A fixture in the women's national team for the past eight years, Kunek has already been told she won't be in the squad for the 2020 Olympic Games.

But the 28-year-old is intent on putting the heartbreak behind her by leading the Australian 3x3 team in its inaugural appearance at the Games.

Kunek was part of the Opals' side who claimed gold in last year's Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast, but was the final cut for their World Cup campaign.

A lifelong desire to compete in Tokyo was a factor in her decision to leave Europe this year, only to be informed she was unlikely to make the cut.

"I was told the people in front of me are automatic selections," Kunek told AAP of her chances of representing the Opals next year.

"It's pretty disappointing on a personal level, as I felt like I was playing really good basketball in Europe and putting my best foot forward every week.

"But that's just life sometimes, and you just go to the second plan."

Enter the 3x3 version of the five-on-five game, which the experienced Kunek had been the heartbeat of since their road to qualification began.

The Box Hill product will be key when the final qualifying tournament takes place next year in India, where they face Iran, Japan, Ukraine and Turkmenistan.

Not only is Kunek confident of getting a ticket to Tokyo, but claiming the first gold medal in the event's Games debut.

"Absolutely, I think we can," Kunek said.

"With the Opals, I love representing my country and I couldn't be more grateful doing that every time you put the green and gold on.

"But the 3x3 is more relaxed and it's so much fun out there.

"With the likes of Maddie Garrick, Keely Froling and my best friend Bec Cole, we've put in the hard work this year and we're going to keep getting better."

Australian Associated Press