Cayman Finishes Strong at FIBA 3x3 Nations League

Men Nearly Upset Canada as Women Gain Valuable International Experience

The Cayman Islands Men’s and Women’s National 3x3 Teams closed out the FIBA U23 Nations League in spirited fashion on Sunday, showing both growth and grit in their final matchups of the tournament.

The Cayman men delivered their strongest showing yet, pushing tournament favorites Canada to the limit in a thrilling contest that ended 21–20 in favor of the Canadians. Earlier in the day, Cayman also held their own against the United States, falling 21–10 in a highly physical encounter.

The women’s team faced tough opposition in their final two games, falling 21–7 to Chile and 21–2 to the USA. Despite the results, the team—comprised of players averaging just 20 years old—gained critical international experience in their debut at this level.

CIBA President Collin Anglin praised both teams for their performances and highlighted the long-term value of their participation.

“We are extremely proud of how our athletes represented the Cayman Islands. The men’s near-upset of Canada proves that we belong on this stage. And while the women’s team is still very young, they’ve shown heart, resilience, and great potential,” said Anglin. “This tournament was never just about wins—it was about growth, exposure, and building a foundation for our future. Our players are coming home motivated, and we’ll be working hard to close the gap before we return to this stage next year.”

The FIBA U23 3x3 Nations League featured some of the top teams in the Americas region. For Cayman, it marked an important step in developing its national 3x3 program and preparing athletes for future international competitions.

With the tournament now complete, attention turns to off-season development, as both teams look to build on the experience gained in Chile. The national Men’s 3x3 Team now sets their sights on the Junior Panam Games set to take place in Paraguay during August 15-17th. This is again a historic moment for Cayman basketball as it is the first time that Cayman has qualified for the games.