LU Basketball 3x3 World University Championships (Part 2)
Lincoln University takes on the world in Basketball
This year’s highlight was a trip to Xiamen, China for the FISU World University League 3x3 Basketball Championships for the men’s and women’s sides after both claimed their respective national titles. Below is a re-cap of their campaign.
Day 1:
With everyone arriving at departures lounge on time, and everything neatly packed and in order - we knew we were ready. Such a surreal feeling, knowing you are about to represent your University and Country in a world championship. More importantly, representing your whanau.
Day 2:
With over 16 hours of flying, all seemed effortless and stress free. Until reality hit - bags were missing on the carousel on arrival in China. One being accidently taken by another passenger, and another being forgotten about in Singapore. This truly tested the patience and language barriers of players and management. However, after many Google translations, a few hand gestures, and conversations with parents back home in New Zealand - both bags were located.
Prior to this, the unknown certainty of whether the bags would be found caused a frantic shop in Xiamen shopping malls and markets. Also, 'unknown' to everyone, China rarely catered for New Zealand male and female sizes, which made shopping an even harder task at hand. Thankfully, both bags arrived on time to avoid wearing a tight fitting pair of shoes and clothes. Bliss.
Day 3:
It was time - the opening ceremony and first day of competition. With the ceremony being led by China's most successful NBA athlete - Yao Ming, and the presence of the Chinese President, and FISU president, this was definitely an event not to be missed.
The women's team were up first to compete against China and Ukraine, while the males played Uganda. Even though both teams were unsuccessful - learning's were taken onboard. The first learning was being comfortable in uncomfortable playing conditions (38 - 41 degrees with 90% humidity). Time for a pool recovery session and video analysis debrief / review.
Day 4:
Day 2 of competition had the males play Russia and Australia, while the females played Uganda. Once again, an unsuccessful day - however, performance from both genders had remarkably improved, still with high hopes going into quarter-finals. Time for another pool recovery session. and video analysis debrief and review.
Day 5:
Day 3 of competition had the males playing Iran in their quarter finals, with the females playing china (who eventually won the championships). A conversation with the head coach of Iran put things into perspective with the coach explaining the difference in student numbers (600,000 vs. 3000 odd here at Lincoln University). While unsuccessful, the better teams won at the end of the day. With the end of our campaign ending earlier than hoped, it was time to unwind and see some local attractions - a karaoke bar. New singing talents emerged from the group that might pay dividends back home.
Day 6:
A day to relax and watch finals. After visiting a local temple site, a trip back to the stadium was in order to watch the finals and closing ceremony. It certainly motivated Lincoln University athletes to improve all aspects of their game, and 'sharpen the tools' for 2018. A great way to close what was for many, their first international campaign. Also, due to popular demand, the 'Ka Mate' haka was performed by the Lincoln University management group at the private dinner ceremony in-front of everyone involved in the FISU league championships (see re-cap video below). A suggestion for any New Zealand team who is fortunate enough to have the opportunity to participate in this event is to definitely showcase our culture. You will be surprised as to how many nations in the world would like to see, and be taught it.
Day 7 - 8
Homeward bound (just - minor delays with flights to Singapore and New Zealand). What an amazing experience to be a part of. This exposed both sides to a new level of basketball, and was a valuable experience for all involved.
On behalf of all involved, we would like to thank those involved in helping us get to the world championships. Firstly, Lincoln University, Lincoln University Sports, Peter Magson, Sarah Anderson (UTSNZ), James Lissaman, Canterbury Basketball Association, Reon Kelsen (Canterbury Teamwear), Judy Braniff and her team at Huawei and of course, friends and families who have supported us in fundraisers and support over the year. We couldn't have done it without you all, so thank-you.
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