Experienced SEABL mentor David Biwer will return to the 3×3 scene as head coach to lead the Australian teams that will compete at the 2018 FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup in Shenzhen, China from April 29- May 4.
Currently head coach of the SEABL Nunawading Spectres men, Biwer enjoyed a stellar playing career at both the SEABL and NBL level before making the transition into coaching.
In his tenure with the Spectres, he has led the team to six playoff appearances in seven years, including two Conference Championships and a national Championship in 2011.
Biwer had his first foray into the international 3×3 game at the corresponding event in Mongolia last year, guiding the men’s team to bronze and has been involved in coaching both men’s and women’s teams domestically in the new NBL 3×3 Hustle series.
“It is the highest honour to represent your country and to do it in the sport I love is icing on an already delicious cake,” Biwer said.
“I feel confident from what I saw last year that we will start making an immediate impact on the world of 3×3 basketball as Australia continues its drive for Tokyo 2020. The launch of NBL 3×3 Hustle means that Australian players now have more opportunity to become better 3×3 players, gain world ranking points and compete on the world stage.”
Basketball Australia Head of High Performance Coach Development Peter Lonergan said Biwer’s passion for the 3×3 game and his experience at all levels of the sport made him the ideal coach to lead the teams in Shenzhen.
“Dave brings a wealth of experience to the role, both in terms of his playing pedigree, his work at the Spectres and his passion for the development of 3×3 in Australia,” he said.
“We are excited to have him lead our teams in China and build on the success of the women’s and men’s team from last year in Mongolia.”
Australia must navigate the qualifying draw for the 2018 FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup before competing in the official tournament with the men needing to finish on top of Pool B against Indonesia, Iran, Samoa, Guam and Hong Kong.
The women must also finish on top of Pool B with Sri Lanka, Thailand and Samoa also vying for that one spot in the main draw.
Stay tuned to the Basketball Australia website as the teams to represent Australia at the 2018 FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup are announced in the coming weeks.
In the spirit of reconciliation Basketball Australia acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.