Massey students set for international 3x3 basketball tournament

The tournament, to be held at the University of the Sunshine Coast on 14 and 15 July, will bring together leading university teams from across Oceania, with the top performers earning qualification for the FISU World Cup in Macau, China later this year.

Representing Massey are Bachelor of Business students Zion Anderson and Rufus Rusholme Cobb, alongside Bachelor of Construction students Harlan Roudon and Noah Johns.

For the four student athletes, the tournament is an opportunity to represent Massey on the international stage while balancing the demands of university study. According to their coach Matt Foss, competing internationally is a unique opportunity for the team.

"It's awesome to coach a group of guys that I have played with, and to do that internationally. It's not an opportunity that you get often, so we're looking to make the most of it."

Having represented Massey himself in tertiary basketball and 3x3 tournaments during his time as a student, Matt says returning as a coach makes the experience even more meaningful. He says one of the highlights will be connecting with other university teams from across the region.

"Three by three is cool because the teams are so small, so you get a good chance to know players within your own team but also other teams' players, coaches and managers from other universities."

For Bachelor of Construction student Harlan Roudon, representing Massey is the reward for years of commitment to both his studies and basketball.

"Balancing study and sport is something I manage by planning and scheduling everything into my calendar. Being able to see my week visually helps me stay on top of both commitments, and from there it's just about staying disciplined and sticking to the plan."

He says he is also looking forward to sharing the experience with his teammates.

"Playing basketball overseas is a great opportunity, and getting to do it with my good mates again makes it even better."

Bachelor of Construction student Noah Johns says the tournament will mark an emotional return to competitive basketball after suffering a serious knee injury in 2024.

"It means a lot to me, and I'm very grateful for the opportunity to represent both Massey University and New Zealand at this tournament, especially in my final year of university."

After months of rehabilitation, Noah says getting back on court is something he has been working towards for some time.

"I'm really looking forward to playing competitive basketball again. This will be my first tournament since my injury, so I'm excited to get back on the court, compete and enjoy the experience with the boys."

Zion Anderson, who is studying towards a Bachelor of Business while playing for the Franklin Bulls, says studying online has helped him balance university with playing high-performance basketball.

"I'm looking forward to representing Massey and hope the team can return home with qualification for the World Cup."

Supporters can follow the team's progress throughout the tournament on Sport Massey's Facebook page.