In the men’s category, Japan, Jordan, Mongolia and New Zealand were the 4 teams from Asia and Oceania, which will also compete at the FIBA 3x3 World Cup in the Philippines on June 8-12. Each 4 of these teams impressed and reached the quarter-finals in China.

Mongolia came extremely close to retain the title they had won last year at home in Ulaanbaatar but missed key free throws in the dying seconds of regulation and eventually lost in overtime (16-17) against Australia. Their star player Dulguun Enkhbat earned a spot on the Team of the Tournament.

Japan also lost a thriller against Australia, this time in the semi-finals (16-18). However they redeemed themselves to win in overtime against New Zealand (21-20) to take home the bronze medal. The crossover specialist Keita Suzuki joined Enkhbat (and MVP Thomas Garlepp from Australia) on the Team of the Tournament.

Last but not least, Jordan were a sensation in pool play in Shenzhen and convincingly took down Japan (22-14). Unfortunately, they faced the defending champs Mongolia in the quarter-finals and lost one of their top players Amin Abuhawwas in the first minutes of the game due to an ankle injury. They ended up losing 21-12. The injury didn’t look too serious and in full strength and with another month of preparation, Jordan could surprise a few teams in the Philippines.