Stellahoops Basketball Tournament Concludes in Hanoi with Record-Breaking 3×3 Matches

Two days of high-stakes 3×3 basketball competition concluded in Hanoi on June 28, with the NB’5 Basketball 3×3 Open Championship, known as “Stellahoops,” ending after a thrilling final that saw the Vietnamese team Hanoi Stars claim victory over Ho Chi Minh City Fury in a last-second thriller, according to official tournament records.

The tournament, held at Hanoi’s Lê Duẩn Park, drew over 10,000 spectators daily, with organizers confirming 32 teams from across Southeast Asia competed in the event, which ran from June 27 to 28. The final match, played under bright sunlight and warm temperatures, saw Hanoi Stars secure a 21-19 win after a contested layup by player Nguyễn Minh Anh with 2.3 seconds remaining, as reported by VietnamNet.

“This win is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team,” said Minh Anh in a post-match interview. “Hanoi has always been a hub for basketball, and this victory reminds everyone why the city is a powerhouse in 3×3.”

The tournament, which featured a $10,000 prize pool for the winner, was organized by the Vietnam Basketball Federation in collaboration with the International 3×3 Federation (FIBA 3×3), according to a press release from the federation. The event marked the first time Hanoi hosted a major 3×3 championship since 2018, with organizers aiming to boost the sport’s popularity in the region.

Key Moments and Standout Performances

The tournament’s most memorable moment came in the semifinals, where Da Nang Dynamites pulled off an improbable comeback against Hai Phong Storm, trailing 14-4 at halftime before rallying to a 22-19 victory. The match, which lasted 47 minutes, included a 10-point run by Trần Văn Tùng, who scored six consecutive points in the final two minutes, as documented by BaoTinTuc.

Meanwhile, Lê Thị Mai of Hanoi Stars was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) after averaging 8.5 points and 4.2 rebounds per game. Her performance in the final, including a crucial block on Phạm Văn Hùng of Ho Chi Minh City Fury, drew praise from FIBA 3×3 officials.

“Lê Thị Mai’s leadership under pressure was exceptional,” said Nguyễn Văn Bình, a FIBA 3×3 technical director, in a statement. “Her ability to read the game and make split-second decisions set her apart.”

Why This Matters: 3×3 Basketball’s Growing Influence in Southeast Asia

The Stellahoops tournament underscores the rising prominence of 3×3 basketball in Southeast Asia, a format that has gained traction since its inclusion in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. With its fast-paced, high-energy style, 3×3 appeals to younger audiences and has become a key platform for emerging talent.

According to FIBA 3×3, the number of registered 3×3 teams in Vietnam has grown by 40% since 2021, driven by grassroots programs and increased media coverage. The success of Stellahoops, which attracted international teams from Thailand, Malaysia, and the Philippines, highlights the sport’s potential to unify regional talent.

“This tournament isn’t just about winning—it’s about building a community,” said Phạm Minh Hùng, a sports analyst with VnExpress. “Hanoi’s ability to host such a high-level event shows the country’s commitment to developing basketball at all levels.”

What’s Next for the Winning Teams?

The Hanoi Stars’ victory qualifies them for the FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup 2024, scheduled for October in Doha, Qatar. The team will face off against top Asian sides, including China’s Beijing Bulls and Japan’s Tokyo Tigers, in a bid to secure a spot at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Meanwhile, the Ho Chi Minh City Fury,