3x3 - Interview with Fadi Sabbah from Jordan

AMMAN (3x3) - It's almost inevitable for a basketball lover not to think about Michael Jordan when hearing the name Jordan.  In this case the country that holds the same title is the perfect fit or ambassador for this sport and consequently 3x3.

Fadi Sabbah who is the Secretary General of the Al-Riyadi Aramex basketball club, has taken upon himself to make 3x3 a reality in Jordan.  Over the past years he has organised events in the capital city of Amman and now looks to branch out in the surrounding Middle Eastern countries.

 

Organizer's Profile
Name/Surname: Fadi Sabbah
Current Activities: Head of the Basketball Coaching Committee in Jordan, Member of FIBA Asia Youth Committee, Secretary General of Al-Riyadi Aramex Basketball Club of Amman and Oragniser of Umniah 3x3 Challenge.

FIBA:  Jordan had a great run at this year's FIBA Asia Championship in China. Can this help develop 3x3 in the country?
Without a doubt this helps the sport. As of now basketball is considered the number two sport here. At the FIBA Asia Championship we lost in the finals but we'll have a chance to participate in the Olympic Qualifying Tournament next year.

The young generation is very excited about this whole the 3x3 idea. At the moment basketball is experiencing tremendous success in Jordan so we definitely have to take advantage of this.

FIBA: Jordan also participated in Rimini during the 3x3 Youth World Championship. What was the overall feeling towards this competition?
We had two teams that competed in Rimini. Our boys team was ranked 16th so we were very pleased with this result. We got the invitation a little late so both team didn't have a lot of time to prepare. 

Same for the girl's team, we were thrilled at the outcome. This was a great learning experience for them.

FIBA: Did the players give any feedback?
 The first thing that we discussed together was that we should organise an international 3x3 event in Jordan. All eight players have volunteered to help and we included them in the organising committee.

FIBA: It seems like you have something lined-up for next year in Amman?
I've been working very closely with the Secretary General of the WABA (West Asian Basketball Association) and we want to create some king of 3x3 regional tournament or league. It would primarily be for West Asian countries. Obviously with the political situations we have to anticipate.

Ideally if we could organise tournaments in all of the Middle Eastern countries that would be great. Over the past years Jordan has been very secure so we would start events here.

FIBA: In some respects Jordan has acquired the know-how for 3x3 since participating in Rimini.  Do you feel it's your obligation to take the lead in the Middle East?
Yes, I think that one could say that. The President of Jordan Basketball Federation is very excited and he has shown and expressed his full support to the 3x3 initiative.

FIBA: FIBA's long-term goal is the make 3x3 an Olympic discipline. Do you think that this can attract a wider audience?
I fully agree with that because in our local tournaments in Amman we have more spectators for 3x3 than five on five. Usually there are about 65 teams that compete.

One of our next focuses is the grassroots level for smaller kids. If we can get the younger generation to play 3x3 then even Jordan could aspire to make it to the Olympics.

FIBA:  As you stated before 3x3 is maybe even bigger than normal Basketball. How big is 3x3's potential in Jordan?
I see it developing not only in Jordan. One of the main reasons for this is because with 3x3 the fans are closer to the players. Sometimes the players are also fans so there is hardly any barrier between both sides.

You can feel that there's a special atmosphere more than in traditional basketball. Another point worth mentioning is that sponsors are more interested in 3x3. When I was in Rimini, I spoke with representatives from NIKE. They showed interest in helping out with our tournaments in Jordan.

FIBA: Since staring to promote 3x3 in your country, have you reached a level of satisfaction?
Over the last few years, the events that we've organised have become a great way to find new players and talent from all kinds of background. I'm satisfied with the current results because we are building awareness for 3x3 in Jordan.

I really see five on five and 3x3 going hand in hand; they both need each other to thrive. We are seeing remarkable results, that's why we have to continue to push this. 

I feel that 3x3 is quickly becoming the next big thing in the sports world. I really hope that by 2016 it will make it to the Olympics and Jordan too.

 

FIBA