Both men's and women's able-bodied Australian 3x3 teams are set for a Commonwealth Games debut in 2022, as announced by FIBA earlier this week. With the Birmingham Games locked in for July/August next year, the evergrowing 3x3 game has been added to the schedule for the first time, while it will also be the launch of the 3x3 wheelchair game on the world stage. Both the men's and women's teams will be etching for redemption after they failed to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics. A strong 3x3 nation, both teams will be looking to regain some of that hot 2019 form that saw each of them claim they FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup gold medal in an Australian clean sweep. The wheelchair basketball 3x3 teams are yet to be announced. https://twitter.com/CommGamesAUS/status/1466253263028641796?s=20 A 10-minute game, the 3x3 format is a fast-paced, high intensity, half court battle with no breaks. The winning team is the first to 21 points, or whoever leads at the end of the 10 minute duration. Key feature of the women's line up in recent years, Maddie Garrick has used the disappointment of Tokyo as a fuel for motivation to be bigger and better in 2022. “This is going to be our biggest tournament yet, and we’re super excited to go.”Garrick said. “I’m obsessed with anything to do with the Australian Team at the Olympics, Paralympics, Commonwealth Games, I love the Opening Ceremonies, so having the opportunity to be a part of it and for the sport of 3×3, for our 3×3 squad members, and being a part of the whole Australian Team is exciting.” Australian 3x3 coach, David Biwer is excited for this new chapter for the 3x3 discipline. "After a disrupted Tokyo Olympics qualifying campaign due to COVID-19 and the heartbreak of missing out on qualification, we know our squads have put all their efforts and focus on making sure they are ready to be bold in Birmingham." Biwer said. “Australia has enjoyed a golden history in basketball at the Commonwealth Games, with our 5×5 Boomers and Opals sides winning gold at the Melbourne 2006 and Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games, and now our 3×3 squads have the opportunity to add their own chapters to the story. “We are excited to be again involved with the Commonwealth Sport movement and thrilled not only to see Basketball 3×3 make its Commonwealth Games debut but also Wheelchair Basketball 3×3 makes its debut on the sports program in Birmingham.” 3x3 Qualified Teams: Mens: Australia, England (host), Kenya, Canada, Sri Lanka, Great Britain, Trinidad and Tobago, New Zealand. Womens: Australia, England (host), Kenya, Canada, Sri Lanka, Great Britain, St.Lucia, New Zealand.
