Kiwis built for 3x3 hoops
I like that you can be a little
bit more physical, I’m a physical guy.
Dom Kelman-poto
New Zealand has been on the podium each time basketball has featured at the Commonwealth Games and a group of young men and women are chasing more medals in England this month.
Basketball has been on the Games programme twice before, in Melbourne 2006 and Gold Coast 2018, but the threea-side game will be played for the first time in Birmingham.
Played on half a court with just one hoop for both teams to attack, 3x3 basketball is fast-paced and physical, the perfect fit for a forward like Dom Kelmanpoto.
With only 12 seconds on the shot clock and first to 21 winning, Kelman-poto says the game suits his style.
“I like that you can be a little bit more physical, I’m a physical guy and they don’t call as many fouls. The game is really quick so, for a big guy like me, the quicker the game, the easier the game is.”
Joining Kelman-poto in the men’s team for the Commonwealth Games is Richie Rodger, Jayden Bezzant and Tai Wynyard. Canterbury’s Piet Hasselt coaches the side.
Rodger was a late replacement for Nikau Mccullough who was unable to travel after testing positive for Covid.
The women’s team for the historic occasion is Tiarna Clarke, Ella Fotu, Jillian Harmon and Kalani Purcell.
Women’s coach Justine Reed says the abundance of international 3x3 basketball this year, with the Commonwealth Games following both a World Cup and Asia Cup, will help remove some of the mystery around the game.
The five-a-side Tall Ferns are outside medal hopes at world tournaments, whereas Reed says the 3x3 side should be on the podium.