The success of 3x3 basketball players Noortje Driessen and Caden Pierce in winning the best player title in the International Basketball Federation 3x3 Champions Cup 2026, is proof of the effectiveness of the development system for this sport.
The FIBA 3x3 website stated on Tuesday that both are products of FIBA's structured development pathways for women's and men's categories, which cover youth and elite levels.
Driessen and Pierce previously honed their skills through the FIBA 3x3 Nations League, as well as the FIBA 3x3 U-23 World Cup.
The system is designed to create continuity of development, from regular competitions to the international stage.
The Nations League provides a lot of playing time for young players to adapt to the fast pace, physicality and intense transitions typical of 3x3.
Meanwhile, the U-23 World Cup is a global proving ground for young talents to face the best players of their age.
Driessen has shown significant progress since appearing in the Nations League and two editions of the U-23 World Cup (2019 and 2022).
He was dominant in Bangkok, scoring 15 points in the final and leading the Netherlands to the title.
