PLAYOFFS PREVIEW - MEN'S GROUP A-

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.

Pool A

SHINAGAWA CITY.EXE, SAIGON HEAT.EXE, and UTSUNOMIYA BREX.EXE - Pool A Is Loaded With Firepower

Pool A is stacked with talent and storylines, bringing together the top seed from Japan, SHINAGAWA CITY.EXE, the defending champions of Vietnam in SAIGON HEAT.EXE, last season’s 3x3.EXE Playoff runner up, UTSUNOMIYA BREX.EXE, and the winner of Qualifying Draw 2. With two domestic powerhouses and two international threats, this group promises to deliver some of the most compelling clashes of the entire tournament.

SHINAGAWA CITY.EXE arrive as the favourites, boasting a 31–3 record and a roster led by Ryo Ozawa alongside a squad filled with size, shooting, and leadership. Their dominance will be tested immediately by SAIGON HEAT.EXE, who swept through the Vietnamese conference with seven titles in eight rounds and feature MVP-calibre talent in Christopher Blake. UTSUNOMIYA BREX.EXE round out the Japanese representatives, a disciplined team built on the rim protection of Griffin Biwer and the playmaking of Souleymane Coulibaly, whose defensive resilience makes them a dark horse for the top spot in this pool.

The fourth place will be filled by the winner of Qualifying Draw 2, where TRYHOOP OKAYAMA.EXE, BEEFMAN.EXE, SHINAGAWA CC WILDCATS.EXE, and TOKYO DIME.EXE are battling for survival. Whoever emerges from that gauntlet will have already proven their playoff mettle — and could be primed to cause an upset against one of the heavyweights. With Shinagawa’s depth, Saigon’s firepower, Utsunomiya’s balance, and a hungry qualifier, Pool A is set to be a stage where reputations are tested and only the most complete teams will advance.

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• SHINAGAWA CITY.EXE (1) 750 EXE POINTS | 31 Wins - 3 Losses | 20.6 PPG
• SAIGON HEAT.EXE (1) 745 EXE POINTS | 27 Wins - 3 Losses | 20.2 PPG
• UTSUNOMIYA BREX.EXE (6) 560 EXE POINTS | 19 Wins - 7 Losses | 19.0 PPG
• Qualifying Draw 2 Winner

SHINAGAWA CITY.EXE (Japan) 1^st Seed

750 EXE POINTS | 31 Wins - 3 Losses | 20.6 Scored PG | 12.5 Points Against PG

From Ozawa’s Shooting to Ochiai’s Leadership – SHINAGAWA CITY.EXE Set the Pace

SHINAGAWA CITY.EXE enter the 3x3.EXE Premier Playoffs as Japan’s top seed, with an imposing 750 EXE Points and a near-flawless 31–3 record. Their league-leading averages of 20.6 points scored per game and just 12.5 points conceded underline their dominance on both ends of the court. With their mix of firepower, size, and discipline, they arrive in Osaka as the clear favourites to lift the title.

The squad is spearheaded by Ryo Ozawa (#13), whose stellar shooting display in the Round 8 final sealed Shinagawa City’s path to the number one seed. Around him, the European duo of Dušan Samardžić (#10) and Jan Demsar (#33) have been central to the team’s consistency, bringing size, versatility, and reliable scoring throughout the season. Completing the lineup is veteran leader Tomoya Ochiai (#91), the heart and soul of the side, whose presence and playmaking embody the team’s identity and competitive edge.

Their recent form reflects both resilience and vulnerability. They edged out LEOVISTA.EXE (21–20) and YAIZU CITY UNITED.EXE (21–15) in Round 7 before suffering rare defeats to SHONAN SEASIDE.EXE (13–21) and UTSUNOMIYA BREX.EXE (14–16). However, they closed Round 8 with a strong 19–15 victory over ADDELM ELEMENTS.EXE, regaining momentum before the playoffs. With Ozawa’s hot hand, Samardžić and Demsar’s consistency, and Ochiai’s leadership, SHINAGAWA CITY.EXE have the depth and mentality to justify their status as championship favourites.

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)

SAIGON HEAT.EXE (Vietnam) 1^st Seed

 745 EXE POINTS | 27 Wins - 3 Losses | Scored PG | 15.0 Points Against PG

From Vietnam’s Dominance to Playoff Dreams – The Heat Are On

SAIGON HEAT.EXE march into the 3x3.EXE Premier Playoffs as Vietnam’s #1 seed, finishing the season with 745 EXE Points and an exceptional 27–3 record. Averaging over 20 points per game while holding opponents to just 15, they were the class of their conference, winning seven of eight rounds across the 2025 season. After lifting the 2024 title, they return to the big stage with an even stronger case as one of the favourites in Osaka.

The roster is stacked with talent and balance. Christopher Blake was a two-time MVP this season, proving to be a dynamic scorer and clutch performer in key games. Davon Dillard has added muscle and energy, capable of turning momentum with explosive plays. Marcus Hammonds provides size and rim protection, consistently controlling the paint on both ends. Complementing them is Tim Waale, whose screen-and-roll efficiency and work on the glass has been pivotal, while Minh Tuan Nguyen Hoang and the supporting cast have supplied scoring bursts and defensive grit. Together, their chemistry and versatility have set them apart from the rest of Vietnam.

The back half of the season only reinforced their dominance. After the surprise of Round 5 — the only event they didn’t win — Saigon Heat responded by reclaiming back-to-back titles in Rounds 6, 7, and 8, including a thrilling 21–20 win over Rising Star Kuala Lumpur.EXE and a tough 19–16 victory over Saigonect Minakami.EXE to close out the campaign. Each time, they found different heroes: Blake and Dillard from the perimeter, Waale and Hammonds inside, and a collective ability to thrive under pressure. With seven trophies in eight attempts, Saigon Heat.EXE have shown they can adapt to any style, weather every run, and close games with authority.

Last 5 games

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• Win 20 - 16 vs Saigonect.EXE (Round 7)
• Win 21 - 20 vs UNCLE DREW.EXE (Round 8)
• Win 19 - 15 vs Saigonect.EXE (Round 8)
• Win 22 - 16 vs HBA.EXE (Round 8)
• Win 19 - 16 vs Saigonect.EXE (Round 8 - Final)

UTSUNOMIYA BREX.EXE (Japan) 6^th Seed

 560 EXE POINTS | 19 Wins - 7 Losses | 19.0 Scored PG | 13.5 Points Against PG

Griffin Biwer and Coulibaly Lead UTSUNOMIYA BREX.EXE,s Playoff Charge

UTSUNOMIYA BREX.EXE head into the 3x3.EXE Premier Playoffs as the 6th seed, earning 560 EXE Points with a strong 19–7 record. They average 19.0 points scored per game while conceding only 13.5, giving them one of the best defensive records in the league. That combination of size inside and versatile scoring has made them a tough matchup all season long.

The team’s identity has been defined by Griffin Biwer (#13), whose athleticism and interior defense have been central to their success. He not only protects the rim but also provides a reliable option on the inside offensively. Handling the bulk of the playmaking duties is Souleymane Coulibaly (#33), the dominant ball-handler who controls the tempo and creates opportunities for his teammates. Around them, Yasuo Iijima (#7), Yudai Ara (#8), and Yuki Nakanishi (#24) have each delivered explosive shooting performances at different points in the season, ensuring the BREX are never short of perimeter firepower.

Their last five games highlight both resilience and the fine margins they often play within. A narrow 18–20 loss to TRYHOOP OKAYAMA.EXE was followed by a statement 21–7 victory over SANJO BEATERS.EXE, proving their ceiling is as high as any team in the field. Round 8 brought gritty wins over HOKUSO RHINOS.EXE (15–14) and MEGURO SIXERS.EXE (17–14), showcasing their defensive grind, before a setback against SHINAGAWA CITY.EXE (11–17) in a clash of heavyweights. With Biwer commanding the paint, Coulibaly orchestrating the offense, and their shooters ready to spark, UTSUNOMIYA BREX.EXE enter Osaka as a team no opponent can overlook.

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)

Qualifying Draw 2 Winner

• 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

DRAW

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