Four standout players from the University of Victoria men’s basketball team are trading the Pacific coast for the Brazilian capital later this month, as they represent the Vikes at the 2025 FISU America 3x3 Basketball Championship.
Renoldo Robinson, Shadynn Smid, Ethan Boag and Griffin Arnatt will represent Canada in Brasilia from May 29 to June 1, with Vikes lead assistant coach Josh Reddy taking the reins as head coach.
The four players – three of whom hail from Vancouver Island – are coming off a national U Sports title and will now test their mettle in a quick-fire format that’s gaining steam on the global stage.
“It’s a wonderful opportunity,” Reddy said. “Just carrying on from the great year we had and giving four of our top guys a shot to now play international – it’s a great chance to keep pushing the vision Murphy’s (Burnatowski) brought to the program, and to give the players a glimpse of what the professional setting could look like.”
The 3x3 format, played on a half-court with one basket and no breaks after made shots, has become a fan favourite for its speed and intensity. Games are capped at 10 minutes or 21 points – whichever comes first – and physicality is dialed up a notch compared to the traditional 5-on-5 game.
Robinson, a U Sports First Team All-Canadian and one of the team’s emotional leaders, grew up playing 3x3 in his hometown of Montreal and sees this as a full-circle moment.
"I never thought I would be going to Brazil, so this is an exciting opportunity for me," Robinson said. "I hope to take from this the experience of playing against the universal hoopers and to see their styles, because it's a world event with so many teams from other countries. I'm also looking forward to the food and people, as well as the beauty of Brazil; and I also want to go hiking there because we have a couple of days off."
Robinson, Boag, Smid and Arnatt are no strangers to each other on the floor, and Reddy believes their chemistry is a key reason they were selected.
“They play really well together,” Reddy said. “Each of them brings a different strength to the table. In 3x3, it’s more dynamic – fast-paced, interchangeable, and about being able to guard everyone. These guys can switch, process the game quickly, and just go.”
To help them prepare for the style of play in Brazil, the group got some valuable advice from someone who knows it well – former Vikes star Diego Maffia. A five-year veteran of the program and Victoria native born in Brazil, Maffia offered insight into what the players can expect.
“Diego told them the play over there is really physical, really fast,” Reddy said. “He said it’s a different kind of intensity – guys play with flair, but there’s a lot of pride and toughness in it too. He told them to be ready for contact and to stay composed, because the crowds are loud, and the game doesn’t stop. It was awesome for the guys to hear that from someone who’s not only played at a high level but understands what it’s like over there.”
The FISU America event features over 100 university athletes from 12 countries and serves as a qualifier for the 2025 FISU 3x3 University Basketball World Cup.
With a 10-day trip that includes training, competition, and a chance to bond off the court, Reddy sees this as a critical building block for the program’s next generation.
“This is the next core,” he said. “Last year we had Diego, Sam (Maillet), Geoffery (James), and Aaron (Tesfagioris) – now it’s these four guys. Their confidence, their chemistry, it’s only going to grow. We’re going to rely on them a lot next year, and this trip just tightens those relationships.”
The team departs May 24 and returns June 4. Opening ceremonies take place May 28, with games tipping off the following day.
