LJUBLJANA (FIBA EuroBasket 2017 Trophy Tour) – There was double reason for Slovenia to celebrate when the FIBA EuroBasket 2017 Trophy Tour rolled into Ljubljana and Lake Bled over the weekend.

The basketball-mad country, which has taken to 3x3 basketball like a fish to water, welcomed the news on Friday that 3x3 basketball will be part of the Olympic program, presenting Slovenia with a prime opportunity to bring home more medals.

That good news was compounded by the arrival of the FIBA EuroBasket Trophy Tour a day later, and it was only too fitting that a stop on the 3x3 national tour was planned as part of the day’s festivities.

It would not be a 3x3 tournament without a slam dunk competition, and it would not be a slam dunk competition without judges, so in stepped FIBA EuroBasket 2017 mascot Sam Dunk to join the panel.

"The awareness is here and it's important," explained Damir Radenovic, Head of Marketing at the Slovenian Basketball Federation in relation to the Trophy Tour. "Regular people and fans can see the trophy and see what the main prize is and we can actually generate more awareness about when the tournament is happening and where.

"It also helps our Basketball Federation promote EuroBasket and invites fans to join in to watch the games, whether at the event or at home via television."

Following an action-packed Saturday, there was a more peaceful Sunday lined up with a trip to the idyllic Lake Bled for a photo opportunity.

Next up on the Trophy Tour is a stop at FIBA EuroBasket 2011 Final host city, Kaunas from June 16-18.

FIBA