Australia’s next generation of 3x3 stars take to the court against the best the planet has to offer this weekend in Madrid, Spain for the 2012 FIBA Under 18 3x3 World Championships.

Coming off the back of the efforts of the Australian women in winning Bronze at the recent FIBA 3x3 Women’s World Championships, the growing form of the game is quickly gaining popularity the world over.

And in Australia is no different with the men’s and women’s teams eager to follow in the women’s national teams footsteps and continue bringing home medals.

The men’s team has a very south-eastern Australian feel with the four-man squad made up of two Victorian and two Tasmanian players.

Victorian duo William Hoole and Jake Horstman will team up with Tassie pair Tanner Krebs and Matthew Young, hoping to continue their impressive form from the Australian Under 18 3x3 Championships that saw them earn selection for Spain.

Leading the women’s team will be AIS product Stephanie Bairstow, who is currently plying her trade in the US college system with Utah State University.

Joining the AIS graduate will be Victorian Ebony Rolph, Queenslander Kristy Wallace and Jaclyn Smith out to take on a strong field of talent.

Action gets underway for the men’s team tonight when they face Venezuela (9:20pm AEST), Jordan (11:00pm), Russia (1:20am tomorrow) and Singapore (2:40am) on day one of competition.

CLICK HERE for full fixture.

The women’s tournament also begins tonight with Australia facing Andorra (10:00pm AEST), Romania (11:20pm) and Tunisia (2:00am tomorrow).

CLICK HERE for full fixture.

Australia has also entered a mixed team made up of two men and two women which will compete for the Mixed title. CLICK HERE for full fixture.