Seafront dreams

The seafront of Istanbul’s Caddebostan Pendik Sahilyolu was busy with runners, cyclists, roller-skaters and others just enjoying the Friday evening sunset.

On the recently set up FIBA 3x3 World Tour courts, a couple of teams were finishing off a light shoot-around, getting the feel for a location that offered a perfect view of West Istanbul as well as the Prince’s Islands.

A stage was still being set up for Saturday’s concerts that will include Turkish sensation manga.

By tomorrow, the bleachers will be full as 60 of the best 3x3 players from Eastern Europe, the Middle East, North Africa and Central Asia face off.

A tournament title and with it the top prize of USD 12,000 will of course be on offer, while the two Finalists will book places in the 3x3 World Tour Finale in Miami.

Kharkov’s Tymur Arabadzhy (129,600 points) or potentially Bucharest SA’s Bogdan Octavian Balanica (68,400 pts) could become the number one ranked players in the world, according to the 3x3planet ranking.

Both of them played in the 3x3 World Championship in Athens last week, with Arabadzhy capturing bronze in the Men’s competition.

Deivi Ananguren currently sits top with 187,200 points, while first place is worth 172,800 points.

Regardless, the competition will be red hot and the weather is expected to be beautiful (and not too hot).

The seafront court will certainly provide long-range shooters with some difficulties.

The soft salty sea breeze blows most of the time.

It will also get the players thinking about Miami every so often.

Bring on Istanbul WT.