FIBA 3×3 has become a key platform for basketball development in Oceania, where smaller nations find an accessible pathway to international competition. Tahiti is a clear example of this growth, and the story of Heiarii Salmon illustrates how young talents from the region are beginning to make their mark on the global stage.

In Punaauia, in the Windward Islands of Tahiti, basketball has been part of Heiarii Salmon’s daily life since childhood. At just eighteen, he was called up to represent his country at the 2023 Pacific Games in the Solomon Islands, competing in both the traditional and the 3×3 formats. That experience allowed him to measure himself against top regional players and discover the intensity of a format that demands speed, decisiveness and endurance in every possession.

That same year, he received an invitation to join the inaugural FIBA Oceania 3×3 High Performance Camp, held on Australia’s Gold Coast. The camp brought together young prospects from across the Pacific and was designed to prepare them not only on the court, but also in essential off-court areas such as nutrition, recovery and gender equality.

The role of the federation in developing new talent

The work accumulated at the camp, combined with countless hours of personal training, paid off at the FIBA 3×3 Youth Nations League Oceania 2025 in Palau. At twenty years old, Salmon became a key offensive reference for the Tahitian team, scoring 93 points in 13 games, more than 40 percent of his team’s total.

In just two years, Heiarii Salmon has gone from being a role player to becoming a standout figure at an international tournament. His rise highlights the importance of young athletes taking part in high-performance camps and official competitions. The Tahiti Basketball Federation has played a decisive role in this process, ensuring his participation in regional events and supporting his progression with specific resources.

The growth of 3×3 in Oceania

Salmon’s rise comes in the midst of a regional expansion. Currently, more than 20 federations in Oceania are registered within FIBA’s 3×3 ecosystem, with emerging nations such as Samoa, Papua New Guinea and the Marshall Islands joining the discipline. This context has opened the door for players from smaller territories to access genuine opportunities in official competitions.

The backing of initiatives such as the 2024 High Performance Camp, supported by FIBA, Olympic Solidarity and PacificAus Sports, continues to fuel this momentum. Thanks to these programs, young athletes like Heiarii Salmon not only represent their country on the international stage, but also become role models for the next generation of basketball in Tahiti.