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 #1

Qualifying Draw 1: Underdogs and Dark Horses Eye Their Chance

Qualifying Draw 1 brings together four very different contenders, each with their own path into the 3x3.EXE Premier Playoffs. EPIC.EXE headline the group as the highest seed, built on consistency and led by the dynamic scoring of Tatsuki Kishikawa. They boast one of the strongest records among the qualifiers and have shown they can handle both grind-it-out contests and explosive offensive battles, making them the early favourites to progress.

ESDGZ OTAKI.EXE and IRISPARTNERS AICHI.EXE come in as balanced, dangerous sides capable of upsetting higher seeds. OTAKI lean on the inside dominance of Gjio Bain and the leadership of Haruka Kataoka, while AICHI rely on depth and efficiency, with Adachi Hayato and Yuki Nakazaki giving them firepower both on the drive and from outside. Both teams have proven they can step up in tight games, and their recent results suggest neither can be taken lightly.

HOKUSO RHINOS.EXE, meanwhile, embody the underdog spirit. As the 15th seed, their defensive grit and physicality give them a puncher’s chance, though they will need to find more consistent scoring to hang with the rest of the group. With four contrasting styles — EPIC’s balance, OTAKI’s size, AICHI’s efficiency, and RHINOS’ grind — Qualifying Draw 1 promises fierce battles where only one team will advance to the main draw.

QUALIFYING DRAW – Group 1

  • EPIC.EXE (8) - 515 EXE POINTS | 17 Wins – 8 Losses | 17.5 PPG
  • ESDGZ OTAKI.EXE (11) - 495 EXE POINTS| 13 Wins – 10 Losses | 17.3 PPG
  • IRISPARTNERS AICHI.EXE (12) - 485 EXE POINTS | 13 Wins – 9 Losses | 18.4 PPG
  • HOKUSO RHINOS.EXE (15) - 465 EXE POINTS | 11 Wins – 11 Losses | 16.4 PPG

EPIC.EXE – 8th Seed

515 EXE POINTS | 17 Wins – 8 Losses | 17.5 Points Scored PG | 16.4 Points Against PG

Kishikawa Leads EPIC.EXE Into Playoffs With Steady Firepower

EPIC.EXE arrive at the 3x3.EXE Premier Playoffs with a strong foundation of 515 EXE Points and a 17–8 record, cementing themselves as one of the most consistent teams across the regular season. Averaging 17.5 points scored per game while holding opponents to 16.4 points, they have proven capable of both grinding out close wins and pulling away when their offense finds rhythm.

The backbone of the team has been Tatsuki Kishikawa (#0), who has appeared in nearly every round and continues to be the primary scoring option. Supporting him are versatile contributors like Atsushi Isshiki (#6) and Tokiya Ryu (#1), along with the physical presence of Julio Claver De Assis Afonso (#2), who has given EPIC.EXE an interior anchor throughout the season. The depth of the roster is rounded out by shooters such as Kazuki Shigemoto (#33) and the hustle of Akito Omachi (#93), both of whom have stepped up in key stretches.

EPIC.EXE’s style of play is built around a balance of perimeter shot creation and inside power. Kishikawa and Isshiki thrive at putting pressure on defenses with dribble penetration and outside shooting, while Afonso gives them a reliable option around the rim. When they are able to push the tempo and space the floor, EPIC.EXE can score in bunches, but their ability to lock in defensively has been just as important in securing their 17 wins.

Their last five games show both resilience and vulnerability. Strong wins over ZIGEXN UPDATERS.EXE (21–15) and SENDAI AIRJOKER.EXE (21–20) in Round 7 highlighted their ability to handle pressure late in games. A heavy loss to TOKYO VERDY.EXE and a setback against SHONAN SEASIDE.EXE exposed defensive lapses against elite teams, but they bounced back emphatically with a 22–12 victory over BRIDGELINE MP3.EXE in Round 8. Entering the playoffs, EPIC.EXE will need to tighten their defense against top-tier competition while leaning on Kishikawa’s scoring and Afonso’s inside presence to make a deep run.

Last 5 Games

  • Win 21 – 11 VS ADDELM ELEMENTS.EXE (Round 7)
  • Win 17 – 16 VS SAITAMA WILDBEARS.EXE (Round 7)
  • Loss 12 – 18 VS ZETHREE ISHIKAWA.EXE (Round 7)
  • Win 17 – 16 VS TOKYO DIME.EXE (Round 8)
  • Loss 22 – 16 VS ZETHREE ISHIKAWA.EXE (Round 8)

ESDGZ OTAKI.EXE – 11th Seed

495 EXE POINTS| 13 Wins – 10 Losses | 17.3 Points Scored PG | 17.4 Points Against PG

ESDGZ OTAKI.EXE: Strength in the Paint, Poise Under Pressure

ESDGZ OTAKI.EXE head into the 3x3.EXE Premier Playoffs as the 11th seed with 495 EXE Points and a 13–10 record, a mark that highlights both their resilience and their ability to push higher-ranked opponents to the limit. They average 17.3 points scored per game while conceding 17.4, making them one of the league’s most evenly balanced sides. While they may not always dominate, their knack for staying in games late has been a defining feature of their campaign.

The lineup is anchored by Haruka Kataoka (#6), who has been a constant presence throughout the season, and the imposing Gjio Bain (#50), whose size and interior defense give the team a true paint enforcer. Yukimoto Wakabayashi (#14) adds reliable scoring and defensive versatility on the wing, while Kazuto Matsuyama (#23) provides outside shooting to stretch defenses. Ohashi Tsugumi (#17) and Yuichi Endo (#9) round out a roster that mixes energy with experience.

Playstyle-wise, ESDGZ OTAKI.EXE thrive on physical matchups and strong inside play, often looking to Bain to set the tone around the rim. Kataoka and Wakabayashi give them options on the perimeter, while Matsuyama’s ability to hit timely shots can break open close contests. While they can struggle against teams that push the pace or attack them from deep, their defensive intensity and inside-out approach make them a tough out for any opponent.

Their last five games reflect that mix of highs and lows. Back-to-back wins in Round 7 over ZIGEXN UPDATERS.EXE (21–15) and SENDAI AIRJOKER.EXE (21–20) showed their ability to close out tight contests. However, heavy defeats to TOKYO VERDY.EXE (10–21) and SHONAN SEASIDE.EXE (13–21) exposed defensive gaps against top-tier opponents. They finished Round 8 with an emphatic 22–12 win over BRIDGELINE MP3.EXE, proving they can reset quickly and dominate when their inside-out attack is clicking. That resilience could be key in the playoff environment.

Last 5 games

  • Win 21 – 15 vs ZIGEXN UPDATERS.EXE (Round 7)
  • Win 21 – 20 vs SENDAI AIRJOKER.EXE (Round 7)
  • Loss 10 – 21 vs TOKYO VERDY.EXE (Round 7)
  • Loss 13 – 21 vs SHONAN SEASIDE.EXE (Round 8)
  • Win 22 – 12 vs BRIDGELINE MP3.EXE (Round 8)

IRISPARTNERS AICHI.EXE – 12th Seed

485 EXE POINTS | 13 Wins – 9 Losses | 18.4 Points Scored PG | 16.1 Points Against PG

Quiet Contenders – IRISPARTNERS AICHI.EXE Bring Balance to the Playoffs

IRISPARTNERS AICHI.EXE come into the 3x3.EXE Premier Playoffs as the 12th seed, backed by 485 EXE Points and a solid 13–9 record. They’ve been one of the league’s most efficient two-way teams, scoring an impressive 18.4 points per game while conceding just 16.1, giving them one of the best point differentials outside the top seeds. That ability to generate offense while staying disciplined defensively makes them a dangerous draw in the knockout stage.

The roster features a well-balanced mix of scoring options and defensive stoppers. Adachi Hayato (#0) has been the steady hand, driving the offense with his scoring and ball-handling. Sota Yamada (#17) adds versatility on both ends of the floor, while Ryuki Sono (#23) brings energy and shot-making ability. Sato Daisuke (#32) is a key interior presence who can both finish inside and protect the rim, complemented by the perimeter shooting threat of Yuki Nakazaki (#34), who gives IRISPARTNERS AICHI.EXE a reliable weapon from deep.

Playstyle-wise, this is a team that thrives when it gets stops and pushes the pace. With Hayato initiating, Yamada and Sono providing slashing and spacing, and Nakazaki stretching defenses, they have multiple scoring avenues. Their strength lies in balance — they don’t rely on a single player, but rather on a collective effort where any member of the rotation can step up. Defensively, their ability to contest on the perimeter and funnel opponents into Daisuke has been a hallmark.

The last five games illustrate their season’s dual nature: close losses in Round 7 against TOKYO DIME.EXE (14–19) and MINAKAMI TOWN.EXE (17–21) showed they can hang with playoff-level competition but sometimes fall short late. They responded in Round 8 with emphatic wins over HIU ZEROCKETS.EXE (21–16) and a statement 21–7 blowout against SANJO BEATERS.EXE, one of the strongest teams in Japan. A final setback against SHINAGAWA CITY.EXE (15–21) highlighted areas for improvement, but also proved they’re capable of pushing even the top seeds. If IRISPARTNERS AICHI.EXE can tighten execution in crunch time, they have the depth and firepower to be a dangerous dark horse.

Last 5 Games

  • Loss 14 – 19 vs TOKYO DIME.EXE (Round 7)
  • Loss 17 – 21 vs MINAKAMI TOWN.EXE (Round 7)
  • Win 21 – 16 vs HIU ZEROCKETS.EXE (Round 8)
  • Win 21 – 7 vs SANJO BEATERS.EXE (Round 8)
  • Loss 15 – 21 vs SHINAGAWA CITY.EXE (Round 8)

HOKUSO RHINOS.EXE - 15th Seed

465 EXE POINTS | 11 Wins – 11 Losses | 16.4 Points Scored PG | 16.3 Points Against PG

HOKUSO RHINOS.EXE: Defensive Tenacity Meets Playoff Opportunity

HOKUSO RHINOS.EXE enter the 3x3.EXE Premier Playoffs as the 15th seed, earning their spot with 465 EXE Points and a balanced 11–11 record. They average 16.4 points per game while conceding 16.3, highlighting their ability to stay competitive in nearly every contest. While consistency has sometimes eluded them, their resilience and ability to grind out wins kept them in playoff contention to the very end.

The roster is built on a mix of reliable scorers and high-energy role players. Takuya Kano (#3) and Hibiki Osawa (#12) have been steady offensive contributors, while Yuya Ohno (#14) provides versatility and scoring bursts from the perimeter. Jovaan Tusevljak (#23) brings physicality inside, giving the team a defensive anchor in the paint. Veteran presence from Shingo Maeda (#51) and the energy of Hirotaka Fujisawa (#86) provide depth and hustle, while Kakeru Nishino (#30) and Sohta Okuyama (#13) round out a rotation that has shown flashes of cohesion.

Playstyle-wise, HOKUSO RHINOS.EXE lean heavily on effort and defense, often relying on slowing down opponents rather than winning high-scoring shootouts. Their offensive sets focus on ball movement and finding mismatches for Kano or Ohno, while Tusevljak and Maeda help keep games physical inside. While their scoring numbers don’t match the top-tier sides, their ability to drag teams into low-scoring battles gives them a fighting chance in elimination play.

Their last five games underline the uphill battle they face. Heavy losses to BEEFMAN.EXE (22–10), EDEN.EXE (22–15), and HIU ZEROCKETS.EXE (21–11) showed the gap to higher seeds. However, they nearly upset SHINAGAWA CC WILDCATS.EXE (15–14) before closing Round 8 with a defensive statement, a 15–8 victory over MEGURO SIXERS.EXE. That final win may give them momentum, but to make a playoff run, the RHINOS will need to replicate that defensive toughness while finding more reliable scoring options.

Last 5 Games

  • Loss 22 – 10 vs BEEFMAN.EXE (Round 6)
  • Loss 22 – 15 vs EDEN.EXE (Round 7)
  • Loss 21 – 11 vs HIU ZEROCKETS.EXE (Round 7)
  • Loss 15 – 14 vs SHINAGAWA CC WILDCATS.EXE (Round 8)
  • Win 15 – 8 vs MEGURO SIXERS.EXE (Round 8)

DRAW

Links

FIBA 3x3 Event PageFIBA 3x3 Event Link
YouTube Link – Day 1Youtube Link - Men's
YouTube Link – Day 2Youtube Link - Men's
3x3.EXE Standings3x3.EXE Standings
3x3.EXE Schedule3x3.EXE Schedule