PLAYOFFS PREVIEW - QD2-

3x3.EXE Premier Playoffs Japan 2025 Preview Series

From May through September, the 2025 3x3.EXE Premier season stretched across five countries, 78 teams, and 853 games, delivering a showcase of skill, intensity, and the global growth of 3x3 basketball. Domestic champions were crowned in Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, and Vietnam, each producing teams with their own styles, stars, and storylines. After months of competition, the stage is now set for the biggest event of the season — the Premier Playoffs in Osaka, Japan.

The playoffs begin with the Qualifying Draw, where eight teams will fight for just two coveted places in the main draw. From there, the remaining contenders enter the spotlight, with two days of intense playoff basketball deciding who will rise above the rest to be crowned 2025 Premier champions. Every possession matters, every game could be a season decider, and the road to Osaka promises to deliver the most compelling 3x3 action of the year.

Qualifying Draw #2

Four Contenders, One Spot – The Fierce Fight of Qualifying Draw 2

Qualifying Draw 2 shapes up as one of the most competitive brackets of the 3x3.EXE Premier Playoffs, with four Japanese teams bringing very different identities to Osaka. TRYHOOP OKAYAMA.EXE enter as the highest seed in the group, fresh off four straight wins before falling to ZETHREE ISHIKAWA.EXE. With Okoye Peter Junior and Yusuke Mukai leading a powerful inside-out attack, they have both the form and firepower to set the pace in this draw.

BEEFMAN.EXE arrive as one of the steadiest mid-seeds in the league, their 16–8 record built on depth, resilience, and an ability to grind out close games. Tatsuhito Noro and Susumu Miyasaka provide leadership in the backcourt, while a well-rounded supporting cast makes them a side that rarely beats itself. Alongside them, SHINAGAWA CC WILDCATS.EXE bring balance and bite, pairing a high-powered offense with one of the stingiest defenses among qualifiers. Led by Yuto Maita and Naoto Ito, the WILDCATS have shown they can upset bigger names when their chemistry clicks.

Rounding out the group is TOKYO DIME.EXE, one of Japan’s most recognisable franchises, carrying the weight of pedigree and expectation into a lower seeding. Despite a string of narrow losses late in the season, the combination of Koki Higashino, Yu Nishiune, and veteran Masahiro Komatsu gives them both scoring punch and playoff experience. With four battle-tested sides and only one main draw spot on offer, Qualifying Draw 2 promises high-stakes matchups where every possession could decide survival.

QUALIFYING DRAW – Group 2

• TRYHOOP OKAYAMA.EXE (9) - 500 EXE POINTS | 14 Wins - 9 Losses | 18.7 PPG
• BEEFMAN.EXE (10) - 495 EXE POINTS| 16 Wins – 8 Losses | 17.4 PPG
• SHINAGAWA CC WILDCATS.EXE (13) - 480 EXE POINTS | 13 Wins – 7 Losses | 19.0 PPG
• TOKYO DIME.EXE (15) - 465 EXE POINTS | 12 Wins – 10 Losses | 18.7 PPG

TRYHOOP OKAYAMA.EXE (Japan) 9th Seed

500 EXE POINTS | 14 Wins - 9 Losses | 18.7 Points Scored PG | 15.5 Points Against PG

TRYHOOP OKAYAMA.EXE: Big Men, Big Moments, Big Threat

TRYHOOP OKAYAMA.EXE enter the 3x3.EXE Premier Playoffs as the 9th seed, powered by 500 EXE Points and a strong 14–9 record. Their ability to score in bunches has been a defining strength, averaging 18.7 points per game, while holding opponents to just 15.5, one of the better differentials in the qualifying field. They have shown that when their offense is rolling, they can overwhelm opponents quickly.

The roster is headlined by Okoye Peter Junior (#0), a dominant force who has been central to the team’s scoring and physical presence throughout the season. Michael Phillips (#8) adds size, rebounding, and inside finishing, while Yusuke Mukai (#22) has developed into a reliable scorer who thrives in big-game situations. Soichiro Noda (#1) and Soichiro Fujitaka (#3) provide steady backcourt leadership, while Koki Wakasa (#15) offers depth and versatility. This balance of foreign firepower and Japanese consistency makes TRYHOOP OKAYAMA.EXE one of the most dangerous teams outside the top eight seeds.

Their last five games underscore their potential. Four consecutive wins — including strong performances against HIU ZEROCKETS.EXE (21–16), SHONAN SEASIDE.EXE (21–18), and UENOHARA SUNRISE.EXE (21–14) — highlighted their offensive firepower and composure in tight moments. They stumbled in their final test against ZETHREE ISHIKAWA.EXE (8–21), showing they can struggle against elite defensive pressure, but the lead-up suggests they are peaking at the right time. If TRYHOOP OKAYAMA.EXE can maintain their rhythm and lean on Okoye’s dominance inside, they have every chance of making a deep run in Osaka.

Last 5 Games

• Win 21 – 16 vs HIU ZEROCKETS.EXE (Round 7)
• Win 21 – 18 vs SHONAN SEASIDE.EXE (Round 7)
• Win 21 – 11 vs ASUKAYAMA CHERRYBLOSSOMS.EXE (Round 8)
• Win 21-14 vs UENOHARA SUNRISE.EXE (Round 8)
• Loss 8 – 21 vs ZETHREE ISHIKAWA.EXE (Round 8)

BEEFMAN.EXE (Japan) 10th Seed

495 EXE POINTS| 16 Wins – 8 Losses | 17.4 Points Scored PG | 16.4 Points Against PG

Never Out of the Fight – BEEFMAN.EXE Built for Close Battles

BEEFMAN.EXE enter the 3x3.EXE Premier Playoffs as the 10th seed, finishing with 495 EXE Points and an impressive 16–8 record. Their season has been built on a steady balance of scoring and defense, averaging 17.4 points per game while conceding 16.4. Rarely blown out, they have carved out a reputation as one of the hardest teams to put away, often pushing games down to the final possessions.

The roster features a strong mix of veteran leadership and versatile contributors. Tatsuhito Noro (#1) has been a cornerstone of the team’s attack, while Susumu Miyasaka (#2) and Toshitaka Umebayashi (#11) bring control and creativity to the perimeter. Haruki Tobori (#14) and Kazuki Kumagai (#26) add shooting and defensive energy, while Ito Yamato (#44) provides size and rebounding presence in the paint. The cohesion across this group has been one of their greatest strengths, allowing them to adapt to different game styles.

Their last five games show exactly why BEEFMAN.EXE are such a tricky opponent. Tight wins against LEOVISTA.EXE (21–20) and YAIZU CITY UNITED.EXE (21–15) highlighted their ability to grind out results under pressure. Losses to SHONAN SEASIDE.EXE (13–21) and UTSUNOMIYA BREX.EXE (14–16) revealed the challenge of matching up with the league’s very top teams, but they quickly bounced back with a 19–15 win over ADDELM ELEMENTS.EXE to close Round 8. With their depth and resilience, BEEFMAN.EXE have the tools to push through the qualifying draw if they can execute in the clutch.

Last 5 games

• Win 21 - 20 vs LEOVISTA.EXE (Round 7)
• Win 21 – 15 vs YAIZU CITY UNITED.EXE (Round 7)
• Loss 13 – 21 vs SHONAN SEASIDE.EXE (Round 7)
• Loss 14 – 16 vs UTSUNOMIYA BREX.EXE (Round 8)
• Win 19 -15 vs ADDELM ELEMENTS.EXE (Round 8)

SHINAGAWA CC WILDCATS.EXE (Japan) 13th Seed

480 EXE POINTS | 13 Wins – 7 Losses | 19.0 Points Scored PG | 14.6 Points Against PG

From Wildcard to Contender – SHINAGAWA CC WILDCATS.EXE Chase the Main Draw

SHINAGAWA CC WILDCATS.EXE enter the 3x3.EXE Premier Playoffs as the 13th seed, with 480 EXE Points and a solid 13–7 record. Despite their lower seeding, they’ve been one of the most efficient teams in the qualifiers, averaging 19.0 points scored per game while allowing just 14.6, a differential that rivals some of the top seeds in the league. That combination of offensive firepower and defensive toughness makes them a dangerous underdog.

The team is led by Yuto Maita (#1), who has been a consistent scoring option throughout the season. Naoto Ito (#2) provides perimeter defense and playmaking, while Shinji Naruse (#5) offers a reliable inside presence. Hotaka Kato (#16) and Takumi Shimokawa (#17) add versatility and energy, with Hiroto Takeda (#48) rounding out the rotation as a steady contributor on both ends. Together, this group has shown strong chemistry and the ability to spread scoring responsibility across the roster.

Their last five games illustrate their balanced identity. A narrow 18–20 loss to TRYHOOP OKAYAMA.EXE in Round 7 was followed by a statement 21–7 victory over SANJO BEATERS.EXE, proving they can topple even the league’s elite on their day. In Round 8, they edged out HOKUSO RHINOS.EXE (15–14) and MEGURO SIXERS.EXE (17–14) in grinding defensive contests before falling 11–17 to UTSUNOMIYA BREX.EXE. While inconsistency has sometimes held them back, their ability to score freely and lock down opponents makes them one of the most intriguing wildcards in the qualifying stage.

Last 5 Games

• Loss 18 – 20 vs TRYHOOP OKAYAMA.EXE (round 7)
• Win 21 – 7 vs SANJO BEATERS.EXE (Round 7)
• Win 15 – 14 vs HOKUSO RHINOS.EXE (Round 8)
• Win 17 – 14 vs MEGURO SIXERS.EXE (Round 8)
• Loss 11 – 17 vs UTSUNOMIYA BREX.EXE (Round 8)

TOKYO DIME.EXE - 14th Seed

465 EXE POINTS | 12 Wins – 10 Losses | 18.7 Points Scored PG | 17.0 Points Against PG

TOKYO DIME.EXE: Tradition, Talent, and never one to underestimate

TOKYO DIME.EXE arrive at the 3x3.EXE Premier Playoffs as the 14th seed, having accumulated 465 EXE Points with a 12–10 record. They averaged 18.7 points scored per game while conceding 17.0, underlining their offensive ability but also the defensive lapses that kept them outside the top ten seeds. As one of the league’s most recognisable franchises, DIME bring both pedigree and expectation into the qualifying draw.

The roster blends experienced leadership with young energy, Yu Nishiune (#5) provide the scoring backbone, while Koki Higashino (#2) and Keita Suzuki (#7) adds consistency in the backcourt. Wataru Kuroda (#13) and Ryoma Nozawa (#21) contribute with toughness and hustle, giving DIME the physicality to compete in tight contests. The veteran presence of Masahiro Komatsu (#70) brings invaluable experience to the lineup, making them one of the most battle-tested squads in the field.

Their last five games paint a picture of a team that has been competitive but unable to close out the biggest moments. A narrow 20–21 loss to HACHINOHE DIME.EXE in Round 6 set the tone for a string of close battles. They bounced back with a 19–14 win over IRISPARTNERS AICHI.EXE, but defeats to MINAKAMI TOWN.EXE (13–21) and ZETHREE ISHIKAWA.EXE (17–21) highlighted the challenges of facing top-tier opposition. Their most recent outing, a 16–17 loss to EPIC.EXE, again showed their ability to push playoff-calibre teams to the wire. If TOKYO DIME.EXE can tighten their defense and convert in crunch time, they remain a dangerous side with the pedigree to make noise in Osaka.

Last 5 Games

• Loss 20 – 21 vs HACHINOHE DIME.EXE (Round 6)
• Win 19 – 14 vs IRISPARTNERS AICHI.EXE (Round 7)
• Loss 13 – 21 vs MINAKAMI TOWN.EXE (Round 7)
• Loss 17 – 21 vs ZETHREE ISHIKAWA.EXE (Round 8)
• Loss 16 – 17 vs EPIC.EXE (Round 8)

DRAW

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