In this episode of the 3on3 Hoops Pod, we sit down with USA Basketball 3x3 National Team player Mitchell Hahn to talk about what it’s really like playing 3x3 at the highest level.

From competing on the FIBA 3x3 World Tour to winning gold medals with Team USA, Mitchell shares what makes 3x3 basketball different — and why more players and coaches are starting to pay attention.

We cover:
• The biggest differences between 3x3 and 5-on-5
• Why 3x3 forces players to think faster
• The importance of team chemistry
• What separates elite 3x3 players
• How 3x3 is growing globally
• The future of 3x3 basketball in the U.S.

If you're a coach, parent, or player focused on development, this episode will change how you see the game.

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3x3 basketball is gaining serious momentum — and it’s not just us saying it anymore.

After two powerful interviews with Martin Dyan (Rise 3x3 UK) and Coach Ras Vanderloo (USA Basketball), we started noticing something: coaches around the world are all saying the same thing… 3x3 basketball is becoming a real movement.

In this episode, we break down the biggest takeaways from those conversations and talk about why more coaches are embracing 3x3 as a powerful tool for player development.

We discuss:
• Why 3x3 forces players to think and make decisions faster
• How the format builds basketball IQ, creativity, and problem solving
• The growing global popularity of 3x3 basketball
• Why USA Basketball’s new 3X initiative could be a turning point
• How coaches can start using 3x3 in their own practices and programs

From grassroots leagues to international tournaments, it’s becoming clear that 3x3 is more than just a practice format — it’s shaping the future of basketball.

If you’re a coach, parent, or player who cares about development, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.

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In this episode of the 3on3 Hoops Pod, we sit down with Coach Ras Vanderloo, longtime head coach at Sioux City East High School, USA Basketball coach, and one of the most respected voices in high school basketball.

Coach Vanderloo has:

- Over 300 wins as a head coach (as of February 2026)
- Multiple state tournament appearances
- Named the State of Iowa Coach of the Year in both 2018 and 2023.
- USA Basketball: Since 2019, he has served as a coach for the USA Men's
Junior National Team minicamps and has been a featured speaker at various USA Basketball Coach Academies.
- Assistant coach for the Men’s 3x3 Nation’s League

But in this conversation, we focus on something that might surprise some traditional coaches…

Why 3x3 basketball is one of the most powerful development tools available today.

We talk about:

- How Coach Ras’ view of player development has evolved over time

- What he first noticed when he saw players compete in 3x3

- What 3x3 teaches that 5-on-5 often doesn’t (or doesn’t teach as quickly)

- How 3x3 forces decision-making and problem-solving

- Where middle school and JV coaches can implement 3x3 in practice

- Common misconceptions coaches have about 3x3

- Why adaptability and lifelong learning matter more than ever

If you’re a middle school, JV, or varsity coach looking to develop smarter, tougher, more adaptable players — this episode is for you.

We’re building a community of coaches who care about development, basketball IQ, and creating better learning environments through 3on3 Hoops Nation.

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https://www.instagram.com/rvanderloo/

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