Nothing Whittle about Marena's record-breaking achievement

The popularity of basketball all around the globe continues to rise, with record numbers playing all around the world.

Closer to home, both the NBL and WNBL are booming, both heading into the 2026-27 seasons off the back of record-breaking campaigns.

But it isn't the five-on-five version of the sport that's reached unprecedented heights, with the 3x3 game increasing in popularity over the past decade.

So much so, this version of hoops is now included in both the Olympic and Commonwealth Games, in which Australia has established itself as a powerhouse.

The Gangurrus women's and men's teams won the gold and silver medals respectively at Glasgow's 2026 Commonwealth Games.

The two sides have also won a number of Asia Cups and World Series events in the past 12 months.

Leading the charge of the women's team is Marena Whittle, who has established herself as the face of the Gangurrus.

The Paris Olympian's longevity and impact have helped raise the standard of 3x3 hoops in this country, as shown by her recent record-breaking effort.

During the recent World Series event in Singapore, Whittle became the first-ever Gangurru to chalk up 200 games in the green and gold.

The significance of the achievement wasn't lost on the former Adelaide Lightning, Perth Lynx and Bendigo Spirit forward.

"It's actually so crazy, it's amazing, what a privilege, to be playing still at such a high level," Whittle said to Basketball Australia.

"I'm super proud that I keep getting selected and I'm able to play this game. It's the biggest privilege to represent Australia."

As much growth and success the Gangurrus have had over the past few years, Whittle believes this is only the beginning for the program.

"It's been amazing to watch it develop. I'm really happy that Australia is starting to get on board and understand that it is such a difficult sport to play consistently well. As good as we are, we've still got more to give," Whittle said.

"I'm not an Opals player; I haven't been an Opals player. I'm just really obsessed with the Gangurrus culture and obsessed with what we've been able to achieve."

Another key part of both Whittle and the Gangurrus' development is coach Damon Lowery, who couldn't be prouder to work alongside the star on the international stage.

"She's worked for her success. A girl that's never been to an Opals camp, and Australia hasn't seen much of her in the WNBL, because she's been playing in Europe," Lowery said.

"But she's also a very accomplished five-on-five player."

"Six-foot, but strong, can score at every level. I feel that her career opened up to international Leagues as her game evolved in 3x3."

The Gangurrus next hit the World Series court in Debrecen, Hungary (August 27–28) before Takasaki, Japan (August 29–30) and Shanghai, for the Project Redwings Final, from September 5–6.

Read the full story here >> Marena Whittle in rare air for Gangurrus 3x3