As the FIBA 3×3 U23 World Cup tipped off in China, the spotlight falls on a group of young athletes from the Oceania region who are rewriting the narrative for women in sport.
Among them is Camari Ravai, a national player for Fiji, whose journey to the global arena has been shaped not only by talent and determination, but by strategic support through the FIBA Women in Basketball Program and PacificAus Sports.
Basketball Fiji recently hosted an Elite 3×3 Coaching & Mentorship Program with Gerard Hillier from Australia leading the weekend-long activation. The program brought together emerging athletes, coaches, and mentors to deepen their understanding of 3×3 basketball, a fast-paced format that demands precision, agility, and tactical awareness.
“It filled a lot of gaps,” said Ravai. “We learned the finer details of how 3×3 is played, it’s totally different from 5v5. That knowledge really helped us prepare.”
Basketball Fiji 3×3 National Coach, Earl Hughes, echoed Ravai’s comments on the importance of continued 3×3 development. “The visit by Gerard was such a welcome,” Coach Hughes said. “I believe that coaching is a skill and that you continuously need to be exposed to new experiences to get better. His knowledge on the 3×3 specific game was such and eye opener for me. Just having someone to discuss 3×3 specific behaviour and strategies was very beneficial and it has helped me grow.”
The program didn’t just sharpen technical skills, it fostered leadership, confidence, and a sense of belonging for young women in sport. Through hands-on sessions and peer mentorship, players like Ravai were empowered to take ownership of their development and envision their place on the world stage.
“These opportunities help not only coaches progress and get better, it also gives the tools to make players better,” Coach Hughes said. “The players performance and growth is the key to our success, both on and off the court.
Fiji’s qualification for the FIBA 3×3 U23 World Cup came on the heels of a triumphant run at the FIBA 3×3 Youth Nations League – Oceania, held during the Pacific Mini Games. Their victory secured not only a spot in the World Cup, but also a significant increase in 3×3 ranking points and a berth at the Commonwealth Games next year, marking a major milestone for their country and the Oceania region.
For Ravai, the opportunity to represent Fiji globally is deeply personal.
“I’m super excited,” she said. “It means a lot, not just wearing the jersey, but representing my country. It’s something really special and definitely one for the books. My family and friends are so proud and hyped for me.”
Coach Hughes said that both teams are ready for the challenge that lies ahead in Xiongang, China.
“Our men’s and women’s teams are ready to compete at the FIBA 3×3 U23 World Cup, with our women looking forward to playing their Oceania neighbours from New Zealand, while the men are looking forward to the challenge of taking on USA,” Coach Hughes said.
The journey to the FIBA 3×3 World Cup has been powered by PacificAus Sports, an Australian Government initiative that supports high-performance pathways for Pacific athletes. Through strategic partnerships with FIBA and National Federations, PacificAus Sports has helped bridge the gap between grassroots development and elite competition, especially for women and girls.
By investing in mentorship, coaching, and international exposure, the program is creating ripple effects across the region. Young athletes are not only gaining access to world-class opportunities, but they’re also becoming role models for the next generation.
As the FIBA 3×3 World Cup unfolded, Fiji’s presence was more than symbolic, it’s a statement. A testament to what’s possible when talent meets opportunity, and when women are given the tools to lead, compete, and inspire.
