Photo Credit: SportPlus
As Asia’s top streetball talent prepares to converge in Singapore for the FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup, one athlete returning to the spotlight carries both momentum and unfinished ambition.
For Singapore national 3x3 basketball player Aufa Putra, the upcoming tournament at OCBC Square in The Kallang precinct represents more than another international appearance — it’s a chance to build on history, perform in front of home fans, and push Singapore basketball even further on the regional stage.
The fast-paced tournament, staged at the world-class The Kallang,, will once again transform OCBC Square into one of Asia’s most electrifying urban basketball arenas, with fans, music, and elite competition at the heart of the action.
Photo Credit: SportPlus
Returning to the Court Where Energy Matters Most
For Aufa, representing Singapore on home soil carries a weight that goes beyond competition.
“It means a lot — it’s a very special feeling. I’m thankful to represent Singapore once again,” he says.
“I remember last year being a special occasion when we were trying to accomplish something on the court. Hearing the fans really helped us get our energy going.”
While the Singapore guard enjoys the challenge of hostile crowds overseas, he admits that playing at home brings something unique.
“I won’t lie — I love playing overseas and hearing fans against us. But playing at home is always special. I prefer it a bit more.”
That home-court atmosphere is expected to be electric when the FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup returns to Singapore, with fans filling OCBC Square for one of the region’s premier street basketball spectacles.
Motivation from Last Year’s Campaign
The memories of last year’s tournament still fuel the team’s preparation heading into this edition.
For Aufa, the motivation is simple — go further.
“The game from last year stays in my mind. It’s been motivating me and our team. We always want to improve and try to go further.”
Despite often facing taller opponents in the international 3x3 circuit, Aufa believes Singapore’s identity on the court lies in something else entirely.
“We may be undersized compared to opponents, but we play with a lot of heart. We keep the game simple and trust each other. I hope fans see the energy I bring and how we come together as a team.”
Photo Credit: SNOC/ Kong Chong Yew
The Moment That Changed Singapore 3x3 Basketball
Aufa's return to the Asia Cup comes after a breakthrough moment for Singapore basketball.
At the Southeast Asian Games in Bangkok in December last year, the Singapore men’s 3x3 team captured the nation’s first-ever medal in 3x3 basketball, securing a historic silver — and Singapore’s first basketball silver medal at the Games since 2003.
For Aufa personally, the achievement was deeply meaningful.
“To be honest, I hadn’t won anything in my basketball career before that. It was my first proper accomplishment,” he reflects.
“As someone who didn’t bloom early, it gave me motivation and the understanding that I belong — that I can provide something on the court.”
Photo Credit: SNOC/ Kong Chong Yew
The journey to the podium included a pivotal quarter-final victory against regional powerhouse Philippines — a moment the team now looks back on as the turning point.
“That game gave us the confidence. Philippines and Thailand are powerhouses in Southeast Asia, so beating them made us believe we could go all the way.”
Even after falling just short of gold, the significance of the moment soon sank in.
“Right after the final there was some sadness. But once we stopped and thought about what we had achieved, everyone — the players, coaches — we were smiling. It was good energy.”
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Lessons Carried into the FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup
The experience in Bangkok has shaped the team’s mindset heading into another major international tournament.
Aufa says one of the biggest lessons was learning how to respond when matches don’t go according to plan.
“Not every game went smoothly. One thing we can build on is what we do when things don’t go our way — how we bring back our energy and tempo.”
Photo Credit: SportPlus
Interestingly, despite the historic result, Aufa says his personal mindset entering competitions hasn’t changed much.
“I’ve always gone into competitions with the same mindset — everything we practise builds up to this moment.”
Still, the team’s goals remain clear.
“Ideally, a podium finish. But we’ll see what we can do. We go onto the court with a mindset of winning.”
The Kallang: A World-Class Stage for 3x3 Basketball
The tournament’s return to the Kallang precinct reinforces Singapore’s reputation as a regional hub for major sporting events.
Situated within The Kallang, OCBC Square has become one of the most recognisable outdoor 3x3 venues in Asia. With its open-air urban court, arena seating, music, and fan engagement zones, the venue perfectly captures the culture of 3x3 basketball — a fast-paced format that debuted as an Olympic discipline at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
For Singapore’s players, competing at such a venue in front of a home crowd provides an undeniable boost.
“When the environment is in our favour, we play with a lot more confidence,” Aufa says.
“There is pressure from the home crowd, but pressure is a privilege. We’ll take it and play with pride.”
Photo Credit: SportPlus
Why Fan Support Matters for Singapore Basketball
Beyond the competition itself, Aufa hopes the event will spark broader interest in the sport.
3x3 basketball, with its shorter games, music-driven atmosphere and street-style intensity, has been growing rapidly worldwide — and Singapore’s recent SEA Games success has helped introduce more fans to the format.
“I didn’t know much about 3x3 until I made the team,” Aufa admits. “It took a while before I fell in love with the sport.”
Now he hopes fans attending the tournament will embrace both versions of the game.
Photo Credit: SportPlus
“I hope people who come down will open up to the two variations of basketball — 5v5 and 3x3.”
A strong turnout could also help open new pathways for young athletes.
“Hopefully it creates more opportunities — maybe more 3x3 competitions in schools. It can help more players find success, especially if they didn’t in 5v5.”
Photo Credit: SportPlus
A Message to Fans Heading to The Kallang
As the FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup approaches, Auhas a simple message for supporters planning to pack the stands at OCBC Square.
“We appreciate your support and are thankful for it. We just hope you bring your energy and your voices.”
Because for Singapore’s 3x3 team, the roar of a home crowd could once again make the difference between a good tournament — and another historic one.
Tickets for the FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup are on sale, and can be purchased here.
