It took just one game for Perth Wildcat Jesse Wagstaff and former Cat Greg Hire’s 3x3 Basketball outfit to be labelled medal favourites after impressing the commentators.

The combination of Hire, Wagstaff, Tom Wright and Daniel Geoffrey Craig Johnson stepped out onto the court for the first time on Saturday night against Trinidad and Tobago.

It was a cagy affair through the opening minute before Wagstaff broke the ice, but Wagstaff’s next make from beyond the arc saw the Australians open up a three-point buffer, and they never looked back.

Trinidad and Tobago found space hard to come by as the Australians imposed themselves physically while their constant movement left their opponents out on their feet and relying on heaves from deep to score.

Wagstaff’s size in the post made him an immovable object as he racked up eight points, including the match-winning free throw.

Hire only managed one point, but his active hands saw him nab multiple steals, while his bullet passing kept Trinidad and Tobago’s defence from getting into a rhythm.

Johnson led the way though, not missing a single shot from the field as he knocked down 11 points, including three twos, before taking a breather at the end.

The commentators were left with nothing but praise as the Aussies iced the game with minutes to spare, going the early crow on their medal chances.

Wagstaff and Hire will retake the court in the early hours on Sunday for their second pool match against New Zealand.