An alternate route to Olympics
Given the domination of traditional powers — particularly Team USA — other nations in the men’s “regular” Olympic basketball tournament have little chance of capturing a gold medal.
The addition of FIBA’s 3x3 competition to the 2020 Tokyo Games could change that.
That prospect was evident at the FIBA 3x3 World Tour Bloomage Beijing Final last weekend, which saw Zemun Master of Serbia defeat Abu Dhabi’s Novi Sad Al Wahda in the final.
The top 12 teams in the World Tour season standings, including the winner of each Masters tournament, battled for two days for the $40,000 winner’s check and the chance to be crowned world champions.
The 3x3 World Tour is the pinnacle of FIBA-endorsed three-a-side tournaments, which use just one hoop during games. Any group of four players representing a city can advance to the competition by winning one of its qualifying tournaments.
“The World Tour Final is the most important event of the year,” said Alex Sanchez, FIBA 3x3 managing director. “The game is very popular in Chinese cities, and we’re happy to be here. Good crowds showed up despite the cold.
“The 3x3 format for basketball has become the largest urban team sport in the world. Obviously, I hope it continues to grow — and being in the Olympics will be a huge boost. We’re giving ordinary athletes a chance to make it to the very top.”
During the final, six youngsters from China Soong Ching Ling Foundation were gifted basketball equipment from FIBA co-chairman Hamane Niang.
“I’m very proud and excited that the final of the World Tour could come to China,” said Xu Xiaohui, a middleschool student who came to the final with the Soong Ching Ling Foundation and hopes to one day compete in the Olympics.
“It’s a rare opportunity to watch the high-level 3x3 game and it has triggered my passion for basketball.”
Sanchez said Xu’s enthusiasm is indicative of China’s determination.
“We want to make sure China has an Olympic team, so why not an Olympic medal?” he said. “This is the country with the largest number of 3x3 players. There is no reason why China can’t be a medal contender at the Tokyo Games.” Contact the writer at shifutian@chinadaily.com.cn