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PLAY3X3 set to launch in Brisbane

Damian Arsenis

May 18, 2018

With 3X3 basketball gaining traction across Australia, CLB3X3 is set to launch Play3X3 on Saturday, 26 May 2018 in Brisbane.

The PLAY3X3 concept provides a home away from home purely for players of 3X3 to take part in regular, organised 3X3 competitions while competing for world ranking points. The first purpose-built PLAY3X3 Centre has been established at Kangaroo Point Health and Fitness in Brisbane, Queensland, boasting an official FIBA 3X3 half court, with MEGA SLAM Hoop and a host of additional fitness and recovery facilities available for players 24/7.

This new concept is a perfect addition to the competitive 3X3 market in Australia, with the fast approaching 2020 Tokyo Olympics and with the shorter form of the game replacing the traditional version in the Commonwealth Games.

"This is huge in terms of pathways and opportunities for not only past, current and future players but for our officials, administrators and coaches as well," said Matt Hollard, Director of Champions League Basketball. "Our company CLB3X3 has been the lone ranger in this sport for 3 years now - it's good to see some competitors hitting the market! Competition is healthy and it's great for our countries federation rankings."

The PLAY3X3 centre in Brisbane is planned to be the first of many according to CLB's Marketing and Events Executive, Yvette Williams.

"Our PLAY3X3 centres, expected to open across the country over the next 18 months are designed specifically to the needs of our players that endure the physicality of this high impact, high cardio sport, outlined Williams. "The official FIBA half courts and state of the art MEGA SLAM hoop systems installed at the centres also give the players a true sense of how a real tournament feels."

Australia's number two ranked female 3X3 player and 2018 FIBA 3X3 Asian Cup bronze medalist Carlie Smith could not speak highly enough of playing a fast-paced game, and was excited about the launch of PLAY3X3 and her chance to play in the debut event.

"I love playing 3X3," enthused Smith.

"The new courts in Brisbane will provide a wonderful opportunity for so many people in the community to get involved and enjoy the game too. I'm really looking forward to playing in Brisbane at the launch event."

Like Smith, Tim Keating has been enjoying success on the court in the 3X3 format across the growing number of CLB3X3 and 3X3 Hustle events being held across Australia. In fact Keating has played more official FIBA 3X3 games than any of his fellow Top 40 ranked Australians which has him ranked fourth in Australia after holding the number one for some time until recently. As Captain of the Townsville Suns, Keating was excited about the latest addition to the 3X3 landscape in Australia.

"It's a great idea and I would love if something like this were available in Townsville," shared Keating. "I'll definitely be stopping in for some games when I am in Brisbane for work. It just gives us the opportunity to play more and that's what Aussies have lacked thus far. the more we play, the better we become in this 3X3 format."

Former NBL and Australian Boomers player Peter Crawford knows what it takes to play high level sport and train for the Olympics. A London Olympian himself, the ex- Townsville Crocodile and current Townsville Heat player has been playing the 3x3 circuit for the last 18 months and he too was keen to get in on the PLAY3X3 action.

"This latest initiative is a terrific opportunity to get in some 'game time' before competing in the likes of World Tours, Challengers and other 3X3 events around Australia, said Crawford. "The sport is really gaining in popularity and I know some of the guys I played with in previous tournaments are looking forward to having a location they can go to and specifically train, perfect their skills & recover around the 3X3 game."

Launching their first centre in the well established area of Kangaroo Point Brisbane (KPHF) on May 26 in conjunction with the fitness experts at Kangaroo Point Health and Fitness, the climate will lend itself perfectly to the outdoor court located alongside the swimming pool and strength training area. the PLAY3X3 launch coincides with KPHF's Open Day with plenty of special offers available for PLAY3X3 players.

"Kangaroo Point Health and Fitness is thrilled to be working in conjunction with CLB to launch this Australian First, FIBA Endorsed 3x3 Basketball Initiative," shared KPHF’s General Manager, Jon-Michael Stuart. "With Brisbane’s perfect climate, our stunning facilities and our close proximity to the CBD, we couldn’t think of a better location to kick-start a thriving 3X3 basketball culture in South East Queensland!"

Importantly, with all-year-round 3X3 competitions, it paves the way for Australian's to earn FIBA 3X3 world ranking points continuously and boosting the country's world ranking ahead of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.