From Singapore to China, Japan, Austria and the UK, Lauren Mansfield has travelled the globe representing the Australian Gangurrus.
And now after three years flying the 3x3 flag abroad, the 34-year-old guard and team mates Ally Wilson, Anneli Maley and Marena Whittle will play on home soil for the first next week at Ford Ballin’24 at Melbourne’s John Cain Arena.
It’s been a long time coming for Mansfield, who made her debut in the abbreviated form of the game at the 2022 FIBA Asia Cup in Singapore then weeks later would win a bronze medal at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.
“We’re all super excited. We’ve been playing together as a team for the last three years and never played at home in Australia so it will be really different to have a home crowd and our family and friends there to watch us,” she says.
“It will be a completely different experience to what we’ve had the last few years and we’re really excited and grateful to be part of Ballin’.”
While Australian fans have followed the team’s journey, which has netted a swag of medals, via social media and live streams, Mansfield says Ballin’24 will bring them closer to the team and the game.
“I feel like 3x3 hasn’t really taken off yet in Australia so this is a really cool opportunity to showcase the game and for fans to see what a cool game it is.
“In Europe, it’s really taken off and they have women’s series all the time all over Europe so it’s really nice that Australian basketball fans can actually be able to see it live on home soil now.
“It’s really different from the traditional 5x5 format. The environment is different, there’s music playing and it’s such a street-ball vibe and Australian fans are going to be able to finally experience it at the highest level.”
So, what can fans expect to see from the Gangurrus who will make their Olympic debut in Paris?
“Our style is super-fast paced, real nitty gritty, it’s physical. I think we work really hard on defence and are at our best when we’re moving for each other, setting good screens and playing really well together,” Mansfield explains.
“We’re hard workers and work really hard on the floor, I mean we’ve got Anneli Maley who’s a crazy rebounder and she sets the tone for us.
“Playing China will be great for us and tough opposition heading into the Olympics.
“I hope people follow our journey because it has been a cool one. It’s great to have this extra preparation and we’re looking forward to it.”
Catch the Gangurrus at Ballin’24, tickets available through Ticketek.
