FIBA33 basketball sold out in Singapore

SINGAPORE (Youth Olympic Games) – On Sunday the 3on3 basketball tournament got underway at the inaugural Youth Olympic Games (YOG) in Singapore. The first day of the YOG Basketball tournament coincided with the launch of FIBA’s new half-court format of play in officially sanctioned competition.

A large crowd of spectators attended the opening of play and remained glued to their seats throughout all 16 games. Curiosity and enthusiasm for this new format is such that all tickets for the eight days of competition have already sold out.

The two open-air half-courts – that include special flooring designed for tropical weather conditions – are set-up in downtown Singapore’s *scape shopping district in front of a grandstand that can hold up to 1,500 spectators.

Basketball at the YOG also features a skills contest, which consists of a number of challenges, including dunking and three-point contests.

FIBA Secretary General and IOC Member Patrick Baumann expressed his satisfaction after day 1: “It is really great to see how players and spectators have embraced FIBA33. The 10 second shot-clock has already made for some breathtaking action and I am sure that as the tournament progresses and the players get more familiar with 3on3, the courts will really be set alight.”

“We are all very excited about FIBA33, and in view of its popularity after just one day, it isn’t too far fetched to imagine it one day making it into the Olympics in its own right,” he added.

3on3 and YOG

3on3 basketball is inspired by several forms of streetball played all around the world. This exciting format, sanctioned by FIBA and played by National Teams for the first time, sees two teams of three players face off on a standard half-court, encouraging players to express themselves on court with displays of skill and trickery.

Games are to be played in two periods of five minutes, with the first team reaching 33 winning the game. If neither team has reached 33 points after the second period, the team with the highest score wins the game. The first-ever Youth Olympic Games, held in Singapore from 14th to 26th August, are a version of the Olympic Games, with a focus on young people between the ages of 14 and 18.

All 26 Olympic sports will be featured, but with a reduced number of events. Disciplines have been designed to be innovative and appealing to young people. Participating athletes are also encouraged to participate in the cultural and educational activities of the YOG.

About FIBA

FIBA (www.fiba.basketball) – the world governing body for basketball – is an independent association formed by 213 National Basketball Federations throughout the world. It is recognised as the sole competent authority in basketball by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

For further information about FIBA and FIBA Championships visit facebook.com/fibaworld and twitter.com/fibaworld or youtube.com/fibaworld.