MIAMI (USA) - If you would have asked Dominican Republic 3X3 star Carlos Rivera five - years ago about his Olympic dreams, he may have looked at you with a puzzled look on his face thinking that might only come as part of his country’s national basketball team. But in 2021 with the FIBA 3X3 Olympic Qualifier Tournament – that dream is within reach.

The 28 year-old from Santo Domingo leads the DR contingent of Bryant Piantini, Cesar Reyes and Henry Valdez with the chance to wear his countries colors and flag later this summer in Japan – a year later than expected but extremely special nonetheless as this is the inaugural Olympic appearance of basketball’s fastest rising passion.

"Wearing these 10 letters on the chest is the greatest desire of an athlete and for me to have the opportunity to represent my country in a historical Olympic qualifier like this one, is in itself a dream come true," Rivera said.

3X3 has seen unprecedented growth around the globe and has acquired a very loyal following in the Americas region. Like its big brother, 3X3 requires deft shooting, creativity, playmaking and athleticism. The transitions are quicker as there is not 94-feet to deal with. The smaller windows create a non-stop, exciting, ultra-physical game where knowing your teammates and where they like to receive the ball one of the most important facets of the game whose court is only 49’ wide and 36’ deep.

"The best thing about the 3x3 is that it is a fun, social, urban, an intense sport that allows the development of the player's intelligence, it demands a lot from them physically, but the best thing is that it can be played in all places, ages and genders."

The music, environment and culture of 3X3 is unlike any other. Countries from around the world have embraced the game including in the Dominican Republic where Rivera and others foster it through all-inclusive youth programs and their performances around the globe.

The chance to represent your country adds an extra dimension of opportunity and a next level showcase worldwide. An opportunity that until now did not exist to compete for the pride and love of your country.

"As an official sport, it is relatively new and has had such a boom that it is already part of the Olympic cycle, which allows us as young people to project our talent and reach possibilities that we never had before due to the global platform that unites all 3x3 players. Deciding to switch from regular basketball to 3x3 is being visionary, disciplined, and intentional - making a real commitment to yourself and to your country."

The 2021 Tokyo Olympics and the inaugural 3X3 tournament takes place in Japan from July 23 to August 8, 2021.

FIBA