 as we evolve our strategies and consistency in our performances. We have a squad of six this year who prepared over the summer and are ready to play and run through a brick wall for the New Zealand 3X3 programme.”
The two reserves for the squad are Sam Gold and Aston Inwood.
Across the 3x3 FIBA Asia Cup, the team drained a staggering 26 two-point shots across the tournament, six more than any other team at the event.
Coach van Hasselt wary that the 3x3 Tall Blacks no longer come into these FIBA events as the unknown underdogs.
“Teams will know who we are and not take us lightly. Our team is locked in and ready to bring the intensity from the opening check-ball. Everyone’s focus is on improvement and showing what we are made of. All four playing uncompromising defence and showing assertiveness on offence will be huge for us.”
The 3x3 Tall Blacks face a tough pool, and will play Netherlands, Germany, China and Japan in Group C.
The top 20 nations can beat anyone on their day. Three of five make it through to the playoffs, and nothing will be handed to us, we must go out there and grab it.
The 2026 FIBA 3x3 World Cup starts on June 1st, with New Zealand’s first game against the Netherlands at 11:45pm, before taking on Germany in the early hours of the morning (3:30am).
3x3 Tall Blacks Squad for the 2026 World Cup in Warsaw, Poland:
Josh Book
Te Tuhi Lewis
Christian Martin
Aidan Tonge
Reserves:
Sam Gold (Reserve)
Aston Inwood (Reserve)
Head Coach: Piet van Hasselt
3x3 Tall Blacks 2026 World Cup Schedule:
June 1st – 11:45pm
v Netherlands
June 2nd – 3:30am
v Germany
June 3rd – 11:45pm
v China
June 4th – 1:35am
v Japan
