Age will not be a barrier for six-time NBL champion Jesse Wagstaff as Australia seeks 3x3 basketball gold at the Commonwealth Games. The Perth Wildcats captain will compete in his third Games at the age of 40, leading debutants Jonah Antonio, Jarred Bairstow, and Samuel McDaniel.
Wagstaff's Commonwealth Games Journey
Wagstaff was part of the Boomers' gold medal-winning run at the 2018 Gold Coast Games before the 3x3 format was introduced at the following Birmingham Games. In 2022, he had to settle for silver when the Gangurrus suffered a devastating 17-16 overtime defeat to England.
"Every time you get the chance to pull on the green and gold at a Commonwealth Games it means something special," Wagstaff said.
Out of 16 able-bodied and para athletes, Wagstaff is one of only four with Commonwealth Games experience.
Wheelchair 3x3 Team
Wombats captain Luke Pople, 35, will spearhead Australia's bid to defend their title in the men's wheelchair 3x3 event. Three-time Paralympian Tom O'Neill-Thorne reunites with Rollers teammate Pople, with the pair part of the squad that finished fifth at the 2024 Paris Games.
"Winning gold in 2022 was an incredible moment for us, but we've all kept pushing to improve and grow as a group," Pople said. "To have the chance to go again and represent Australia on that stage is something we don't take for granted, and we're excited by the challenge ahead in Glasgow."
Women's Teams
Marena Whittle returns to the Games after helping Australia claim bronze by scoring nine points in a 15-13 win over New Zealand. She is joined by Olympic bronze medallist and Opals shooter Amy Atwell, alongside Emma Clarke and Lara McSpadden.
Birmingham bronze medallist Hannah Dodd leads the women's Wombats team, with debutants Georgia Munro-Cook, Taishar Ovens, and Ebony Stevenson.
Expanded Format
The 3x3 format makes its second appearance at the Commonwealth Games, expanding from eight teams per gender to 12 in Glasgow.
AUSTRALIA'S COMMONWEALTH GAMES BASKETBALL 3x3 SQUAD
- Jonah Antonio*
- Amy Atwell*
- Jarred Bairstow*
- Emma Clarke*
- Samuel McDaniel*
- Lara McSpadden*
- Jesse Wagstaff
- Marena Whittle
AUSTRALIA'S WHEELCHAIR BASKETBALL (3x3) SQUAD
- Hannah Dodd
- Tomas Klein*
- Eithen Leard*
- Georgia Munro-Cook*
- Tom O'Neill-Thorne*
- Taishar Ovens*
- Luke Pople
- Ebony Stevenson*
* Commonwealth Games debutant
