PARIS (France) - FIBA Hall of Famer and 2-time NBA Champion Pau Gasol was impressed with 3x3 in its latest outing at the Paris 2024 Olympics, saying “it was a lot of fun.”
He went on to say, “Watching 3x3 basketball in Paris was quite an experience. It was my first time really watching it live. I think I ended up going three or four times, and I really enjoyed it. I enjoyed the intensity, the pace, the physicality of it and just the excitement.
“It seemed like every game was being decided in the last couple possessions, I think around 60% or 65% of the games are decided on the last possession which makes it very exciting for the fans.”
The sport made its second appearance at the Olympics in 2024, and immediately turned heads with its eye-catching brand of basketball. The sport has already cemented its place in the next edition of the Olympics taking place in Los Angeles in 2028 in grander fashion, expanding its participants from 8 per gender to 12.
The former Los Angeles mainstay was swept into the 3x3 fever as well in his time in Paris, keeping a close eye on the 7-day extravaganza that saw the Netherlands (men) and Germany (women) come away with gold.
The two-time Olympic silver medalist, three-time EuroBasket Gold medalist and FIBA World Cup Gold medalist went on to highlight the opportunities 3x3 offers for nations that aspire to make their mark within the game of basketball.
He said, “I think it opens the door for countries that are not traditional basketball to really develop a program and to have a chance to compete internationally against anybody.”
The sport has continued to take strides since Paris, now looking forward to the FIBA 3x3 World Cup 2025, taking place June 23 - 29. With tournaments only getting bigger and better each passing year, one can expect fireworks by the time LA28 rolls around.
“I look forward to seeing where the game continues to grow as 3x3 continues to evolve, and see how far it can go,” Gasol said.