Today on the Building Better Basketball podcast we’re joined by someone who has carved out a really unique path in the game. Marena Whittle is one of Australia’s leading 3x3 basketball players, representing the Gangurrus on the international stage and competing against the best players in the world in one of the fastest-growing formats of the game.

Marena’s journey through basketball is a fascinating one - from traditional 5-on-5 pathways through college and professional basketball, to embracing the speed, creativity, and tactical demands of 3x3. Along the way she’s developed a reputation for her competitiveness, skill, and ability to adapt her game to different environments.

In this conversation we’ll dive into the differences between 5-on-5 and 3x3, what makes great 3x3 players and teams, and what coaches and players at the community level can learn from a format that demands decision-making, toughness, and creativity on every possession.