How 3x3 is driving an NBL1 powerhouse
Ringwood's NBL1 women are a force in the NBL1, and the game's newest format is helping power them.
Credit: Ringwood Hawks
In the two completed seasons of the NBL1 South, the Ringwood women have recorded two top four finishes, a conference championship, and a Nationals grand final.
Despite being underestimated by many due to being a Big V club when the NBL1 first came together, the Hawks have a program that values defence and ball movement and it results in wins.
This year is the first season in a long time that club legend Tim Mottin will not lead the charge. Instead, it will be Jeremy O’Toole, who has studied under Mottin and has also spent time as a Victorian Youth Championship assistant coach.
O’Toole and his staff have put together a strong roster in a bid to go back-to-back with some returning core players and some handy new additions.
What stands out in the team are the players who have serious 3x3 experience. For example, both Marena Whittle and Marta Hermida were part of last year’s run and have also all represented their respective countries in the 3x3 format.
So how does the new version of the game help out players when they return to the traditional format? Should coaches be looking for players who have experience in 3x3? And who will be suiting up for the Hawks in 2023?
O’Toole, Whittle, and Hermida gave me their insight into one of the many ways basketball is evolving, and what the new year will mean for their side.
We’ve seen in sports like cricket that switching freely between formats isn’t always an easy undertaking. Sure, the basics are the same, however, the differences in rules, interpretations, strategy and so on, have left athletes taking time to adjust.
From what we’ve seen so far, this theory doesn’t travel across to basketball, with players switching formats with ease, and in many cases actually showing improvements in their game.
“It is different but I think 5 on 5 comes easier once you play 3x3,” said Spanish import Marta Hermida.
“The pace of 3x3 is much faster and doesn’t give you any break. This is an important advantage if you are able to hold the intensity that 3x3 creates for 5 on 5.”
Hermida was one of the great stories of the 2022 NBL1 season, averaging 16.2 points, 6.88 assists, and 6.76 rebounds per game, whilst also finishing inside the top five for steals per game. Just a month ago she was part of the Spanish 3x3 squad that played in an international tournament in the French town of Landerneau.
Conditioning isn’t the only aspect of 3x3 that translates to improved play in the traditional format of the game.
“[3x3] helps me with decision making, confidence and handling the ball,” explained Commonwealth Games bronze medallist Marena Whittle.
“It also heightens my IQ with reading the defence quickly.”
Whittle was already an established player before she became heavily involved in 3x3 basketball. However, since also becoming a star in the new format of the sport, she has taken her game to another level.
Her attitude to 3x3 is one that is matched by her new head coach, who has seen the benefit of the format.
“It’s certainly growing and I think there are trends in both games that allow players to develop their games from each format and have that translate to the other,” said Jeremy O’Toole.
“Clearly, we are benefiting from that and I’m sure coaches from other clubs who have 3x3 players in their teams would agree.”
When it comes to juniors also trying their hand at it, those involved agree that it is a great way to build a young player’s game.
“I think 3x3 is based on basketball fundamentals and that is a very important part of the 5 on 5 game,” said Hermida. “I would definitely recommend it as a part of the improvement of junior players.”
Australian representative Whittle agreed with her teammate’s sentiment. “Yes, I think the advantage of having fewer people on the court will help juniors develop all parts of their game quicker and easier.”
As for Ringwood’s 2023 season, hopes are high.
There is nothing tougher in sports than defending a title, but a team built on defence seems primed for the challenge.
It doesn’t mean they are taking things lightly though.
“I feel like we’ve got a target on our back from last year and I’m looking forward to competing again this year with that added pressure and defending the title,” said Whittle.
Sadly star defensive anchor Digna Strautmane isn’t back, but instead of looking to another import, Ringwood has looked locally to fill her place.
Amongst the additions is Bendigo Spirit’s Piper Dunlop, Hailey Wynd from the Keilor Thunder, and returning college player Ella Ogier.
“We’re pleased with the roster we have put together,” said head coach Jeremy O’Toole.
“Recruiting in this league is certainly a challenge and with so many NBL1 clubs around the country competing for a players signature, you really rely on the people around you to help put a team together.
“We were so fortunate that almost all of our championship team recommitted and did so early, which allowed us to focus on our target areas.”
Only time will tell if it is the combination that will create history and become the first NBL1 South team to win back-to-back titles.
RINGWOOD HAWKS 2023 ROSTER
Ella Ogier
Hailey Wynd
Jacqui Trotto
Kat Warton
Kate Spillane
Katie Karajic-Powell
Kayla Vitale
Kiahna Liddy
Louise Karajic-Powell
Marena Whittle
Marta Hermida
Piper Dunlop
Shelby Britten
Sian Gillam
Steph Georgantas
Tayah Kelly
Toni Farnworth
Zoe Jenkins