Driessen's Gold: A Dual Triumph in Antwerp
Noortje Driessen stands at the peak of European 3x3 basketball, holding the MVP award alongside her nation's second consecutive title.
The air in Antwerp still hums with the electric charge of the final whistle, but for Noortje Driessen, the moment has crystallized into something heavier, more permanent. She holds the MVP trophy, a tangible weight that mirrors the burden she carried across the entire tournament. The Dutch women’s team did not just defend their crown; they reclaimed it, etching their name into the record books with a second consecutive European title. The gold medal gleams, a sharp contrast to the sweat and grit of the preceding days, a symbol of a collective effort that reached its zenith in this single, decisive victory.
Driessen was the engine behind this machine, her performance a masterclass in consistency and creativity. She led the competition in scoring with 44 points and a player value rating of 50.7, metrics that speak to a relentless pressure on the opposing defense. Her ability to drive to the basket, finishing 16 such attempts, provided the spark that ignited the Dutch offense whenever the game tightened. It was a display of physical dominance, a testament to a player who refuses to yield an inch of ground.
Dominance Defined by Consistency
The statistics paint a picture of a player who left no stone unturned. Beyond the headline numbers, Driessen topped the list in highlights with 19, a testament to the sheer volume of high-impact plays she produced. Her free-throw shooting, with 11 successful attempts, added a steady rhythm to the chaotic flow of 3x3 basketball. This was not a fluke performance, but a sustained campaign of excellence that saw her outshine every other competitor on the court. The Dutch team’s navigation of the pressure to defend their 2025 status relied heavily on this kind of unwavering individual brilliance.
Her versatility allowed her to create scoring opportunities from multiple angles, keeping defenders off-balance. Whether it was a quick cut to the hoop or a well-timed shot from the perimeter, Driessen found a way to score. This adaptability made her the defining figure of the tournament, a player whose presence alone shifted the momentum of the game. The Dutch squad thrived on this energy, their confidence bolstered by the knowledge that their star could deliver when it mattered most.
Collective Chemistry Fuels Victory
Yet, Driessen deflects the spotlight, crediting the collective work and chemistry of her teammates. In her post-game remarks, she emphasized the strong summer of preparation that preceded the tournament. "We had a really good summer," she noted, recalling the shared goal of winning gold. The team’s deep bench and clear roles allowed every player to contribute, creating a seamless unit that moved with a singular purpose. This synergy was the backbone of their success, turning individual talent into a cohesive force.
The MVP award, as reported by GN sports/basketball, serves as a perfect capstone to this achievement. It recognizes not just her statistical prowess, but her pivotal role in securing the team’s ultimate prize. Driessen’s ability to blend elite production with team-first mentality exemplifies the spirit of the sport. She stands as a testament to what can be achieved when hard work and talent align perfectly.
European Podium Highlights
Driessen’s individual honor was shared in spirit with her colleagues in the Women’s Team of the Tournament. Spain’s Txell Alarcón and Azerbaijan’s Brianna Fraser were named to the squad, recognizing their crucial roles in guiding their nations to podium finishes. These players, like Driessen, demonstrated the high level of competition that defines the FIBA 3x3 Europe Cup. Their contributions helped create a tournament of memorable moments and intense rivalries.
The 2026 season continues to build, with fans and players alike tracking the latest developments on the official FIBA 3x3 website. The event calendar and rankings provide a roadmap for the upcoming challenges, as teams push toward the season finale. The fast-paced nature of 3x3 basketball ensures that every game is a potential spectacle, a chance for players to make their mark on the global stage. The legacy of this tournament, and Driessen’s MVP performance, will linger long after the final buzzer.
