24 May 2017
CYBERJAYA (FIBA 3x3 U18 Asia Cup) - We bring you the 5 things to watch at the FIBA 3x3 U18 Asia Cup, presented by Under Armour and Seri Mutiara, coming up in Cyberjaya, Malaysia on May 26-28.
1. Notorious B.I.G.
Let's start with something big at number 1: Qatar’s frontcourt! We feel sorry for the other 15 teams but the twin towers Seydou Ndoye and Al Hadji Bobo Magassa are back this year. Qatar are the reigning U18 Asia and U18 World champions so yes, watch their game if you want a preview of the Top 10.
2. Heart over height
Speaking of champs, at number 2, Japan’s women are back in Malaysia to defend their title. They may be 1 or 2 feet shorter than the Seydou - Al Hadji one-two punch but what they lack in height, they have in heart. They played the best defense men and women combined last year but they’re also starting from scratch again with 4 new players.
3. New Kobe
At 3, if you say 3x3, there must be a Philippines team around the corner. Rhayyan Amsali was just a kid last year and this time he’ll be one of the leaders of a team, that won gold and silver in the last 2 editions of the competition. Whatever happens, we'll be watching, trying to find that new Kobe Paras!
4. Hosting Powers
Number 4, the Malaysian hosts! Men, women, both of them won bronze last year, with the big crowd getting into it. Last year’s MVP Yee Tong Heng will be missed but word on the street is the new teams will set the Gem-In Shopping Mall on fire.
5. New faces
And at 5, the event’s just got a whole lot bigger!!! 20 teams last year, 32 this year! Indonesia and Vietnam are back. This time, China, India, Lebanon, Chinese Taipei sent their teams. If you want to watch the future of Asian 3x3 basketball, this weekend is the time.
Fans can follow the event live on youtube.com/FIBA3x3, find more information on the official website, FIBA.com/3x3U18Asia and start the conversation on social media by dropping the hashtag #3x3U18.
FIBA