SINGAPORE: Despite a brave performance against Japan in the quarter-final match, the Singapore men’s team eventually went down 17-21 and failed to advance to the semi-finals in the 2025 FIBA 3X3 Asia Cup held at the OCBC Square, Singapore Sports Hub.
However, amidst the disappointment, the Singapore men’s team can take heart that they managed to meet their target of finishing in the top eight. This year’s performance not only equalled their showing in 2023 but also improved from 2024 when they ended the campaign in the group stage.
With a string of changes to the team, head coach Lazar Rasic has only retained former Slingers player Kelvin Lim and included younger blood with an eye on the year-end Southeast Asian (SEA) Games and future tournaments.
“The support (from fans) was amazing, and this is something we will definitely hold close to us. The season just started, and we have the SEA Games at the end of the year. We need to remember the support we had today as we prepare for these upcoming competitions,” said head coach Rasic after their quarter-final defeat to Japan.
The Singapore men’s team parted ways with former Slingers players Xu Duanyang, Delvin Goh, and Tay Ding Loon and welcomed new additions: Haribon Agbalo Espinosa (24), Nur Aufa Bin Emil Putra (23) and Karl Phua (19).
In an interview with The Independent Singapore before the competition, Lim had targeted a respectable top-eight finish for the competition.
“I’m excited to experience that again this year, and our team is ready to give everything for Singapore. We’ve had a busy year preparing, and we managed to reach our highest combined federation world ranking of 22, so we do have high expectations of ourselves,” shared Lim, who was part of the 2024 team.
FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup: Team Singapore debutant 24-year-old Haribon Espinosa against Japan in the quarter-final. (Photo credit: FIBA 3X3)
Singapore started the competition on Mar 29 with a 21-16 win over Hong Kong and lost 10-22 to Mongolia in their second Pool A match. Despite the setback, Singapore earned a spot in the quarter-finals as Hong Kong fell 10-22 to Mongolia in their final round-robin game.
The hosts stood tall against Japan on the same day in the quarter-final and matched their opponents nearly point for point. However, at 17-all and with a semi-final spot on the line, the on-fire Ryo Ozawa sank two game-winning baskets from beyond the arc to seal a win for Japan, much to the dismay of the Singaporean players and fans.
“I’m proud of the team. We hustled to the very end, and honestly, it was the first FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup for these three guys with me, so I’m really proud of them because they played bravely and courageously. With coach Lazar Rasic here, you can see the difference in the team—the way we move, the way we run the plays, the way we have easy baskets,” said seasoned player Lim.
“They followed the game plan, but unfortunately, during the last few minutes, the game was not in our favour. During competitions like this, it is when you realise these crucial moments on how to use fouls and how to attack are very important,” added head coach Rasic.
“Nonetheless, I am very proud of them. They gave their all, and they fought 150%. Overall, (it was) a good game for us and a good experience. We will grow from this experience and next year, come with the same energy and hopefully go further.”
There were also changes to the Singapore women’s team roster. New players Lydia Ang and Jermaine Lim, both 23, joined Han Xing Yue (24) and Tang Choy Ting (31).
However, the Singapore women’s team was not able to emulate the men’s team performance as they lost both of their Pool C matches—6-22 against Japan and 10-21 to Vietnam.
FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup 2025 men’s and women’s champion – Australia (Photo credit: FIBA 3X3)
Australia cemented its status as one of the best teams in the competition as both its men’s and women’s teams won the 2025 FIBA 3X3 Asia Cup. The men’s team defeated China 21-19 in the final, while their women’s team won 21-17 against Japan.
According to the organiser, over 7,000 spectators enjoyed thrilling basketball action across five days at the FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup 2025. Basketball fans can expect more exciting 3×3 basketball events in the next two years.
For the first time, Singapore will host the FIBA 3×3 World Cup in 2027. In 2026, Singapore will see the return of the FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup, and will also welcome the FIBA 3×3 World Cup Qualifier, both taking place at the Singapore Sports Hub. More details on the venue of the FIBA 3×3 World Cup 2027 will be announced soon.
