The team everyone will be trying to beat at Festival Bay this weekend is Ub.
The Serbian side arrive at the FIBA 3×3 World Tour’s first stop in Dubai as the No. 1 ranked team in the world. They won last year’s World Tour Final in Manama, beating Raudondvaris Hoptrans of Lithuania 20-16 in the title game, and have three titles already this season.
Strahinja Stojačić, the world’s top-ranked player, leads them.
As Yalla Sports reported last week, Ub are one of 14 teams at Dubai Festival City on Friday and Saturday, November 6 and 7. Amsterdam Rabobank bring Paris 2024 gold medallists Worthy de Jong and Dimeo van der Horst, and home side Dubai are also in the field.
“Dubai has the infrastructure, the audience and the ambition to host 3×3 basketball at the highest level”
Liman are likely to be the biggest threat to Ub. The other Serbian side have also won on the tour this year, and the two teams know each other well.
“Dubai has the infrastructure, the audience and the ambition to host 3×3 basketball at the highest level, and this first event marks the start of a long-term partnership,” said Alex Sanchez, managing director of FIBA 3×3.
“With the leading teams on the tour competing here, fans can expect the most thrilling competition over the two days.”
The full schedule is now confirmed. Friday has the qualifying rounds and pool games. On Saturday the knockout rounds begin, with a dunk contest during the day. The final tips off at 9.05pm, and the prize ceremony follows.
Dubai is one of the last stops before the season ends at the World Tour Final in Rio de Janeiro on December 12 and 13.
There is also plenty off the court. Live music, a fan zone for families and children, and basketball games for visitors to join in will run on both days.
Entry is free, but spectators must register in advance. Registration details and the match schedule are on the tournament website.
