Welcome to 3x3.EXE Premier Japan — the world’s largest professional 3x3 basketball league.
With 36 men’s teams competing across Japan and more than 70 teams participating globally across five countries, 3x3.EXE Premier continues to lead the way in fast-paced, high-intensity basketball.
This is your recap of Round 1 Day 1

Pool A

Notable Moment

SENDAI AIRJOKER.EXE edges SIMON.EXE in a dramatic opener to launch the 2025 season

The opening pool of the 2025 season featured three experienced sides — SIMON.EXE, SENDAI AIRJOKER.EXE, and Shinagawa CC Wildcats.EXE — and delivered a thrilling introduction to the year’s action.

In the first matchup, Mike Harry (SIMON.EXE) set the tone for the tournament, sinking a two-pointer on the very first possession. It was clear he came to play. From that moment, the battle between SIMON.EXE and SENDAI AIRJOKER.EXE was intense and relentless. Both sides traded buckets throughout, with neither team able to establish a lead larger than three points.

With the game locked at 19–19 and 30 seconds left on the clock, SENDAI AIRJOKER.EXE found themselves in foul trouble. During a contested rebound, Koji Nagata was called for a foul — a critical moment that sent Tsubasa Iseki (SIMON.EXE) to the line with a chance to win the opening game. Iseki missed the first, but held his nerve and swished the second. SIMON.EXE led 20–19.

The final stretch turned frantic. With under 25 seconds to play, SENDAI AIRJOKER.EXE scrambled to find a scoring opportunity. Nagata had a good look from mid-range with 10 seconds remaining but couldn’t convert. Then, redemption — Nagata intercepted a loose pass with just five seconds left and quickly found a wide-open Ren Chida, who made no mistake, draining the game-winning shot at the buzzer.

A breathtaking finish: SENDAI AIRJOKER.EXE 21 – SIMON.EXE 20.

Pool A Results

  • SENDAI AIRJOKER.EXE 21 DEF. SIMON.EXE 20
  • SHINAGAWA CC WILDCATS.EXE 21 DEF. SENDAI AIRJOKER.EXE 15
  • SHINAGAWA CC WILDCATS.EXE 21 DEF. SIMON.EXE 16

Pool A Winner: SHINAGAWA CC WILDCATS.EXE


Pool A Notable Scorers:

  • Hiroto Takeda (SHINAGAWA CC WILDCATS.EXE) - 8.6 PPG | 85% FG%
  • Koji Nagata (SENDAI AIRJOKER.EXE) – 7 PPG | 66% 2 PT %
  • Mike Harry (SIMON.EXE) – 6.5 PPG | 85% Points in the Paint

Pool B

Notable Moment

Takashi Sano’s scoring explosion lights up Pool B, but YAIZU CITY UNITED.EXE hold firm

YAIZU CITY UNITED.EXE opened their 2025 campaign in style, racing out to a 9–3 lead with all four players contributing to the early scoring. The offence was flowing, and their quick ball movement kept SAITAMA WILDBEARS.EXE off balance.

But the momentum shifted in dramatic fashion, thanks to an individual scoring rampage from Takashi Sano. The Wildbears guard caught fire, drilling five two-point shots in a solo 12-point run that single-handedly flipped the game. His outburst gave Saitama a 16–12 lead with four minutes to play — the most dominant individual performance of Day 1.

Despite the heroics, YAIZU CITY UNITED.EXE responded with composure. They tightened their defence, throwing multiple bodies at Sano and cutting off his rhythm. As the Wildbears stalled, Yaizu City closed the game on their terms and secured a thrilling 21–19 win.

Pool B Results

  • YAIZU CITY UNITED.EXE 21 – 19 SAITAMA WILDBEARS.EXE
  • ZETHREE ISHIKAWA.EXE 22 – 13 SAITAMA WILDBEARS.EXE
  • ZETHREE ISHIKAWA.EXE 20 – 13 YAIZU CITY UNITED.EXE

Pool B Winner: ZETHREE ISHIKAWA.EXE

Pool B Scorers

  • Takashi Sano (SAITAMA WILDBEARS.EXE) – 10.5 PPG | 4.5 – 2 PT Makes Per Game
  • Jevonnie Scott (ZETHREE ISHIKAWA.EXE) – 8.3 PPG | 85% FG%
  • Hiroki Sugiyama (YAIZU CITY UNITED.EXE) – 7 PPG | 52% - 1 Pt  FG%

Pool C

Notable Moment

McCall II’s dunk brings the crowd to life, but Zigexn Updaters.EXE hold on for the win

With a semi-final berth on the line, the third and final matchup of Pool C between Zigexn Updaters.EXE and Tarui Razorbacks.EXE delivered one of the round’s most intense battles.

From the opening tip, both teams struggled to find rhythm. The first two and a half minutes were a grind, with the score stuck at 2–2 — a sign of the defensive battle ahead. Every possession was earned, and open looks were rare.

The final minute brought fireworks. Trailing by three, Tarui Razorbacks.EXE executed a flawless set play — Rikiya Kato set a perfectly-timed screen that froze both defenders and created a clear lane for Vaughn McCall II. He attacked the rim with force, throwing down a powerful two-handed jam that cut the lead to just two.

But celebration turned to heartbreak. McCall II was hit with a technical foul for swinging on the rim, giving Zigexn Updaters.EXE a free throw and possession — a pivotal moment that restored the lead to two possessions.

Despite Kato’s back-to-back buckets in the closing seconds, the extra point proved decisive. Zigexn Updaters.EXE held on for a narrow 20–19 win and secured first place in the pool.

Pool C Results

  • ZIGEXN UPDATERS.EXE 21 – 14 SANJO BEATERS.EXE
  • TARUI RAZORBACKS.EXE 21 – 16 SANJO BEATERS.EXE
  • ZIGEXN UPDATERS.EXE 20 – 19 TARUI RAZORBACKS.EXE

Pool C Winner: ZIGEXN UPDATERS.EXE


Pool C Notable Scorers:

  • Hikarusikilajoyce Bagamboula (SANJO BEATERS.EXE )– 8 PPG | 58% FG%
  • Vaughn McCALL Ⅱ( TARUI RAZORBACKS.EXE) – 10 PPG | 100% FT% (6/6)
  • Uda Ryuhei (ZIGEXN UPDATERS.EXE) – 6.7 PPG | 58% FG%

Pool D

Notable Moment

Kongolo’s clutch sequence lifts IKEBUKURO DROPS.EXE to top spot in a wild three-way showdown

The final game of the opening round held massive implications, as IKEBUKURO DROPS.EXE and FUZ HOKKAIDO.EXE entered the court knowing Pool D could end in a three-way tie. With all three teams locked in close contests earlier, points differential became the deciding factor — and every basket suddenly mattered.

With two and a half minutes to play, FUZ HOKKAIDO.EXE looked poised to seize control. Yosuke Tajiri and Rin Taguchi each buried clutch two-pointers to push their side ahead 18–14 and within touching distance of a semi-final berth.

But from that moment on, it was all IKEBUKURO DROPS.EXE.

David Kongolo swung the momentum with a game-changing steal in the corner, catching Fuz Hokkaido off guard and converting an uncontested layup. That was followed by a crafty finish from Spencer Jennings, making his 3x3.EXE debut, and another clean layup from Kongolo — three unanswered buckets that gave Ikebukuro the edge in points scored and virtually locked up top spot in the pool.

Still, Kongolo wasn’t done. As Mao Fukuda (FUZ HOKKAIDO.EXE) rolled to the rim for what looked like a clear scoring opportunity, Kongolo delivered one of the biggest blocks of the day, sending a statement that IKEBUKURO DROPS.EXE are early contenders in 2025.

Pool D Results

  • IKEBUKURO DROPS.EXE 21 – 16 LEOVISTA.EXE
  • LEOVISTA.EXE 21 – 18 FUZ HOKKAIDO.EXE
  • IKEBUKURO DROPS.EXE 21 – 19 FUZ HOKKAIDO.EXE

Pool D Winner: IKEBUKURO DROPS.EXE
Pool D Notable Scorers:

Rin Taguchi (FUZ HOKKAIDO.EXE) – 5.5 PPG | 2- 2 PT Makes Per Game

David Kongolo (IKEBUKURO DROPS.EXE) – 8.3 PPG | 71% FG%

Kuon Kogawa (LEOVISTA.EXE) – 10 PPG | 57%  2PT %

Semi Final 1 Recap

ZETHREE ISHIKAWA.EXE edges SHINAGAWA CC WILDCATS.EXE in a dramatic shootout to reach the final

The first semi-final of the opening round in 3x3.EXE Premier Japan delivered a blockbuster matchup between two powerhouse sides — the consistently dominant SHINAGAWA CC WILDCATS.EXE and the reloaded, dangerous ZETHREE ISHIKAWA.EXE. Adding to the intrigue was the highly anticipated first meeting between Ryoichi Dewa, now representing ZETHREE ISHIKAWA.EXE, and his former club.

From the opening whistle, SHINAGAWA CC WILDCATS.EXE made their intentions clear, locking in defensively on Dewa and refusing to give him space. But Dewa displayed his veteran poise and playmaking ability, drawing defenders and dishing to wide-open teammates for easy looks. Still, Takeda and Naruse were rock-solid for the Wildcats, showing discipline and smart shot selection to help build a 10–7 lead after the opening three minutes.

That advantage began to shrink as Jevonnie Scott asserted himself inside for ZETHREE ISHIKAWA.EXE. Exploiting a size mismatch, he went on a personal scoring run in the post, powering through double teams and contact to keep his side within striking distance.

The shootout continued late into the game. Makoto Fujine (ZETHREE ISHIKAWA.EXE) knocked down a wide-open two-pointer, only to be answered immediately by Naoto Ito, tying things at 15–15 with under five minutes remaining. Naruse followed with a clean two-pointer of his own before Dewa answered with a heavily contested long-range shot. Then came one of the plays of the day — Ito, initially blocked by Scott on the wing, recovered the loose ball and, off-balance and on one foot, drilled a clutch two-pointer. Tied again at 19–19.

But it was ZETHREE ISHIKAWA.EXE who had the final say. A defensive breakdown left Scott wide open under the rim to put his team ahead 20–19. On the next possession, Dewa delivered a crucial stop on defence, and the ball found Scott once more. Driving hard at Naruse, he finished through contact to seal the win and punch ZETHREE ISHIKAWA.EXE’S ticket to the final.

Final Score:
ZETHREE ISHIKAWA.EXE 21 – 19 SHINAGAWA CC WILDCATS.EXE

Semi Final 2 Recap

IKEBUKURO DROPS.EXE outlasts ZIGEXN UPDATERS.EXE in a thriller to clinch finals berth

The second semi-final of Day 1 in Round 1 of the 3x3.EXE Super Premier saw a clash of contrasting styles — the speed and perimeter shooting of ZIGEXN UPDATERS.EXE versus the power and inside dominance of IKEBUKURO DROPS.EXE. It didn’t take long for that contrast to show, with ZIGEXN UPDATERS.EXE looking to shoot early from range, while Ikebukuro fed the ball inside to David Kongolo, who drew an offensive foul on his second touch.

With both teams settling into their identities, Kongolo began to assert his presence. With no true size matchup, he powered through contact on multiple finishes, keeping IKEBUKURO DROPS.EXE in the contest. On the other side, Ryuhei Uda and Shin Soma connected on key two-pointers to keep the scores close.

Soma’s deep two followed by a strong layup from Kongolo brought the game to 10–10 just four minutes in. Then came a crucial stretch — Spencer Jennings used slick footwork to create space and knocked down a step-back two, then scored again at the rim. Kongolo followed that with a massive block on a driving Uda, shifting momentum to IKEBUKURO DROPS.EXE, who led 13–12.

The next few minutes turned into a defensive slugfest, as both teams ramped up the intensity, forcing tough shots and turnovers. With 3:30 remaining, ZIGEXN UPDATERS.EXE broke the drought — Uda drove and kicked it out to Chuji Shimoda, who drained a two-pointer. But Jennings responded immediately with one of his own from the corner.

Shimoda wasn’t done, using a pump fake to shake the defence and hit another two. Then Jennings answered again — drawing a foul on a shot from deep, taking ZIGEXN UPDATERS.EXE over the foul limit.

After converting free throws, the tension escalated. Takehiro from IKEBUKURO DROPS.EXE played tight defence on Soma, who still managed to rise up and hit a contested jumper. Both teams exchanged physical layups through traffic, setting up a classic “next basket wins” situation at 20–20.

With the ball in the hands of Yamaguchi at the top, Chuji Shimoda got caught ball-watching while defending Kongolo. On a quick slip cut, Yamaguchi found Kongolo wide open — who finished strong at the rim, sealing a 21–20 victory and a spot in the final against ZETHREE ISHIKAWA.EXE.

Final Score:
IKEBUKURO DROPS.EXE 21 – 20 ZIGEXN UPDATERS.EXE

Final Recap

ZETHREE ISHIKAWA.EXE overcomes adversity to claim Round 1 title in 2025 3x3.EXE Premier Japan

Two major questions loomed as ZETHREE ISHIKAWA.EXE faced Ikebukuro Drops.EXE in the Round 1 final of the 2025 3x3.EXE Premier Japan season. How would ZETHREE ISHIKAWA.EXE contain the dominant inside presence of David Kongolo? And could Ikebukuro handle the experience, composure, and playmaking of Ryoichi Dewa?

From the opening possession, both questions were answered with intensity. Dewa switched onto Kongolo early and was forced to foul to prevent an easy layup. On the very next play, Makoto Fujine was forced into a rushed pass by Kongolo’s defence. Meanwhile, ZETHREE ISHIKAWA.EXE capitalised on speed and ball movement, creating open looks and converting for their first two scores — a clear sign of the tempo to come.

Spencer Jennings opened his account for Ikebukuro with a tough shot despite tight defence, but ZETHREE ISHIKAWA.EXE responded immediately. Fujine drove and kicked to Dai Shinada, who buried a two-pointer — setting up a back-and-forth battle. Defensive lapses began to creep in as fatigue set in, with both teams playing their fourth game of the day. A defensive breakdown by ZETHREE ISHIKAWA.EXE left Kongolo wide open under the rim, followed shortly after by a slow IKEBUKURO DROPS.EXE rotation that allowed Shinada to knock down another two.

With 5:30 remaining and ZETHREE ISHIKAWA.EXE leading 11–9, disaster struck. Jevonnie Scott, ZETHREE ISHIKAWA.EXE’S primary defensive anchor, landed awkwardly and was forced to exit the game, leaving his team to finish the final with only three players.

Rather than fold, ZETHREE ISHIKAWA.EXE rose to the challenge. On the very next play, Dewa drilled a contested two, then took a hard fall battling for a rebound with Kongolo. Unshaken, he continued to lead. Shinada threaded a pinpoint pass through two defenders to find Dewa wide open for a layup, followed by another Dewa two-pointer — a 5–2 run that pushed ZETHREE ISHIKAWA.EXE ahead 16–11 and forced a timeout from IKEBUKURO DROPS.EXE with 4:30 left.

Out of the timeout, IKEBUKURO DROPS.EXE adjusted their lineup, going small with Jennings, Yamada, and Yamaguchi in hopes of disrupting ZETHREE ISHIKAWA.EXE’S rhythm. The change paid off briefly — Yamaguchi scored a quick layup and Jennings hit a deep two to close the gap to 17–15 with three minutes to go.

But Shinada wasn’t done.

With the game tightening, he hit another cold-blooded two to stretch the lead. Yamaguchi answered with a physical finish, but the ball soon found Fujine on the wing — not a major scorer on the day, but critical in orchestration. A dribble handoff to the red-hot Shinada gave him just enough space, and with two defenders closing in, he rose up and hit the game-winning two.

ZETHREE ISHIKAWA.EXE claimed the 21–16 victory and were crowned champions of the opening round of the 2025 3x3.EXE Premier Japan season.

Final Score:
ZETHREE ISHIKAWA.EXE 21 – 16 IKEBUKURO DROPS.EXE

🏆 MVP – Dai Shinada (ZETHREE ISHIKAWA.EXE) – 5 PPG (36% - 2 PT %)

When the moment called for composure and big-time plays, Dai Shinada delivered.
With ZETHREE ISHIKAWA.EXE down a player and momentum on the line, Shinada rose to the occasion — knocking down multiple clutch two-pointers, threading critical passes, and hitting the game-winner to seal the title. A complete performance on both ends of the floor.

Final Standings

Written by Andrew Cannings