The 18-year-old shooting guard will represent Tonga at the FIBA 3x3 U23 Basketball World Cup in China this September.

Congratulations to Class of 2025 graduate Lucas Bennett-Pulu, who has helped Tonga achieve a historic milestone by qualifying for the FIBA 3x3 U23 Basketball World Cup for the first time. 

At just 18 years old, Lucas competed at the FIBA 3x3 Youth Nations League in New Caledonia, where he was the youngest player in the Under-23 tournament. Despite facing older and more experienced opposition from across the Pacific, Lucas and his teammates remained composed under pressure, defeating both Fiji and the host nation, New Caledonia, to claim the tournament title.

The championship secured Tonga's first-ever qualification for the FIBA 3x3 U23 Basketball World Cup, which will be held in China this September. It is a remarkable achievement for both Lucas and Tongan basketball, with Lucas progressing from graduating Onehunga High School in 2025 to representing his country on the world stage less than a year later.

We are incredibly proud of Lucas on this outstanding achievement and wish him and the Tongan team every success as they prepare to compete against the world's best in China. We look forward to following his journey on the international stage.