PLAYOFFS PREVIEW – MEN’S GROUP D-

3×3.EXE Premier Playoffs Japan 2025 Preview Series

From May through September, the 2025 3×3.EXE Premier season stretched across five countries, 78 teams, and 853 games, delivering a showcase of skill, intensity, and the global growth of 3×3 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 3×3 action of the year.

Pool D

From Japan’s Giants to Melbourne’s Magic – Pool D Delivers Drama

Pool D offers a compelling blend of Japanese strength, Australian ambition, and wildcard unpredictability. Headlined by HACHINOHE DIME.EXE, Japan’s 3rd seed, and their rivals MINAKAMI TOWN.EXE, the 4th seed, the pool also features Australia’s MELBOURNE MAGIC.EXE and the fast-paced challenge of TOKYO VERDY.EXE. With every team bringing distinct styles and recent momentum, this pool promises fierce battles and razor-thin margins.

HACHINOHE DIME.EXE and MINAKAMI TOWN.EXE set the tone as two of Japan’s most consistent performers. Hachinohe ride the outside shooting of Chihiro Sawagashira and the inside dominance of Chu Maduabum, while Minakami counter with Miloš Ćojbašić’s physicality and Shugo Bando’s perimeter shooting. Into that mix come MELBOURNE MAGIC.EXE, who bring five conference titles, a dominant frontcourt pairing in Liam McInerny and Matt McCarthy, and the return of isolation maestro Jerron Jamerson — a crowd favourite capable of swinging games on his own. Completing the pool, TOKYO VERDY.EXE lean heavily on the brilliance of Riku Oguchi, whose one-man scoring outbursts and pace-driven style make them an unpredictable threat.

The result is a group where every team has a legitimate path forward. Hachinohe and Minakami bring proven records and balance, Melbourne boast size and star power, and Verdy’s high-octane game gives them upset potential. With no obvious weak link, Pool D shapes up as a battleground where established contenders and hungry challengers collide, and every game could be the one that decides who advances to the knockout rounds.

• HACHINOHE DIME.EXE (3) 630 EXE POINTS | 24 Wins – 6 Losses | 19.4 PPG
• MELBOURNE MAGIC.EXE (3) 660 EXE POINTS | 21 Wins – 7 Losses | 19.5 PPG
• MINAKAMI TOWN.EXE (4) 610 EXE POINTS | 22 Wins – 5 Losses | 19.5 PPG
• TOKYO VERDY.EXE (7) 525 EXE POINTS | 14 Wins – 9 Losses | 18.5 PPG

HACHINOHE DIME.EXE (Japan) 3^rd Seed

 630 EXE POINTS | 24 Wins – 6 Losses | 19.4 Scored PG | 15.4 Points Against PG

From Sawagashira’s Scoring to Maduabum’s Defense – HACHINOHE DIME.EXE Built to Last

HACHINOHE DIME.EXE enter the 3×3.EXE Premier Playoffs as the 3rd seed, built on 630 EXE Points and a 24–6 record that reflects their status as one of Japan’s most reliable contenders. Averaging 19.4 points per game while conceding only 15.4, they combine offensive firepower with disciplined defense. Their ability to stay balanced across multiple scoring options has made them a threat throughout the season.

The engine of this team has been Chihiro Sawagashira (#27), whose lights-out shooting has carried Hachinohe in key stretches and established him as one of the league’s premier scorers. Inside, Chu Maduabum (#14) has anchored the paint, providing size, rim protection, and rebounding that allow the perimeter players to thrive. Yasuki Miyakoshi (#34) and Taishi Kakuta (#26) have played important supporting roles, ensuring that Hachinohe maintain depth and consistency around their stars.

Their last five games highlight the same strengths that carried them all year. After dismantling ASUKAYAMA CHERRYBLOSSOMS.EXE (22–13) in Round 7, they edged out a defensive battle against EDEN.EXE (17–16) before producing dominant wins over LEOVISTA.EXE (21–6) and MINAKAMI TOWN.EXE (21–12). Their only setback came against UTSUNOMIYA BREX.EXE (14–21), a reminder of the challenges they’ll face deep in the playoffs. With Sawagashira’s hot hand and Maduabum’s interior presence, Hachinohe are positioned as a legitimate title contender.

One of the most intriguing matchups of the playoffs will see Hachinohe face MINAKAMI TOWN.EXE, the 4th seed. With both teams boasting firepower and consistency, this clash promises to be a showcase of two of Japan’s strongest regular-season performers, and could determine which side emerges as a true challenger to the likes of SHINAGAWA CITY.EXE and ZETHREE ISHIKAWA.EXE.

Last 5 Games

• Win 22 – 13 vs ASUKAYAMA CHERRYBLOSSOMS.EXE (Round 7)
• Win 17 – 16 vs EDEN.EXE (Round 8)
• Win 21 – 6 vs LEOVISTA.EXE (Round 8)
• Win 21 – 12 vs MINAKAMI TOWN.EXE (Round 8)
• Loss 14 -21 vs UTSUNOMIYA BREX.EXE (Round 8)

MINAKAMI TOWN.EXE (Japan) 4^th Seed

 610 EXE POINTS | 22 Wins – 5 Losses | 19.5 Scored PG | 13.7 Points Against PG

From Ćojbašić’s Power to Bando’s Shooting – MINAKAMI TOWN.EXE’s Winning Mix

MINAKAMI TOWN.EXE arrive at the 3×3.EXE Premier Playoffs as the 4th seed, backed by 610 EXE Points and a formidable 22–5 record. Their season began with an immense hot streak, winning their first three rounds, and after a mid-season dip they’ve rediscovered form at just the right time. Averaging 19.5 points scored per game while conceding only 13.7, Minakami have the balance of firepower and defense needed to challenge Japan’s elite.

Leading the charge is Miloš Ćojbašić (#11), one of the most physically imposing European players in the league, whose size and skill make him a nightmare matchup in the paint. From the perimeter, Shugo Bando (#18) has been deadly, carrying the scoring load from deep and ranking among the most consistent outside threats in Japan this season. Riku Watanabe (#10) adds versatility and secondary scoring, while Shun Otsuka (#1) serves as the emotional heartbeat of the team, bringing veteran experience and leadership that has defined Minakami’s competitive edge. Depth contributions from Steve Kubema Joseph (#13) and Keito Shimbo (#91) round out a roster that blends size, shooting, and grit.

Their last five games showcased their late-season revival. After a solid 21–15 win over IKEBUKURO DROPS.EXE in Round 7, they followed up with a gritty 17–15 victory over UTSUNOMIYA BREX.EXE, proving they can topple top seeds. Round 8 saw them overpower IKEBUKURO DROPS.EXE (21–13) and SENDAI AIRJOKER.EXE (21–11) before running into rivals HACHINOHE DIME.EXE, falling 12–21. With their balanced mix of inside strength, outside shooting, and veteran leadership, MINAKAMI TOWN.EXE are poised for a fascinating rematch against Hachinohe — a clash that could decide which of Japan’s northern contenders makes a deep run in Osaka.

Last 5 games

• Win 21- 15 vs IKEBUKURO DROPS.EXE (Round 7)
• Win 17 – 15 vs UTSUNOMIYA BREX.EXE (Round 7)
• Win 21 -13 vs IKEBUKURO DROPS.EXE (Round 8)
• Win 21 – 11 vs SENDAI AIRJOKER.EXE (Round 8)
• Loss 12 – 21 vs HACHINOHE DIME.EXE (Round 8)

MELBOURNE MAGIC.EXE (Australia) 3^rd Seed

 660 EXE POINTS | 21 Wins – 7 Losses | 19.5 Scored PG | 15.4 Points Against PG

McInerny, McCarthy, and Jamerson Fuel MELBOURNE MAGIC.EXE’s Playoff Push

MELBOURNE MAGIC.EXE enter the 3×3.EXE Premier Playoffs as Australia’s 3rd seed, earning 660 EXE Points from a 21–7 record. They secured their playoff berth after a tense tiebreaker with a fellow Melbourne side, underlining just how competitive their domestic conference was. With five titles claimed in the Melbourne rounds, Magic arrive in Osaka as a dangerous side capable of causing problems for any opponent.

Their strength lies in the frontcourt pairing of Liam McInerny and Matt McCarthy, who have provided Melbourne with size, rebounding, and inside scoring all season. Their ability to control the paint has been the backbone of Magic’s success. Adding to this, the return of crowd favourite Jerron Jamerson is a major boost — his isolation scoring and ability to create mismatches one-on-one make him one of the toughest covers in the competition. Together, this trio gives Melbourne both inside dominance and perimeter flair, a balance that will be vital in the playoffs.

Their recent form highlights both potential and challenges. Round 7 saw them edge out PRIDE.EXE (21–11) and rivals NUNAWADING.EXE (21–17), before sweeping through Round 8 with commanding wins over TAFEQLD.EXE (22–6) and CITY.EXE (21–15). Their only blemish came in a narrow 16–21 defeat to NUNAWADING.EXE in the final, a reminder that consistency will be key at this stage. With McInerny and McCarthy controlling the paint and Jamerson capable of turning games single-handedly, MELBOURNE MAGIC.EXE have the talent and firepower to make a deep run in Osaka.

Last 5 Games

• Win 21 – 11 vs PRIDE.EXE (Round 7)
• Win 21 – 17 vs NUNAWADING.EXE (Round 7)
• Win 22 – 6 vs TAFEQLD.EXE (Round 8)
• Win 21 – 15 vs CITY.EXE (Round 8)
• Loss 16 – 21 vs NUNAWADING.EXE (Round 8)

TOKYO VERDY.EXE (Japan) 7^th Seed

 525 EXE POINTS | 14 Wins – 9 Losses | 18.5 Scored PG | 16.9 Points Against PG

TOKYO VERDY.EXE: Speed, Firepower, and Oguchi’s Mission

TOKYO VERDY.EXE reach the 3×3.EXE Premier Playoffs as the 7th seed, built on 525 EXE Points and a 14–9 record. Averaging 18.5 points scored per game while conceding 16.9, they’ve had flashes of brilliance but also struggled for consistency against higher-ranked opposition. Still, their fast-paced style and individual talent make them a dangerous wildcard in the main draw.

The heartbeat of the team is Riku Oguchi (#2), who has been a one-man wrecking ball throughout the season. His ability to score in a variety of ways — driving at the rim, pulling up from deep, or creating off the dribble — has often put the team on his back in key moments. Supporting him are Ryuta Sekiguchi (#34), a steady two-way contributor, Kento Uenodan (#47), whose athleticism fuels their transition game, and Cocoro Mieda (#55), who provides additional shooting and energy. Together, this group thrives when they are able to turn games into track meets.

Their last five games show both their strengths and their challenges. They pushed HACHINOHE DIME.EXE to the limit in a narrow 20–21 defeat, and picked up a solid 19–14 win over IRISPARTNERS AICHI.EXE. However, losses to MINAKAMI TOWN.EXE (13–21), ZETHREE ISHIKAWA.EXE (17–21), and EPIC.EXE (16–17) highlighted their struggles to close games against top-tier opponents. For Verdy to make a run, they’ll need Oguchi firing at full capacity while leveraging their speed and quickness to disrupt more physical opponents.

Last 5 Games

• Loss 20 – 21 vs HACHINOHE DIME.EXE (Round 6)
• Win 19 – 14 vs IRISPARTNERS AICHI.EXE (Round 7)
• Loss 13 – 21 vs MINAKAMI TOWN.EXE (Round 7)
• Loss 17 – 21 vs ZETHREE ISHIKAWA.EXE (Round 8)
• Loss 16 – 17 vs EPIC.EXE (Round 8)

DRAW

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