It was a strange feeling for Kiwi basketball star Te Tuhi Lewis to be the centre of attention on the opening day of the Zespri AIMS Games – but it was a feeling he was loving.

The Hamilton-raised hoopster has just returned from the Commonwealth Games, where he represented New Zealand in the fast-rising 3x3 format of the code, and spent the opening day chatting, signing autographs and taking photos with competitors and coaches alike.

He said that meeting ambitious kids who look up to him was a fantastic feeling, and he was glad he could inspire up-and-coming Kiwis.

“I never got to play in the Aims Games growing up, so I don’t know what it really means for them for me to be here.

“Just being able to do something for them is really important and I’m learning slowly how much it means and what sort of impact I can have on someone’s life just by signing something or just by taking a photo with someone.”

Tamatea Intermediate player Tomairangi Watson was in full agreement.

“It’s a really cool feeling being able to talk to him; we were watching him this morning, matter of fact,” the young Hawke’s Bay player said, adding that he’d managed to get a basketball signed by the Kiwi star.

3x3 basketball is played on a half-court with a single hoop, with a 10-minute countdown to full time.

If either team reaches 21 points before that clock runs out, they win the game immediately.

Lewis is a decorated professional already at just 23, leading New Zealand to a FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup victory in April, and taking home the MVP trophy for his efforts.

Young athletes line up to meet New Zealand 3x3 basketball star Te Tuhi Lewis. Photo / Jamie Troughton, Dscribe Media Services

Event manager Andy Mackay said 3x3 success of New Zealand players such as Lewis on a world stage has helped kids get up to speed with the rules of the sport.

“3x3 is on a big growth pattern, and this event has started off well.

“This year, everyone’s showing up having a bit more knowledge about the sport. Definitely the sport is growing in participation but also in knowledge as well.”

Lewis, meanwhile, was impressed with the standard he’d seen at Aims and was hopeful for the future of the sport in Aotearoa.

“It’s awesome,” he said.

“Just to see that they’re getting the opportunity to play, I think that’s the best thing. I love 3-on-3, but in New Zealand, even at my level, there’s not really any competitions. So for it to be a part of Aims Games is huge.”

- AIMS Games Media