Sharpshooting basketball team impress in China

The team represented New Zealand at the FISU 3x3 World University League held in Xiamin, China in November.

Lis Haraqia, Sam Aruwa, Shay Graham and Zac Easthope made the long trip overseas to play the urban-style of basketball against 15 other countries, claiming fourth place overall.

Sam, who is studying toward a Bachelor of Science, says: “Travelling to China to represent the University of Auckland, New Zealand and Oceania was an experience I will never forget. As soon as we arrived the focus was purely on basketball which helped us to perform to the level we did. The stadium, crowds, staff and volunteers at Huaqiao University were incredible.”

The team played against entries from Brazil, Uganda and Iran in the tournament. First place was claimed by the Chinese team from Huaqiao University.

3X3 basketball, also known as street basketball or ‘streetball’, is a form of basketball played three a side on one hoop. It is the largest urban team sport in the world and will debut at the 2020 Summer Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan.