After a thrilling start, 3×3.EXE Super Premier in Vietnam Round 1 is firmly in the books, setting the stage for an even bigger showdown in Round 2 this weekend in Thailand. With teams making some adjustments and standout players already leaving their mark, here are SPARC Pulse’s 6 players to watch as the action heats up for 3×3.EXE Super Premier Round 2!
Devin Gilligan – Alphas.EXE
5.6 PPG // 5.4 RPG
Devin Gilligan was a difference-maker in Round 1, delivering when it mattered most. He dropped 11 points and 4 rebounds in a hard-fought win over longtime Japanese rival Simon.EXE, but his biggest impact came in the final. With 6 points and 11 rebounds, Devin dominated the glass and did the dirty work to help Alphas.EXE secure the bag. More than just a stat-stuffer, he’s the ultimate glue guy—making hustle plays, controlling the boards, and stepping up in clutch moments.
Ita Yamato – Beefman.EXE
3.7 APG // 2.7 RPG // 0.7 PPG
He may not fill up the scoring column, but Ita Yamato is the engine that keeps Beefman.EXE’s offense running smoothly. A true facilitator Yamato has the ability to deliver the right pass at the right time make him a constant playmaking threat. Averaging 3.7 assists per game, he trails only Wes Molteni (Lausanne) and has been instrumental in creating high-quality looks for his teammates. His impact goes beyond points—his unselfish play and decision-making were key to Beefman.EXE’s success in Round 1.
Wes Molteni – Lausanne
4.7 APG // 4.0 RPG
One of the most experienced players in 3×3.EXE Super Premier and a defending champion, Wes Molteni is heading into Round 2 with something to prove. After a heartbreaking Quarter-Final exit to Alphas.EXE, all eyes will be on Wes and Lausanne to see how they bounce back in Thailand.
3×3.EXE Super Premier the league in assists per game (#1) and ranking #10 in rebounds, Switzerland’s #1 ranked player was a walking mismatch in pool play, using his imposing frame to create problems for defenders. In the Quarter-Final, he did everything he could to push his squad into the semis, dishing out a tournament-high 6 assists—a mark only matched by Ita Yamato (Beefman.EXE) and Wes himself in the opening game of Round 1.
Now, the only question is: who will stand in the way of Wes Molteni’s Round 2 revenge tour?
Matt Johns – Brisbane City Blue.EXE
5.0 PPG (65% FG) // 4.0 RPG // 0.8 BPG
With Brisbane City Blue.EXE making slight roster adjustments, one thing remains certain—Matt Johns will be a must-watch player in Round 2. A rim-rattling force, he’s a constant highlight threat, even breaking a rim in the 3×3.EXE Premier Playoffs.
Built for the physicality of 3×3, Johns has repeatedly proven he has the talent to be among the league’s top players. In pool play against Alphas.EXE, he stuffed the stat sheet with 4 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 blocks, helping Brisbane secure a key win over the eventual champions. Against Simon.EXE, his elite athleticism was on full display—blowing past a defender before hammering home a two-handed slam.
If you’re looking for Matt Johns in Round 2, just look up—you’ll likely find him above the rim.
Milan Kovacevic – Hangzhou
5.8 PPG (66% FG) // 5.2 RPG // (+/-) +35
Through five games, Milan Kovacevic has been a game-changer for Hangzhou, posting a staggering +35 plus-minus—meaning his team is +7 points per game when he’s on the floor. As the anchor for this powerhouse invitational squad, he made an immediate impact in his first 3×3.EXE Super Premier outing, delivering one of the biggest stat lines of Round 1 against Minakami.EXE: 8 points, 13 rebounds, 2 blocks, 1 assist, and 1 steal.
A dominant force in the pick-and-roll, his combination of size and mobility made life miserable for defenders. Teams were left with an impossible choice—leave a shooter wide open or stop the rolling big man. More often than not, that meant easy finishes inside, where he shot a ridiculous 80% from inside the arc. And even when he wasn’t the primary scoring option, he cleaned up the glass with 2.4 offensive rebounds per game (#5 in Round 1), keeping possessions alive and punishing defences.
Expect Kovacevic to be a nightmare matchup once again in 3×3.EXE Super Premier Round 2.
Zach McKenzie – Nunawading Sentinels Red.EXE
5.5 PPG // 6.8 RPG // 1.8 APG
Zach McKenzie’s 3×3.EXE Super Premier debut may have started on a low note—just 3 points on 29% shooting in a loss—but any doubts about his impact were quickly erased. He bounced back in dominant fashion against Saigon Heat.EXE, dropping 10 points (67% FG) and 7 rebounds in a statement performance that eliminated Saigon from the pool phase and propelled Nunawading Sentinels Red.EXE to the top of Pool D.
McKenzie was instrumental throughout the opening weekend in Vietnam, leading all rebounders with 6.8 boards per game, while adding 5.5 points per contest. With a tough Round 2 pool featuring Lausanne and Minakami.EXE, he’ll be a focal point for opposing bigs looking to neutralize his presence. But if history is anything to go by, Zach McKenzie is more than ready for the challenge.
With round 2 tipping of on Saturday the 1st of March in Thailand, 3×3.EXE Super Premier is going to an event to watch.
Watch – 3×3.EXE Super Premier Round 2 – Day 1
Watch – 3×3.EXE Super Premier Round 2 – Day 2
Images supplied by – Bahn TV Media