International

May 15 2025

Fitzpatrick eyes progress ahead of FIBA 3x3 Women's World Series in Amsterdam

Maura Fitzpatrick is eyeing a big performance as ‘huge opportunity’ beckons for Ireland at the outset of the FIBA 3x3 Women’s World Series in Amsterdam.

The Manchester Basketball guard previously represented Ireland in FIBA Women’s EuroBasket qualifying in the 5x5 format, but this is her first foray into the faster pace of 3x3 basketball.

“To play for Ireland on my first occasion playing 3x3 competitively is super exciting,” said Fitzpatrick ahead of the opening event of the worldwide tour in the Netherlands. “It’s a huge opportunity to build on the work Colin (O’Reilly) and the squad put in during last year’s competition, so I’m pumped to be a part of that.”

She is joined in the squad for event number one by Grainne Dwyer, Claire O’Sullivan (Rockall) and Erin Maguire.

The FIBA 3x3 Women’s World Series will pit Ireland against some of basketball’s top nations in the FIBA World Rankings over the coming months.

The format consists of 15 individual events across the globe - where teams play to accumulate ranking points – with the ultimate aim of qualifying for the FIBA 3x3 Women’s World Series Final, the location of which is to be decided.

Teams do not compete in every event. Instead, teams must apply to participate in an event and organisers FIBA will allocate teams accordingly. Ireland will compete in a minimum of four events – Amsterdam (May 16/17^th), Marseille (May 23/24^th), Vienna (June 12-14^th) and Lanzarote (August 9/10^th) – with up to two more events to be confirmed at a later date.

Ireland have been drawn in Group B for this weekend’s opening leg in Amsterdam against Canada and Puerto Rico. Canada finished in 4^th place in the Olympic Games in Paris and are currently ranked 4^th in the FIBA World Rankings. Puerto Rico are another formidable opponent, currently ranked 20^th, with Ireland in 34^th position following last year’s FIBA 3x3 Women’s World Series efforts.

“It’s going to be a dogfight against both Canada and Puerto Rico,” continued Fitzpatrick. “3x3 basketball is a little different though because of how short and quick it is playing to just 21-points. So if we can go in there, stay together and play with a lot of energy during these games, I think we might make it interesting for those teams ranked above us.”

The 6 footer excelled for Manchester in the British Women’s Super League, averaging 10.2 points per game and shooting 30% from beyond the arc to add to her physical play on defence as they made the playoffs.

“I like playing in transition, I feel like my quickness will suit the 3x3 format because the speed of play is constant. You’re on offense and straight into defence and vice-versa. You don’t always get the opportunity in 5x5 to play at that pace, so I think that’s going to be fun and that’s where you’ll see my game translate well.”

“I think the girls played pretty well last year, so I just want to help us build on that foundation, win some games, have fun and see where it takes us,” added Fitzpatrick.

Ireland’s opening game in Pool B against Canda will take place at 17:20 tomorrow evening, followed by a first ever meeting with Puerto Rico at 21:10. All games can be viewed live on the FIBA YouTube Channel here.

You can view the official FIBA 3x3 Women’s World Series portal here.