Gangurrus' FIBA 3x3 Champions Cup Campaign in Bangkok

Australia’s Gangurrus Men and Gangurrus Women have concluded their campaigns at the FIBA 3x3 Champions Cup in Bangkok, with several players set to feature in the NBL1 South 2026 season representing Australia across the March 13–15 tournament.

Among the Australian squads were Lachlan Barker (Geelong United) and Dillon Stith (Kilsyth Cobras) for the men, while Emma Clarke (Ringwood Hawks), Kristy Wallace (Knox Raiders) and Lara McSpadden (Keilor Thunder)suited up for the women.

Gangurrus Women

Australia opened its tournament against the Netherlands, going down 16–11 in a physical opening contest. Wallace led the Australians with five points and nine rebounds, while Marena Whittle (formerly Ringwood Hawks) added three points and six rebounds.

Whittle, who is well known to NBL1 fans as an NBL1 Women’s Champion and the 2022 Grand Final MVP with the Ringwood Hawks, played an important role throughout the tournament with her versatility and physical presence.

The Gangurrus responded strongly in their second pool game with a commanding 19–5 win over Madagascar. Clarke delivered one of the standout individual performances of the tournament, finishing with eight points, 11 rebounds and seven highlights as Australia controlled the game from start to finish. Wallace added three points and seven rebounds, while Whittle contributed six points and four rebounds.

Australia closed its campaign with a tightly contested 18–15 loss to the United States. Whittle led the scoring with five points, while Clarke also added five points along with three highlights in another strong all-round performance.

Across the tournament, Clarke’s presence on the glass was a major factor for Australia, finishing with 19 total rebounds across the three games.

Gangurrus Men

The Gangurrus Men opened their campaign with a 21–17 victory over Madagascar, with Australia shooting efficiently to claim the win. Stith led the Australians with six points and four rebounds, while Barker added five points.

Australia’s second game saw them face the Netherlands, where the Dutch claimed a 21–15 victory. Stith again led the scoring with seven points and eight rebounds, while Sam McDaniel (formerly Hobart Chargers), a NBL1 South Men’s Champion and the 2022 Grand Final MVP, added five points and four rebounds.

In their final pool game, the Gangurrus pushed the United States before falling 20–17 in a competitive matchup. McDaniel led the Australians with eight points, while Barker contributed two points and two rebounds as Australia stayed within reach of the Americans throughout the contest.

Across the tournament, Stith provided a strong presence on the boards with 18 rebounds, while McDaniel finished with 14 points across the three games.

With the Champions Cup complete, Australia’s 3x3 program now turns its attention to the FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup, set to take place in Singapore from April 1–5, as the Gangurrus continue their preparations on the international stage.