The Dutch 3x3 basketball team was crowned Sportploeg van het Jaar (Team of the Year) at the NOC*NSF Sportgala held at Papendal, marking a significant moment not just for the players but for Dutch basketball as a whole. Worthy de Jong, Dimeo van der Horst, Jan Driessen, and Arvin Slagter made history by winning the gold medal during the Olympic Games held last summer in Paris, achieving what no other Dutch basketball team had done before.
During the tightly contested final against the host nation France, the team showcased remarkable resilience. They clinched victory with de Jong landing a buzzer-beater shot, which not only tied the game at 16-16 but compelled overtime. Shortly after, he scored another decisive shot, sealing the win for the Netherlands and etching their names in Olympic history.
Upon receiving the award, de Jong expressed immense pride, stating, "It was a dream come true for us as we fought hard not only for ourselves but for the entire nation. We want to inspire the next generation of athletes back home." The heartfelt sentiment echoed through the hall, as the athletes embraced the honor bestowed upon them, the first basketball team to ever win such recognition.
The gala, held on December 18, 2024, brought together other celebrated athletes, including Sifan Hassan, who was awarded Sportvrouw van het Jaar (Sportswoman of the Year), and Harrie Lavreysen, who claimed the title of Sportman van het Jaar (Sportsman of the Year). Hassan captivated the audience with her achievements during the Olympics, including medals won across multiple distance events.
Besides the grand accolade for the 3x3 team, the evening also highlighted other remarkable performances from various athletes. The mixed relay team, featuring Femke Bol, secured their spot as nominees for Team of the Year with their stunning run at the Olympics, where they also captured gold, showcasing the breadth of talent across Dutch athletics.
The 3x3 basketball team’s path to the Sportploeg van het Jaar title not only symbolized their individual achievements but also signified the growing popularity and recognition of 3x3 basketball. De Jong noted, "This is more than just gold. It’s about elevATING the sport and creating more opportunities for youth engagement and participation. 3x3 is fun, dynamic, and accessible—qualities we hope draw more players to our courts!"
What added to the splendid atmosphere were the emotions shared among athletes and coaches, as many reflected on the challenges faced during their Olympic preparation and the pressure of performing under immense expectations.
Further adding to the night’s accolades, the women’s wheelchair basketball team was honored as Parasportploeg van het Jaar for the second consecutive year. Their unmatched skills and determination on the court, culminating with their victory against the United States at the Paralympics, have established them as champions of the sport.
Eelco Meenhorst was also recognized as Coach of the Year. Under his guidance, the rowing team excelled at the Olympics, contributing to the country’s medal tally significantly. His approach to coaching and mentorship has garnered admiration across the sports community, leading to notable successes within his program.
Despite tough competition, the memorable night ended on a high note for the 3x3 basketball team, reinforcing their legacy and inspiring countless future athletes. The excitement from their ultimate triumph radiated throughout every gathering—their golden moment forever etched as part of Dutch sports history.
Looking back, the 3x3 basketball victory reflects not only on the athletes’ hard work but also on the support from fans and the Dutch basketball community. This accolade stands as motivation for sustained growth and success for basketball at every level across the Netherlands. The victory at the Olympics and subsequent recognition at the gala has sparked greater interest and investment in the sport, heralding a new chapter for basketball in the nation.
