Australia's next Olympians will descend on Ballarat later this year with the city's new 3x3 basketball courts set to be christened with the NBL 3x3 Big Hustle National Championships.
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The tournament is set to showcase the best 3x3 players in the country from ages 12-and-under to Open, with 170 teams to compete in Ballarat for the marquee event.
City of Ballarat Mayor, Councillor Daniel Moloney said Ballarat was thrilled to host the national championships.
"The City of Ballarat is excited to host the 3x3 National Championships at the prestigious Ballarat Sports and Events Centre, western Victoria's home of major sporting events," he said.
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"With our show court boasting a 3,000-seat capacity, we encourage all Ballarat locals and Victorians far and wide to come and cheer on our next generation of star 3x3 athletes.
"We look forward to hosting more 3x3 events and continuing to grow the evolving sport on our designated 3x3 outdoor basketball courts once construction is completed next year."
3x3 is one of the world's fastest-growing sports and made its Olympic debut in Tokyo earlier this month.
A condensed version of basketball, 3x3 shares a lot with its original variant, including ball handling regulations and basic violation rules like goaltending, double dribble, three-second rules.
However, the games are played on a half-court, with three players on each side, and a single hoop at one end of the court.
Each side also has just 12 seconds on the shot clock.
Teams can qualify for the national championships by winning various state events.
3x3Hustle manager Jaele Patrick said the NBL and 3x3Hustle was looking forward to working with the City of Ballarat.
"The NBL 3x3 Big Hustle National Championships are always a big event, and we're excited to have the City of Ballarat on board to take it to the next level," she said.
"To not only have the best-ranked teams from 3x3 State Championships across Australia but also wildcard entries for our dedicated Hustle licensees is another significant step in growing 3x3 basketball in Australia."
NBL chief operating officer Vince Crivelli said the 3x3 Big Hustle National Championships presented a big opportunity for young ballers aiming to complete the national pathway.
"Playing at the 3x3 Nationals is a significant step for a young player to take in their 3x3 journey," he said.
"The Australian 3x3 pathway continues to grow, and with the City of Ballarat's support, this ever-growing tournament will enable our next generation to realise their dreams of someday becoming a 3x3 Olympian."
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