Vancouver Bandits Join Forces With Basketball BC to Enhance 3x3 Clutch

Bandits Staff • March 11, 2024

Bandits align with provincial and national sports organizations to strengthen British Columbia’s 3x3 basketball ecosystem.

The Vancouver Bandits of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced Monday that it has added another facet to its multi-faceted partnership with Basketball BC by partnering with the provincial sports organization to establish 3x3 Clutch as the official pathway for 3x3 basketball development and competition in British Columbia.



3x3 Clutch is a joint partnership between BC's professional basketball club and Basketball BC that is designed to increase awareness and interest in 3x3 basketball through collaborative events hosted across British Columbia throughout the calendar year.


“Building off of Canada Basketball’s partnership with the CEBL is our commitment as BC’s professional basketball team to develop the game of basketball with the respective provincial sport organization in Basketball BC. 3x3 basketball is known for its strong community atmosphere with several games occurring simultaneously. It should be a crucial part of every basketball player’s development – not just for those seeking to elevate their game, but also for those who want to make new friends and meet other athletes,” said Bandits team president Dylan Kular.


The sport of 3x3 basketball is a fast-paced rendition of the traditional 5-on-5 game that is played globally; however, it offers various beneficial elements that support the development of a well-rounded basketball player thanks to several rules that increase its speed of play.


3x3 basketball is played in a half-court setting, thus requiring less space to play and also affords each player more opportunities to touch the ball given the reduced amount of players on the court.


“We are thrilled to announce our partnership with the Vancouver Bandits for 3x3 Clutch, an initiative set to enhance the changing landscape of basketball in British Columbia. This collaboration signifies our shared commitment to innovation and player development, providing a platform for athletes to showcase their skills in the electrifying realm of 3x3 basketball,” said Basketball BC’s executive director Shawn Dheensaw.


“Together, we aim to elevate the game, foster community engagement and unlock new opportunities for aspiring players across the province. Get ready to embrace the adrenaline and excitement as we embark on this transformative journey together.”


Thanks to its surging popularity and global interest in the 3x3 basketball format, the sport was incorporated at the Olympics for the first time at the Tokyo 2020 Summer Games. Medalling at 3x3 events helps generate points toward qualification for international tournaments at the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and Olympic levels, but hosting domestic tournaments recognized in the FIBA system also drives the accumulation of valuable points toward the ranking of a nation’s men’s and women’s teams.


“We are excited for the partnership between Basketball BC and Vancouver Bandits on their endeavour to grow and strengthen 3x3 basketball in British Columbia. Not only will 3x3 Clutch help promote the growth, development, and participation for this exciting new discipline, it will further enhance the 3x3 talent pipeline and high-performance pathway as Canada continues to thrive in 3x3 on the international stage. We have no doubt 3x3 Clutch will develop an amazing 3x3 community in BC and further create an amazing basketball experience for all involved for years to come,” said Ron Yeung, Canada Basketball’s head of domestic and 3x3 development.


Launched in the summer of 2023 and featuring its inaugural tournament at the Canadian Elite Basketball League’s 2023 Championship Weekend festivities at Langley Events Centre, the goal of 3x3 Clutch is to provide a recreational and competitive framework for youth and adult 3x3 basketball.


Supporting last year’s launch of 3x3 Clutch were its co-founding partners; including Sentinel Storage, Kal Tire and BioSteel. More information about 3x3 Clutch can be found at thebandits.ca/3x3clutch where interested players, coaches and event organizers are encouraged to register for future details.


Updates about the next 3x3 Clutch tournament will be announced at a later date.

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