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Vlade Divac, Yi Jianlian and Ian Mahinmi headline 33rd FIBA Intercontinental Cup Draw in Singapore

MIES (Switzerland) - The draw for the 33rd FIBA Intercontinental Cup takes place on Tuesday, June 20, at the ArtScience Museum in Singapore - the host city for the basketball event being staged at the end of September. The Draw gets underway at 4:30 pm local time. In addition to six clubs from around the world discovering their paths to Intercontinental Cup glory, international stars Vlade Divac (Serbia), Yi Jianlian (China) and Ian Mahinmi (France) will be present at the Draw. All three men have represented their countries at the FIBA Basketball World Cup over the years, with Divac winning the competition twice. Teams competing at the FIBA Intercontinental Cup are Basketball Champions League winners Telekom Baskets Bonn, Basketball Champions League Americas winners Sesi Franca, Basketball Africa League champions Al Ahly and NBA G League Ignite. Representing the Chinese Basketball Association, Zhejiang Golden Bulls will be the fifth team, and Al Manama from Bahrain, winner of the FIBA West Asia Super League, received an invitation to complete the line-up.

At the Draw, teams will end up in two groups. Each team will have two games in the Group Phase of the competition. The Group Phase will take place from September 21 to 23. At the end of the Group Phase, a last day of competition will be held on September 24, with teams that came in first in their respective groups squaring off in the Final. There will also be a Third-Place Game between the teams that were runners-up in group play and also a battle between the teams that were third in the groups to determine fifth place. The Draw can be followed live on FIBA's YouTube channel. FIBA and Sport Singapore have agreed to a three-year partnership, announced earlier this year, that has expanded the event also to involve Asia for the first time and better reflect the modern club basketball landscape. The Singapore Indoor Stadium at the Singapore Sports Hub will be the first-ever venue in Asia to host the FIBA Intercontinental Cup. By being held in September, the competition adapts better to the calendars of the domestic and continental leagues, and the schedule of international players, and better accommodates participating clubs. Neftchi make history as they win FIBA 3x3 Women’s Series Shusha Stop 2023 JUNE 13, 2023 SHUSHA (Azerbaijan) - Neftchi become the first commercial team in history to win a FIBA 3x3 Women’s Series Stop as they dominate the Shusha Stop on June 13, beating Netherlands 20-12 in the finals. In just their second appearance in the series, Neftchi swept through their competition, going undefeated on their way to the finals. They faced a Netherlands side that matched the results, winning every game to set up the clash. The two sides put on a clinic as they went back-and forth. Dutch stars Julia Jorritsma and Zoë Slagter combined for 9 points, continuing on their impressive offensive display in the tournament. But it was Brianna Fraser who answered back each time with huge buckets, scoring 7 points to lead Neftchi to their first Women’s Series tournament win.  Neftchi’s Arica Carter was awarded the MVP award for her efforts both offensively and defensively to produce the stifling and clinical performance we saw from the home side.   The dominance of the two finalists was on show throughout the tournament as evident with Hungary and Germany who made it to the Semi-finals, only losing to both the eventual winners in their run.  Final Standings 1. Neftchi 2. Netherlands 3. Hungary 4. Germany 5. Romania 6. G FLOW.EXE 7. Turkey 8. Azerbaijan The action makes its way back to China as the next leg takes place in Baoding on June 16-17. Spain emerge victorious in FIBA 3x3 Women’s Series Orleans Stop 2023 JUNE 24, 2023 ORLEANS (France) - Spain pulled off the upset, beating FIBA 3x3 World Cup Gold medalists USA 17 - 14 in the FIBA 3x3 Women’s Series in Orleans on June 23 - 24.  Besides the return of Linnae Harper, it was a different USA side from the one that took home Gold in Austria. They didn’t miss a beat though, as they swept past Azerbaijan, Sc. Yuanda and Italy. They faced France in the semi-finals, a repeat of the Gold Medal game of the 2023 World Cup. The result remained consistent as USA won 14 - 20.  Spain on the other hand defeated Portugal, Netherlands and USA U-24 before facing the FIBA 3x3 Women’s Series 2022 winners  Canada. The Spaniards took home an intense 18-21 win against the Canadians off the back of a strong offensive showing by Vega Gimeno. Spain came out strong against USA, taking the lead early and never letting go. While it was a cagey affair for the most part with Breanna Richardson taking charge for team USA, scoring 6 points, Spain kept scoring crucial buckets. Both sides went on an offensive run near the end, trading points before Spain took advantage of USA’s defensive lapses to solidify a 16-14 lead. The shots just wouldn’t fall for the American side as Vega Gimeno scored a free throw to seal the victory for Spain over USA for the first time in seven years.  Spanish talisman Sandra Ygueravide was named MVP for the event, inspiring her side through each game, leading the side in scoring in the finals as well with 5 points.  FINAL STANDINGS 1. Spain 2. USA 3. Canada 4. France 5. Netherlands 6. Sc. Yuanda 7. USA U24 8. Italy 9. Neftchi 10. Gyor 11. Portugal 12. Azerbaijan The action stays in France, with the next leg of the Women’s Series commencing in Poitiers on June 27 - 28.   Most-Watched NBA Draft Ever on Any Network   First Round Across ESPN and ABC Averaged 4,928,000 Viewers; Peaked with 6,085,000 Viewers   The 2023 edition of the NBA Draft Presented By State Farm was the most-watched NBA Draft ever on any network – according to Nielsen. The first round averaged 4,928,000 viewers across ESPN and ABC, up 24 percent from last year’s first round on both platforms. It peaked with 6,085,000 viewers in the 8 p.m. ET quarter hour.   Overall, the NBA Draft averaged 3,743,000 viewers across ESPN (both rounds) and ABC (first round-only). The average audience was up 23 percent from last year. The NBA Draft started airing on both ESPN and ABC in 2021.   The NBA Draft on ESPN and ABC was the most-watched program of the day across all of television and in all key demographics.   Note: viewership totals do not include full streaming data due to a Nielsen holiday delay. ESPN and the NBA will make the final viewership number available on Monday, June 26.   ESPN AND NBA TV TO BRING FANS ALL 76 GAMES FROM NBA 2K24 SUMMER LEAGUE 2023 – 11-Day Competition Featuring All 30 NBA Teams Begins Friday, July 7 in Las Vegas – – No. 1 Pick Victor Wembanyama and No. 2 Pick Brandon Miller Scheduled to Meet on July 7 at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN – – Championship Game Takes Place on Monday, July 17 at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN – NEW YORK, June 23, 2023 – The NBA announced today the game and broadcast schedules for NBA 2K24 Summer League 2023, which will take place July 7-17 at the Thomas & Mack Center and Cox Pavilion on the campus of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. All 76 games of the 11-day competition will air live on television on ESPN networks (ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU and ESPNews) or NBA TV.  Every game will also be available to stream on the ESPN App or NBA App. In the 18th NBA Summer League in Las Vegas, all 30 NBA teams will play at least five games each.  Each team will play four games from July 7-14.  After each team plays four games, the top four teams will advance to the playoffs and participate in the semifinals on Sunday, July 16 (4 p.m. ET on ESPN and 6 p.m. ET on ESPN2).  The two winning teams from the semifinal games will meet in the championship game on Monday, July 17 at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN.  The four playoff teams will be determined by winning percentage in each team’s first four games, with tiebreak criteria available here.  The 26 teams that do not advance to the four-team playoff will play a fifth game on either Saturday, July 15 or Sunday, July 16. On the first day of NBA 2K24 Summer League 2023 (Friday, July 7), ESPN will televise potential matchups between both the No. 1 and No. 2 picks and the No. 3 and No. 4 picks in NBA Draft 2023 presented by State Farm.  No. 1 overall pick Victor Wembanyama is set to lead the San Antonio Spurs against No. 2 pick Brandon Miller and the Charlotte Hornets at 9 p.m. ET.  Earlier in the day, No. 3 pick Scoot Henderson and the defending NBA Summer League champion Portland Trail Blazers are scheduled to face No. 4 pick Amen Thompson and the Houston Rockets at 7 p.m. ET.  A head-to-head matchup between Thompson and his twin brother, No. 5 pick Ausar Thompson of the Detroit Pistons, is set for Sunday, July 9 at 6 p.m. ET on ESPN2.  Later that day, San Antonio plays Portland at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN2.  NBA TV will tip off its live game coverage with four games on July 7, beginning with the NBA 2K24 Summer League opener between the New Orleans Pelicans and Minnesota Timberwolves at 4:30 p.m. ET.  On Tuesday, July 11, NBA TV will feature Charlotte vs. Portland at 8:30 p.m. ET in a potential matchup between No. 2 pick Miller and No. 3 pick Henderson.  NBA 2K24 Summer League 2023 will have at least six games on each of the first 10 days of the competition.  The championship game will be the only game played on the final day.   NBA Summer League in Las Vegas has a rich history of showcasing future NBA stars.  Former participants include Kia NBA Most Valuable Player recipients Kevin Durant (who played at NBA Summer League in 2007), Stephen Curry (2009), James Harden (2009), Russell Westbrook (2009), Giannis Antetokounmpo (2014) and Nikola Jokić (2015). Tickets for NBA 2K24 Summer League 2023 are on sale now.  Fans can purchase tickets by visiting NBAEvents.com. Rosters confirmed ahead of tip-off at FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup 2023 JUNE 23, 2023 DEBRECEN (Hungary) - The rosters of the 16 participating teams are confirmed ahead of the start of the FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup 2023. Click on the countries below to see the rosters: Group A: Canada, France, China, Spain Group B: Lebanon, USA, Madagascar, Slovenia Group C: Serbia, Japan, Brazil, Egypt Group D: Argentina, Korea, Hungary, Turkey The 16 teams are broken down into four groups of four with each country playing the others in a round-robin format. The Group Phase will begin on June 24 and conclude on June 27. All four teams in each group advance to the Round of 16, which will take place on June 28. The teams from Groups A and B will cross over and face each other in the first round of the Knockout Phase (1stA-4thB, 2ndA-3rdB, 3rdA-2ndB, 4thA-1stB) and the same taking place for Group C and D (1stC-4thD, 2ndC-3rdD, 3rdC-2ndD, 4thC-1stD). The Quarter-Finals will be played on June 30 with the Semi-Finals following on July 1 and the Final, 3rd Place Game and other placement games on July 2. All games can be watched on YouTube.com/FIBA and on the NextGenHoops Facebook page. Extended highlights of each game, Quarter-Finals, Semi-Finals, the 3rd Place Game and the Final will also be broadcasted on Courtside 1891 and you can register here. FIFTH ANNUAL JERRY COLANGELO CLASSIC TO BE HELD ON DECEMBER 16 - Grand Canyon to headline quadruple-header at Footprint Center -  SPRINGFIELD, MASS. (June 21, 2023) – The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame announced the field of teams for the fifth annual Jerry Colangelo Classic, a premier college basketball showcase hosted at Footprint Center on Saturday, December 16. The event will feature the following games:   Grand Canyon vs. Portland (M) Washington State vs. Santa Clara (M)  UNLV vs. Saint Mary’s College (M) UCSB vs. Loyola Marymount (M) “Each year, we look forward to returning to Phoenix for an exciting holiday season showcase that honors Jerry Colangelo’s work in basketball and his impact on the valley’s sports community,” said John L. Doleva, President and CEO of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. “We are excited to welcome these teams and their fans to the Footprint Center for what is sure to be a thrilling day of basketball.” In addition to the aforementioned Jerry Colangelo Classic, Footprint Center will also play host to Jerry Colangelo’s Hall of Fame Series Phoenix on December 20. The Hall of Fame Series event will feature the following matchups: Arizona State vs. Fresno State (W), Arizona vs. Gonzaga (W), Arizona St. vs. Northwestern (M), and Arizona vs. Alabama (M). Tickets for both Jerry Colangelo events in Phoenix are scheduled to go on sale in July. On-sale date, game times, fan experience information, credentials, and television broadcast details will be released at a later date. For more information, please visit hoophall.com or follow @hoophallu on all social platforms. Quotes from Participating Head Coaches  "Any time we get the chance to go downtown and play a game at Footprint Center, it is an exciting opportunity for our program. Additionally, to continue our history of competing in this event with Mr. Colangelo’s name on it is an honor. He’s made such an impact on our program and university in lending his wisdom and experience. We’re excited to match up against the University of Portland and have great respect for Coach Legans and his program. We can’t wait for December and to bring Lope Nation downtown with us for the day." – Bryce Drew | Grand Canyon "We are very excited to showcase University of Portland basketball at the 2023 Jerry Colangelo Classic. This event has featured some of the best programs in the nation over the last few years and will provide a good gauge of where our team stands before entering a tough West Coast Conference schedule. Playing in NBA arenas is always a fun experience for the players, and I’m sure there will be a great crowd on hand to see some high-quality basketball. Our team has performed well on the big stage over the last couple of years, and this is another opportunity to make our mark to a wider audience." – Shantay Legans | Portland "We are excited to take part in the Jerry Colangelo Classic. It should be a great non-conference matchup, and we look forward to the challenge." – Herb Sendek | Santa Clara "We’re looking forward to facing Santa Clara this December, as part of the Jerry Colangelo Classic. Santa Clara is an emerging program on the west coast. They are a consistent post-season program coached by Herb Sendek. They have produced NBA talent the last couple of years in Jaylin Williams and Brandin Podziemski. This will be an excellent non-conference opportunity for both programs. This is the second Naismith Hall of Fame event we are participating in, which goes to show this committee and organization put together competitive, well-run events that we are proud to be a part of. We’re looking forward to seeing our Desert Cougs out supporting WSU for this west coast showdown. Go Cougs!" – Kyle Smith | Washington State "It's great to be back in Phoenix for the Jerry Colangelo Classic. Last year, we faced the team that wound up playing in the National Championship game, so the competition is always great. It tests us for March, and that's the goal of getting into these types of events." – Randy Bennett | Saint Mary’s "We are looking forward to competing in the Jerry Colangelo Classic against a very good team in a great venue. We appreciate the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame inviting us to play in its event. It will be a big challenge as we continue to prepare for another tough Mountain West schedule." – Kevin Kruger | UNLV  "We are very grateful to be a part of the Jerry Colangelo Classic once again. It is a first-class event, and our players are really looking forward to it." – Joe Pasternack | UC Santa Barbara "Being a part of anything that has Jerry Colangelo’s name attached to it is an honor. We are truly excited to be included in this event. This will be a tremendous opportunity for our program to compete in a high-level game at an event that has become one of the best in the country of its kind." – Stan Johnson | Loyola Marymount HALL OF FAME SERIES TO FEATURE FIVE ELITE COLLEGE BASKETBALL EVENTS IN NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER   - Tickets go on sale for all events in July; Follow @HOFSeries for updates -   PHOENIX (June 21, 2023) – Position Sports, in association with the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, announced the field of teams for the highly anticipated 2023 Hall of Fame Series. This year’s series will take place in Las Vegas (November 6), Charlotte (November 10), Toronto (December 9), San Antonio (December 16), and Phoenix (December 20). The 2023 Hall of Fame Series boasts a number of intriguing games, including the eagerly awaited Opening Night in Las Vegas, which will mark the beginning of the LSU women’s title defense and the debut of USC’s acclaimed men’s recruiting class; the reigning men’s National Player of the Year, Purdue’s Zach Edey, playing in his hometown of Toronto; and a quadruple-header in Phoenix that boasts both the University of Arizona and Arizona State men’s and women’s teams. The Hall of Fame Series, which is owned and operated by Position Sports, is a collection of multi-game, singular events that will showcase several of the top collegiate basketball teams in exciting non-conference matchups played both domestically and abroad. In March, the Phoenix-based company and the Hall of Fame reached an exclusive 10-year agreement. The 2023 Hall of Fame Series matchups: NOVEMBER 6 Las Vegas - T-Mobile Arena  LSU vs. Colorado (W) USC vs. Ohio State (W) Georgia vs. Oregon (M) USC vs. Kansas State (M) NOVEMBER 10  Charlotte - Spectrum Center Charlotte vs. Liberty (M) Virginia vs. Florida (M) Virginia Tech vs. South Carolina (M) DECEMBER 9 Toronto - Coca-Cola Coliseum Purdue vs. Alabama (M) TCU vs. Clemson (M) DECEMBER 16 San Antonio - AT&T Center Baylor vs. Miami, Fla. (W) Tennessee vs. NC State (M) DECEMBER 20 Phoenix - Footprint Center Arizona State vs. Fresno State (W) Arizona vs. Gonzaga (W) Arizona St. vs. Northwestern (M) Arizona vs. Alabama (M) Tickets for all events are scheduled to go on sale in July. On-sale date, game times, fan experience information, credentials, and television broadcast details will be released at a later date. The Hall of Fame Series joins other previously announced Naismith Hall of Fame events, including the Hall of Fame Tip-Off, Hall of Fame Women's Showcase, Hall of Fame Classic, and Jerry Colangelo Classic. For more information and updates, please visit HOFSeries.com or follow the Hall of Fame Series @HOFSeries on all social platforms. FIBA decisions and measures to protect young players in Mali MIES (Switzerland) - After receiving several allegations in June 2021 of systemic sexual harassment within the Mali Basketball Federation (FMBB), FIBA has worked closely in Mali with various local and international partners and stakeholders towards establishing a sporting environment that protects the integrity and safety of young basketball players. Following the allegations discovered and independently verified in the summer of 2021, FIBA opened disciplinary proceedings against ten people, including several coaches and FMBB officials. After issuing provisional suspensions until the conclusion of these procedures, FIBA has imposed the following sanctions: Amadou Bamba (former Mali National Team Coach): lifetime suspension from carrying out a function or participating in any FIBA or FIBA-related activities, in addition to a CHF 80,000 fine.   Harouna Maiga (former FMBB President): eight-year suspension from carrying out a function or participating in any FIBA or FIBA-related activities, in addition to a CHF 20,000 fine.   Seydou Maiga (former FMBB Secretary General): six-year suspension from carrying out a function or participating in any FIBA or FIBA-related activities, in addition to a CHF 10,000 fine.   Amadou Traore (former FMBB 1st Vice-President): four-year suspension from carrying out a function or participating in any FIBA or FIBA-related activities, in addition to a CHF 5,000 fine.   Fatoumata Diallo (former Mali National Team Assistant Coach): two-year suspension from carrying out a function or participating in any FIBA or FIBA-related activities. As part of the sanctions, the parties are required to complete FIBA-approved safeguarding training prior to the expiration of the sanction and as a pre-condition for their return to FIBA or FIBA-related activities. Beyond the legal procedures, FIBA also focused on developing safeguarding policies, resources, and education, and improving protection of persons in vulnerable situations within the Mali basketball landscape. FIBA partnered with the "Fondation Terre des Hommes" (Tdh), an independent organization with extensive experience in keeping children safe in sport, and a local partner. Thanks to this partnership, FIBA launched a basketball safeguard and protection service for young players and other persons in vulnerable situations in Mali. Awareness-raising and education resources, produced through this partnership, were used to deliver workshops with youth from national teams, all first division clubs, reaching more than 1,800 young participants. The function of a local safeguarding focal point was established across the club structures, improving the capacity to recognize the rights and interests of players and other young people involved in sport, build and maintain safe cultures, use an approach to prevent abuse or harm, and start engaging others across the system to be aware of and comply with relevant requirements. An independent and secure reporting system was also implemented to welcome, listen, guide, and monitor players experiencing difficulties or that are victims of abuse. Legal and psychosocial support has been provided to survivors of abuse upon request, while group therapies were organized with all young players for further support. In parallel, a safeguarding expert was recruited to conduct an independent analysis of the FMBB's current situation and to develop and implement a strategy to improve safeguarding activities in the future.   In addition, safeguarding experts accompanied the Mali youth national team delegations to their international competitions in 2021 and 2022, continuing their education and awareness-raising, as well as ensuring a safe environment for all. This initiative extended to all of Mali's first division clubs, with whom Tdh conducted workshops and trained local safeguarding focal points. Following the FMBB's electoral process in December 2022, a specific Safeguarding Policy has been finalized with the continued collaboration between FMBB, Tdh and FIBA. The policy was approved during an Extraordinary National Council of the Federation held on May 10, 2023, in Bamako.    A Single Point of Contact (SPOC) for safeguarding matters has been appointed by FMBB, to work closely with local stakeholders such as the leagues and clubs. FIBA continues to monitor the situation in Mali within the framework provided by its General Statutes and Internal Regulations, and further to the FIBA Integrity Officer report. At a global level, FIBA's Central Board approved the creation of the FIBA Safeguarding Council and appointed HRH Prince Feisal Al Hussein, IOC member and President of the Jordan Olympic Committee, as the Founding Chairman. The FIBA Safeguarding Council acts as an advisory body to FIBA on matters related to safeguarding and protection of vulnerable groups of basketball participants. As one of its first tasks, the Council proposed a new FIBA Safeguarding Policy, that was approved by FIBA's Central Board in December 2022. This decision anchored the principle that anyone who wants to take part in and enjoy the game of basketball is able to do so in a fair and equitable safe space, free from all forms of harm and abuse, regardless of the playing level. This policy provides a strong foundation and the tools to reinforce the protection of persons in vulnerable situations in the basketball environment. In case a new or additional breach of safeguarding or integrity occurs is known by a third party, this breach should immediately be reported at fiba.basketball/integrity, and FIBA will proceed with the required steps. MCDONALD’S ALL-AMERICAN RON HOLLAND SIGNS WITH IGNITE   – Consensus Five-Star Prospect Ranked by ESPN as No. 2 Player in Class of 2023 –   HENDERSON, Nev., June 20, 2023 – Forward Ron Holland, a consensus five-star high school prospect who is ranked by ESPN as the No. 2 player in the Class of 2023, has signed with NBA G League Ignite, General Manager Anthony McClish announced today.   “First of all, I want to thank God for blessing me with the abilities to play the game that I love,” Holland said. “I want to thank everyone that has believed in me throughout the whole process, it hasn’t been easy. I am super excited to join G League Ignite. I feel Ignite has the tools needed to prepare me for the life I want on and off the court. Let’s get to work!”   A Duncanville, Texas, native, Holland was selected as a 2023 McDonald’s High School All-American and earned a spot on the U.S. Team for the 2023 Nike Hoop Summit. He was named the 2022-23 Gatorade Texas Boys Basketball Player of the Year after averaging 20.3 points, 10.1 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 2.0 steals while leading Duncanville High School to a 29-1 record this past season. As a sophomore in 2020-21, Holland helped Duncanville finish 28-1 and win a state championship.       Holland has won two gold medals with USA Basketball, at the FIBA Under-16 Americas Championship in 2021 and the FIBA Under-17 Basketball World Cup in 2022. In the Under-16 competition, he averaged 19.0 points and 10.2 rebounds and earned All-Tournament Team honors. In the Under-17 event, he averaged 11.1 points and 6.6 rebounds.     Holland joins fellow 2023 McDonald’s All-American and Gatorade Illinois Player of Year Matas Buzelis, NBA Academy graduates Thierry Darlan and Babacar Sane, second-year Ignite player London Johnson and Texas high school standout Dink Pate on Ignite’s roster as the latest group of top national and international prospects preparing for the NBA Draft presented by State Farm.   Ignite has produced three top 10 NBA Draft picks in the previous two years – the most by any program in that span – in Jalen Green (2021, No. 2, Houston Rockets), Jonathan Kuminga (2021, No. 7, Golden State Warriors) and Dyson Daniels (2022, No. 8, New Orleans Pelicans). Ignite has had a total of six NBA Draft picks in the last two years, which matches the highest total for a program in that period.   FIBA Intercontinental Cup Draw completed in Singapore JUNE 20, 2023 SINGAPORE (Singapore) - The draw for the FIBA Intercontinental Cup 2023 was completed on Tuesday, June 20, and the six participating clubs now know the path to winning the trophy in Singapore where the tournament will be held from September 21-24. The six teams were drawn into two groups where they will face each other in round robin style over the first three days of the 33rd edition of the competition. Sesi Franca (BCLA Champion), Team Ignite (NBA G League) and Al Ahly (BAL Winner) will square off in Group A while Group B consists of Zhejiang Golden Bulls (CBA Representative), Al Manama (WASL Champion) and Telekom Baskets Bonn (BCL Winner). International stars Vlade Divac of Serbia, Chinese great Yi Jianlian and Ian Mahinmi of France were in Singapore to promote the FIBA Intercontinental Cup. While in town, they conducted a clinic for ActiveSG Basketball Academy and spoke to the participants. The three players also participated in the Draw ceremony. They joined Toh Boon Yi, Sport Singapore Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Yazed Osman, Group Head of Events & Placemaking at Singapore Sports Hub, and Patrick Comninos, Chief Executive Officer of the Basketball Champions League, on a panel discussion on the growth of basketball in Asia and the global cultural phenomenon it has become. "This edition of the FIBA Intercontinental Cup marks a new era for this esteemed tournament that already has a long and rich history. With six clubs participating for the first time and a fresh format, we are pleased to host this edition in Singapore and look forward to expanding and including more clubs in future editions," stated FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis. "We are pleased to showcase once again Singapore's ability to host top class sport events. Having the FIBA Intercontinental Cup on our shores is a testament to Singapore's exceptional event-planning expertise, as well as the opportunity to showcase our city as a travel destination. The FIBA Intercontinental Cup will not only demonstrate our dedication in promoting the sport, but also strengthen Singapore's position as a flourishing hub for hosting international sporting events", said Toh Boon Yi, Deputy CEO Sport Singapore. "The Singapore Sports Hub has staged many unforgettable events, and we are honoured to be the first-ever venue in Asia to host this distinctive competition for the next three years, from 2023 – 2025," shared Yazed Osman, Group Head of Events & Placemaking at Singapore Sports Hub. "Basketball is an exciting sport that speaks to a wide audience and equally appealing is the iconic hoop culture. Basketball fans coming to Singapore can expect homages to all these and more." All six teams will be in action on Sunday, 24 September, for the classification games. The winners of the two groups will battle to determine the 2023 Intercontinental Cup champion. The games and third and fifth placings will take place earlier that day. The venue for all 9 games is the Singapore Indoor Stadium at Singapore Sports Hub. Tickets for the FIBA Intercontinental Cup 2023 games go on sale on July 19 and ticket prices start from $10. Fans can register their interest on the Singapore Sports Hub website from June 20. The Intercontinental Cup has included four teams in four of the last five years - only BCL champions San Pablo Burgos and BCLA winners Quimsa participated in 2021 - but the field has expanded to six teams for 2023, the most since eight clubs were in the field in 1987. FIBA and Sport Singapore reached an agreement in March 2023 that the island nation will host the Intercontinental Cup for the next three years, expanding the competition to include Asian teams for the first time. Vlade Divac, Yi Jianlian and Ian Mahinmi headline 33rd FIBA Intercontinental Cup Draw in Singapore MIES (Switzerland) - The draw for the 33rd FIBA Intercontinental Cup takes place on Tuesday, June 20, at the ArtScience Museum in Singapore - the host city for the basketball event being staged at the end of September. The Draw gets underway at 4:30 pm local time. In addition to six clubs from around the world discovering their paths to Intercontinental Cup glory, international stars Vlade Divac (Serbia), Yi Jianlian (China) and Ian Mahinmi (France) will be present at the Draw. All three men have represented their countries at the FIBA Basketball World Cup over the years, with Divac winning the competition twice. Teams competing at the FIBA Intercontinental Cup are Basketball Champions League winners Telekom Baskets Bonn, Basketball Champions League Americas winners Sesi Franca, Basketball Africa League champions Al Ahly and NBA G League Ignite. Representing the Chinese Basketball Association, Zhejiang Golden Bulls will be the fifth team, and Al Manama from Bahrain, winner of the FIBA West Asia Super League, received an invitation to complete the line-up. At the Draw, teams will end up in two groups. Each team will have two games in the Group Phase of the competition. The Group Phase will take place from September 21 to 23. At the end of the Group Phase, a last day of competition will be held on September 24, with teams that came in first in their respective groups squaring off in the Final. There will also be a Third-Place Game between the teams that were runners-up in group play and also a battle between the teams that were third in the groups to determine fifth place. The Draw can be followed live on FIBA's YouTube channel. FIBA and Sport Singapore have agreed to a three-year partnership, announced earlier this year, that has expanded the event also to involve Asia for the first time and better reflect the modern club basketball landscape. The Singapore Indoor Stadium at the Singapore Sports Hub will be the first-ever venue in Asia to host the FIBA Intercontinental Cup. By being held in September, the competition adapts better to the calendars of the domestic and continental leagues, and the schedule of international players, and better accommodates participating clubs. ### About FIBA FIBA (fiba.basketball) - the world governing body for basketball, is an independent association formed by 212 National Basketball Federations throughout the world. It is recognized as the sole competent authority in basketball by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). If you cannot read that message click here. APO Group content is copyright free and can be republished at will. Egalement disponible en Français, Também disponível em Português, تتوفر أيضا في العربية   PRESS RELEASE Basketball Africa League and Rwanda Development Board Announce Multi-Year Extension to Play Basketball Africa League (BAL) Games in Kigali The BAL and RDB will also collaborate on youth development and social impact programs Access Multimedia Content DAKAR, Senegal, June 19, 2023/ -- BAL (https://BAL.NBA.com) Will Continue to Play Games at BK Arena in Kigali, Rwanda and Collaborate with RDB on Youth Development and Social Impact Programs; RwandAir Continues as Official Airline of the BAL. The Basketball Africa League (BAL) and the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) today announced a multi-year extension of their existing collaboration that will see the BAL continue to play games at BK Arena in Kigali, Rwanda each season, including the BAL Playoffs and Finals in 2024, 2026 and 2028. The BAL and RDB will also collaborate on youth development and social impact programs. The extension will see “Visit Rwanda” - the country’s marketing and tourism initiative - continue as a Foundational and Host Partner of the BAL. Through the agreement, Visit Rwanda will continue to be showcased on BAL team uniforms and at the BAL Combine. RwandAir - Rwanda’s national airline - will continue as the Official Airline of the BAL and facilitate travel to and from Kigali for select BAL teams and staff. “The Rwanda Development Board, as a Foundational Partner, has been integral to the launch and continued growth and success of the Basketball Africa League over our first three seasons,” said BAL President Amadou Gallo Fall. “Coming out of our most competitive and compelling season yet, we’re excited to renew our collaboration with RDB that will bring BAL games as well as youth development and social impact programs to Rwanda for years to come.” “We are excited to extend our collaboration with the Basketball Africa League,” said RDB CEO Clare Akamanzi. “We have seen tremendous success and return on investment over the last three years and look forward to doing much more together. The BAL has proven to be a great unifier, and we remain committed to showcasing the best Rwanda has to offer in terms of tourism, investment opportunities, talent development, Made in Rwanda products and much more to the world. With the BAL and other major events, Rwanda is the home for sport in Africa.” “RwandAir is proud to work with the Basketball Africa League, and we are excited to see the Rwanda Development Board continue to bring world-class basketball to Rwanda,” said RwandAir CEO Yvonne Makolo. “We are focused on our goal of delivering world-class customer service as we bring people together through our extensive route network, and we look forward to flying fans and teams over the coming years.” On May 27, 2023, Egypt’s Al Ahly defeated Senegal’s AS Douanes 80-65 to win the 2023 BAL Finals, which took place at BK Arena and reached fans in 214 countries and territories in 17 languages. In conjunction with the 2022 and 2023 BAL Playoffs and Finals, the BAL and NBA Africa held a variety of youth development and social impact programming in Rwanda, including in collaboration with RDB.  Activities to date have included Jr. NBA, Special Olympics and coaches clinics; an environmental day of service; innovation summits that brought together African leaders from business, entertainment, sports, social entrepreneurship and beyond to discuss the enormous growth opportunities on the continent; and a series of workshops for young women from the local community as part of BAL4HER, the league’s platform for advancing gender equality in the African sports ecosystem and celebrating women in the sports industry who serve as role models to young women across the continent. The BAL’s Foundational Partners also include NIKE, Jordan Brand, Wilson and New Fortress Energy (NFE). The league’s roster of world-class marketing partners also includes the Attorney General Alliance (AGA-Africa), Envol City, Hennessy, SERTEM and Société Pétroliere (SP). BAL-Visit Rwanda Hype Video (https://apo-opa.info/3PprTSF) (Credit: BAL). Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Basketball Africa League (BAL). China return to winning ways at FIBA 3x3 Women’s Series Baoding stop 2023 JUNE 17, 2023 BAODING (China) - New-look China make their way back to the top at home as they beat commercial side Sc. Yuanda 21-11 to win the FIBA 3x3 Women’s Series Baoding Stop 2023 on June 17.  Branding a fresh and youthful side this time around, China had a dominant run in the lead-up to the finals, ironically only losing to finalists Sc. Yuanda in an OT thriller. They turned up strong in the knockout stages, defeating Malaysia and an on-fire Japan team to book their spot in the finals. With both sides enjoying home support in Baoding, it came down to the execution of game plans. China stuck to their efficient and gritty ways as they grinded down Sc. Yuanda’s momentum. Ming Zheng was crucial to their triumph, draining huge twos and drives to answer each time Sc Yuanda started to claw back. She put up 8 points in the game. The star of the game and the tournament for China was undeniably Mingling Chen. Her 10-point effort in the finals along with timely rebounds and post-presence proved to be the difference-maker as she was named MVP for her efforts. Final standings 1. China 2. Sc. Yuanda 3. Japan 4. Germany 5. Czech Republic 6. Malaysia 7. Mongolia 8. Romania The Women’s Series will travel to Orleans, France next on June 23-24.  Los subcampeones de la Conferencia del Este de la Liga de Baloncesto Puertorriqueña, los Grises de Humacao regresan para la temporada 2023-2024 (San Juan P.R.) – El apoderado de los Grises de Humacao de la Liga de Baloncesto Puertorriqueña (LBP), Orlando J. López Rivera confirmó oficialmente la participación del equipo para la temporada venidera que comienza el miércoles, 1 de noviembre de 2023, junto al actual presidente de la liga, el Sr. William López, el pasado martes, 13 de junio. López Rivera informó que cuenta con todo el apoyo de la Administración Municipal de la ciudad, el director de Recreación y Deportes, el Sr. Luis A. Rodríguez y su alcalde, Julio L. Geigel Pérez. Hay que recordar que los Grises de Humacao contaron con una temporada histórica, donde lograron una gran gesta para su pueblo. Un núcleo de jugadores jóvenes con hambre de campeonato y un cuerpo técnico de gran nivel, superaron todo pronóstico, logrando posicionarse entre los mejores 4 equipos de Puerto Rico. Contaron con una fiel y gran fanaticada donde los acompañaban a donde quiera que salían a competir. Su escenario local estaba a otro nivel, uno de altura a todos sus atletas, cuerpo técnico, fanáticos y a todos los allí presente. El legendario Coliseo Emilio Huyke de Humacao se vistió de gris y verde neón para poner a brillar su marca. Sin duda es una excelente franquicia y organización. “Orlando López Rivera demostró ser un apoderado serio, responsable y sumamente comprometido con la Liga, como también con su equipo y su pueblo, Humacao. Realizó todas sus funciones como apoderado en propiedad al pie de la letra y sin ningún tipo de señalamiento, proclamándose como APODERADO DEL AÑO de la LBP. Con mucho sacrificio, sin duda tomó el timón del barco y lo llevó a puerto seguro”, expresó el presidente de la liga, William López “De parte de toda la administración de los Grises de Humacao LBP, reafirmamos nuestro compromiso genuino con todos los fanáticos y patrocinadores de nuestra Ciudad Gris. Por quinto año consecutivo continuaremos trabajando arduamente en la confección de un equipo contendor al campeonato. Seguiremos impactando las comunidades y residenciales de Humacao. Permanecemos con nuestro plan de trabajo que incluye clínicas deportivas, charlas y actividades recreativas para el beneficio de los niños y jóvenes que son el futuro de nuestra sociedad. ¡Nos vemos pronto!”, expresó el apoderado de la franquicia humacaeña. Más información en Facebook e Instagram: Grises de Humacao LBP. FORTY-FOUR EARLY ENTRY CANDIDATES WITHDRAW FROM NBA DRAFT 2023 PRESENTED BY STATE FARM®   NEW YORK, June 13, 2023 – Forty international players who had previously declared as early entry candidates for the NBA Draft 2023 presented by State Farm® have withdrawn their names from consideration. In addition to the 108 players who had previously withdrawn their names from consideration, four additional players from colleges and teams in leagues based in the United States who had previously declared have also withdrawn. There are eight international prospects and 84 players from colleges that remain early entry candidates.   NBA Draft 2023 presented by State Farm will be held on Thursday, June 22 at 8:00 p.m. ET. ABC and ESPN will provide coverage for the first round and then ESPN will air the second round. This is the 21st consecutive year the draft will air on ESPN and the 10th Barclays Center will host the NBA Draft.   The following international players have withdrawn their names from consideration for the NBA Draft 2023 presented by State Farm:   Player                                                    Team/Country of Team                   Height                   Status Miguel Allen                                        Joventut (Spain)                                   6-8                          2003 DOB Idrissa Ba                                              Levallois (France)                               7-0                          2002 DOB Elian Benitez                                        Bourg (France)                                     5-11                        2003 DOB William Beugre-Kassi                        Roanne (France)                                  6-6                          2004 DOB Mihailo Boskovic                                Dynamic (Serbia)                                6-10                        2002 DOB Michael Caicedo                                  Granada (Spain)                                   6-6                          2003 DOB Sasa Ciani                                             Cedevita (Croatia)                               6-9                          2003 DOB Carlin Davison                                     Airs (New Zealand)                            6-5                          2003 DOB Ege Demir                                             Tofas (Turkey)                                     6-10                        2004 DOB Thijs De Ridder                                   Antwerp (Belgium)                             6-8                          2003 DOB Nikola Djurisic                                    Mega (Serbia)                                      6-8                          2004 DOB Ruben Dominguez                               Estudiantes (Spain)                             6-5                          2003 DOB Quinn Ellis                                            Monferrato (Italy)                               6-4                          2003 DOB Juan Fernandez                                    Fuenlabrada (Spain)                            6-10                        2002 DOB Clement Frisch                                     Nancy (France)                                    6-7                          2002 DOB Sananda Fru                                          Braunschweig (Germany)                  6-9                          2003 DOB Gloire Goma                                         Chlorella (Spain)                                 6-5                          2003 DOB Hassane Gueye                                    ASA (France)                                       6-10                        2003 DOB Ondrej Hanzlik                                    Girona (Spain)                                     6-7                          2002 DOB Tomislav Ivisic                                    Podgorica (Montenegro)                    7-0                          2003 DOB Zvonimir Ivisic                                    Podgorica (Montenegro)                    7-2                          2003 DOB Ilias Kamardine                                   Evreux (France)                                   6-4                          2003 DOB Konstantin Kostadinov                       Palencia (Spain)                                   6-8                          2003 DOB Oleksandr Kovliar                               Kalev/Cramo (Estonia)                       6-3                          2002 DOB Liutauras Lelevicius                            Zalgiris (Lithuania)                             6-7                          2003 DOB Gilad Levy                                            Hapoel Jerusalem (Israel)                  7-1                          2002 DOB Ruben Lopez                                        Gran Canaria (Spain)                          6-8                          2002 DOB Assemian Moulare                              Vichy-Clermont (France)                   6-0                          2003 DOB             Ousmane Ndiaye                                 Baskonia (Spain)                                 6-11                        2004 DOB David Okwera                                      Melbourne (Australia)                        7-0                          2002 DOB Daniel Onwenu                                    Corinthians (Brazil)                            6-6                          2002 DOB Romain Parmentelot                           Lyon (France)                                      6-3                          2004 DOB Ivan Perasovic                                      Cibona (Croatia)                                  6-7                          2002 DOB Mantas Rubstavicius                           Lietkabelis (Lithuania)                       6-6                          2002 DOB Musa Sagnia                                         Manresa (Spain)                                  6-7                          2003 DOB Birahima Sylla                                     Roanne (France)                                  6-7                          2003 DOB Dez Andras Tanoh                              Budapesti Honved (Hungary)           6-3                          2002 DOB Hugo Toom                                          Kalev/Cramo (Estonia)                       6-7                          2002 DOB Armel Traore                                        Levallois (France)                               6-8                          2003 DOB Ricards Vanags                                    Liepaja (Latvia)                                   6-8                          2002 DOB     The following players from colleges and teams in leagues based in the United States have withdrawn their names from consideration for the NBA Draft 2023 presented by State Farm:   Player                                                    School /Team                                      Height                   Status Josh Bannan                                         Montana                                                6-10                        Junior     Gael Bonilla                                         Capitanes (G League)                         6-7                          Djordjije Jovanovic                             Ontario (G League)                             6-7                          Bobi Klintman                                     Wake Forest                                         6-10                        Freshman     The following players from the listed colleges remain early entry candidates for the NBA Draft 2023 presented by State Farm:   Player                                                    School                                                   Height                   Status Kaodirichi Akobundu-Ehiogu           Memphis                                               6-10                        Senior Damezi Anderson Jr.                          Detroit                                                   6-7                          Senior Chase Audige                                       Northwestern                                        6-4                          Senior Marcus Bagley                                     Arizona State                                        6-8                          Sophomore Amari Bailey                                        UCLA                                                    6-5                          Freshman Grant Basile                                          Virginia Tech                                       6-9                          Senior Emoni Bates                                         Eastern Michigan                                6-10                        Sophomore Manny Bates                                        Butler                                                     6-11                        Senior Damion Baugh                                     TCU                                                       6-4                          Senior Charles Bediako                                  Alabama                                                7-0                          Sophomore Anthony Black                                     Arkansas                                               6-7                          Freshman Kobe Brown                                         Missouri                                                6-7                          Senior Kobe Bufkin                                         Michigan                                               6-4                          Sophomore Toumani Camara                                 Dayton                                                   6-8                          Senior Tyger Campbell                                   UCLA                                                    6-0                          Senior Jaylen Clark                                          UCLA                                                    6-5                          Junior Noah Clowney                                     Alabama                                                6-10                        Freshman Yuri Collins                                          Saint Louis                                            6-0                          Senior Ricky Council IV                                Arkansas                                               6-6                          Junior Gradey Dick                                         Kansas                                                   6-8                          Freshman              Alou Dillon                                           Purdue-Northwest                               6-8                          Senior Tosan Evbuomwan                              Princeton                                               6-8                          Senior Adam Flagler                                       Baylor                                                    6-3                          Senior Armaan Franklin                                 Virginia                                                 6-4                          Senior Alex Fudge                                           Florida                                                   6-8                          Sophomore Myron Gardner                                    Little Rock                                            6-6                          Senior Keyonte George                                   Baylor                                                    6-4                          Freshman Wendell Green Jr.                               Auburn                                                  5-11                        Junior Mouhamed Gueye                               Washington State                                6-11                        Sophomore De’Vion Harmon                                 Texas Tech                                           6-2                          Senior Joey Hauser                                          Michigan State                                     6-9                          Senior Jordan Hawkins                                   Connecticut                                          6-5                          Sophomore Taylor Hendricks                                 UCF                                                       6-9                          Freshman Jalen Hood-Schifino                           Indiana                                                   6-6                          Freshman Jett Howard                                          Michigan                                               6-8                          Freshman              Andre Jackson Jr.                                Connecticut                                          6-6                          Junior Gregory “GG” Jackson II                  South Carolina                                     6-9                          Freshman Trayce Jackson-Davis                         Indiana                                                   6-9                          Senior Jaime Jaquez Jr.                                   UCLA                                                    6-7                          Senior Keyontae Johnson                               Kansas State                                         6-5                          Senior Colby Jones                                          Xavier                                                    6-6                          Junior Jackson Kenyon                                   Miami (OH)                                          6-8                          Senior Maxwell Lewis                                    Pepperdine                                            6-7                          Sophomore Dereck Lively II                                  Duke                                                      7-1                          Freshman Chris Livingston                                  Kentucky                                               6-6                          Freshman Seth Lundy                                           Penn State                                             6-6                          Senior Mike Miles Jr.                                      TCU                                                       6-2                          Junior Brandon Miller                                    Alabama                                                6-9                          Freshman Demetrius Mims                                  Gannon (PA)                                        6-6                          Senior Omari Moore                                        San Jose State                                       6-6                          Senior Kris Murray                                          Iowa                                                       6-8                          Junior Landers Nolley II                                Cincinnati                                             6-7                          Senior Jack Nunge                                           Xavier                                                    7-0                          Senior    Nick Ongenda                                      DePaul                                                   6-11                        Senior Julian Phillips                                       Tennessee                                             6-8                          Freshman Uros Plavsic                                         Tennessee                                             7-0                          Senior Brandin Podziemski                            Santa Clara                                           6-5                          Sophomore Justin Powell                                        Washington State                                6-6                          Junior Olivier-Maxence Prosper                   Marquette                                              6-8                          Junior Terry Roberts                                       Georgia                                                  6-3                          Senior Adama Sanogo                                     Connecticut                                          6-9                          Junior Marcus Sasser                                      Houston                                                 6-2                          Senior Brice Sensabaugh                                Ohio State                                             6-6                          Freshman Ben Sheppard                                       Belmont                                                 6-6                          Senior Grant Sherfield                                    Oklahoma                                             6-2                          Senior Dontrell Shuler                                    Cal State San Bernardino                   6-3                          Senior Malachi Smith                                      Gonzaga                                                6-4                          Senior Nick Smith Jr.                                      Arkansas                                               6-5                          Freshman Terquavion Smith                                North Carolina State                           6-4                          Sophomore           Julian Strawther                                   Gonzaga                                                6-7                          Junior Justice Sueing                                      Ohio State                                             6-7                          Senior Drew Timme                                        Gonzaga                                                6-10                        Senior Jacob Toppin                                        Kentucky                                               6-9                          Senior Oscar Tshiebwe                                   Kentucky                                               6-9                          Senior Azuolas Tubelis                                   Arizona                                                  6-11                        Junior Jarace Walker                                       Houston                                                 6-8                          Freshman Cason Wallace                                     Kentucky                                               6-4                          Freshman Jordan Walsh                                        Arkansas                                               6-7                          Freshman Dariq Whitehead                                 Duke                                                      6-7                          Freshman Cam Whitmore                                    Villanova                                              6-7                          Freshman Tyler Willoughby                                Voorhees (SC)                                     6-3                          Senior Jalen Wilson                                         Kansas                                                   6-8                          Junior Tyrese Wineglass                                Southwestern Adventist (TX)           5-10                        Junior Isaiah Wong                                         Miami                                                    6-4                          Senior     The following international players remain early entry candidates for the NBA Draft 2023 presented by State Farm:   Player                                                    Team/Country of Team                   Height                   Status Bilal Coulibaly                                     Levallois (France)                               6-6                          2004 DOB Nadir Hifi                                              Le Portel (France)                               6-3                          2002 DOB James Nnaji                                          Barcelona (Spain)                                7-0                          2004 DOB Rayan Rupert                                       New Zealand (Australia)                    6-6                          2004 DOB Marcio Santos                                      Sesi Franca (Brazil)                            6-9                          2002 DOB Enzo Shahrvin                                      Pau Orthez (France)                            6-7                          2003 DOB Tristan Vukcevic                                 Partizan (Serbia)                                  7-0                          2003 DOB Victor Wembanyama                          Levallois (France)                               7-4                          2004 DOB DENVER’S NIKOLA JOKIĆ NAMED 2023 NBA FINALS MVP Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokić is the recipient of The Bill Russell Trophy as the Most Valuable Player of the 2023 NBA Finals presented by YouTube TV.  Jokić received all 11 votes from a media panel at the NBA Finals.  The voting panel is below. VOTING PANEL: 2023 NBA FINALS MVP AWARD Voter Affiliation Sam Amick The Athletic Malika Andrews ESPN Doris Burke ESPN Radio Miguel Candeias A Bola (Portugal) Vincent Goodwill Yahoo Sports Mark Jackson ESPN/ABC Shaun Powell NBA.com Tim Reynolds Associated Press Mike Singer Denver Post Ira Winderman Sun Sentinel Jeff Zillgitt USA Today # # #   FIBA 3x3 World Tour 2023 Final to take place in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia JUNE 12, 2023 MIES (Switzerland) – FIBA has announced the 12th edition of the World Tour Final which will take place in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on December 8-9, 2023. The pinnacle event of the professional men’s circuit, the World Tour Final will return once again to Saudi Arabia. The tournament was previously hosted in the Kingdom in 2020 and 2021, and the World Tour Masters in 2019 and 2022. Hosted in close cooperation with the Saudi Arabian Basketball Federation, the World Tour Final will showcase the world’s best 3x3 players and continue to drive the development of 3x3 basketball in Saudi Arabia and throughout the Middle East.  “We could not be happier to be returning to Jeddah for the hosting of the prestigious FIBA 3x3 World Tour Final in 2023,” said FIBA President Niang. “We are excited by the opportunities that will come from bringing the most thrilling urban team sport back to Saudi Arabia and inspiring the next generation of 3x3 stars in the region.” “We are very pleased to host the 3x3 World Tour Final for the third time since 2020, and we will work hard to make it another successful event”, said Dr. Ghassan Tashkandi. The announcement was made during a ceremony at the FIBA 3x3 World Cup 2023, in Vienna, Austria in the presence of FIBA President, Hamane Niang, and Dr. Ghassan Tashkandi, President of the Saudi Arabia Basketball Federation. Full 2023 3x3 World Tour Season Utsunomiya Opener - April 29-30 Manila - May 20-21 Marseille - June 30 - July 1 Macau - July 8-9 Edmonton - July 28-29 Prague - August 5-6 Lausanne - August 18-19 Debrecen - August 26-27 Constanta - September 9-10 Cebu - September 23-24 Amsterdam - October 6-7 Shanghai - October 14-15 Chengdu - October 21-22 Abu Dhabi - October 27-28 Wuxi - November 4-5 Manama presented by Bahrain Tourism & GFH - November 16-17 Hong Kong - November 25-26 World Tour Final - Jeddah - December 8-9 The FIBA 3x3 World Tour Final will benefit from a historic coverage, with brand new and record number of broadcasters and multi-platform exposure on social media. ### Exciting, urban and innovative, 3x3 is inspired by several forms of streetball played worldwide and is considered the world’s number one urban team sport. Steered by FIBA, games see two teams of three players face off on a basketball half-court. It was played successfully for the first time in international competition at the 2010 Youth Olympic Games in Singapore and since then has benefited from the launch of a yearly professional circuit for men and women (World Tour and Women’s Series respectively) and national-team competitions. 3x3 made its Olympic debut at the Tokyo 2020 Games. Wilson is the Global Ball Partner. Wilson is also the Apparel Partner, Maurice Lacroix the Official Timekeeper and Chooks-to-Go the Global Partner of the FIBA 3x3 World Tour 2023. FIBA 3x3 events are played on Enlio floors with Wilson balls, Schelde backstops, Bodet shot-clocks and the Magic Sky canopy system.