Gangurrus 3x3 Camp marks “Day One” of LA28 Campaign - Forde

The Gangurrus 3x3 training camp heats up in Cairns this week with 12 men and 12 women prepared to showcase their talents over the four-day stint from February 24 - 27. 

With the 3x3 format of basketball rising in popularity over recent years, Head Coach of Australia’s men, Adam Forde is looking to take the team to new heights ahead of the 2026 Asia Cup, Champions Cup, Commonwealth Games and 2028 LA Olympics. 

“Last year we didn’t have a camp. And for most of us, including myself, it was our first time experiencing 3x3 on the international stage” says Forde. 

Forde is wary that Australia’s men have some catching up to do, with other nations already making their mark on the 3x3 circuit. 

“We had a real baptism of fire by playing against USA, Serbia and France in the [2025] Champions Cup” says Forde. 

The men’s team have been forced to learn on the go in previous years, so with added preparation, the experience has elevated with a refreshed group of men and women prepared to learn the quirks of the game at the camp in Cairns. 

“The camp is designed to not only select the team for this year’s Asia Cup and Champions Cup. But to also establish a talent pool, much like what Damon Lowery (Women’s 3x3 Head Coach) has done with the women’s 3x3,” says Forde. 

A largely successful 2025 campaign has already boosted both the men and women’s teams up the ranks, with both teams winning gold at the 3x3 Asia Cup and bronze at the 3x3 Champions Cup. 
 
Additionally, the women finished 4th at the 3x3 World Cup whilst the men finished 10th. The Gangurrus men are currently ranked 39th in the world, whilst the women are ranked 17th in the global FIBA 3x3 Federation Rankings. 

“You learn pretty quickly the subtle differences in 3x3 that make all the difference to the end result” says Forde.  

Entering 2026 with a fresh slate, the Gangurrus program has a committed crop of players dedicated to the 3x3 format. 

 “We have 12 athletes ready to commit to 3x3 for the long term. Really this almost feels like Day One of our LA 2028 campaign”, says Forde. 

As the game rises in popularity, so does the standard of competition as Forde acknowledges the Gangurrus vision to excel in the sport. 

“The camp is the first step towards our Olympic dream. So establishing some core values amongst the group, and understanding of how we want to play 3x3, and also how we want to represent the green and gold is paramount."