Cocks poised for 3 x 3 Asia Cup

Three-time JCU Townsville Fire championship winner Micaela Cocks will represent New Zealand on the weekend at the FIBA 3 x 3 Asia Cup.

Fresh off securing a bronze medal for the Tall Ferns at the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games, the 32-year-old will make her debut in the sport’s new-look format with games against China and Malaysia after being drawn in Pool A.

Australia will meet Samoa, Sri Lanka and Thailand in the qualifiers to earn a spot in the main draw.

The Kiwis have named a star-studded squad that includes Fire championship winner Chevannah Paalvast, along with Melbourne forward Kalani Purcell and Perth sharp-shooter Toni Farnworth.

“With limited experience in the 3×3 format of basketball and minimal practise time prior to our first game on Sunday, the women’s team will be aiming to learn fast and equip themselves with some basic strategies to be competitive in the Asia Cup,” New Zealand 3 x 3 coach Leanne Walker said.

“All four athletes are coming out of a successful Commonwealth Games campaign, so hopefully the momentum gained there will transfer in a few days when they hit the court against Malaysia and then China in pool play.”

A top-two finish in pool play is required to advance to the quarterfinals, and from that point it’s single elimination games.

The FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup runs through to May 2.