Shanghai (China) – Riffa (BRN) etched their name into the history of FIBA 3×3 World Tour with their first-ever victory after defeating Paris (FRA) 20-15 to claim the championship at Shanghai on September 22. This win not only marks the first major triumph for the Bahrain-based team but also highlights their remarkable improvement after a challenging season.
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Riffa’s Inspirational Journey at World Tour 2024
Following a rough start, Riffa consistently improved their performance, overcoming formidable opponents to reach the finals of the ninth World Tour event of the season. Their success stems from perfect team coordination and effective strategies, allowing them to maintain dominance and uphold an impressive unbeaten streak.
One of the most memorable moments for Riffa was Maurice Lacroix’s dramatic Buzzer Beater in the semi-final against top-seeded Ub Huishan NE (SRB), propelling them into the final with heightened spirits. In the decisive match, Jonas Foerts showed determination with early aggressive plays, but Paris was not to be outdone as French star Franck Seguela responded with precise long-distance shots.
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The final was a fierce battle with spectacular plays from both teams. Thibaut Vervoort stood out with a powerful dunk, helping Riffa to pull ahead with a crucial lead. Despite Paris’s relentless chase, MVP Dennis Donkor stepped up at the critical moment with a decisive layup followed by two successful free throws, sealing Riffa’s historic victory. The players celebrated in style, marking a significant stride as they enter the season’s final stretch.
The Appeal and Growth of 3×3 Basketball
3×3 basketball is not just a sport; it symbolizes street spirit, creativity, and intense competition. Inspired by street basketball played worldwide, 3×3 quickly became the most beloved urban team sport. Each game takes place on a half-court with two teams of three players, creating a compact yet thrilling environment where speed and individual skills are at their peak.
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3×3 basketball first made its international debut at the 2010 Youth Olympic Games in Singapore and swiftly captivated global audiences. Since then, the sport has evolved into an annual professional league format, with the World Tour for men and Women’s Series for women, drawing top national teams from around the globe.
What makes 3×3 stand out is its dynamic nature and the constant tactical shifts during each second of the game. The short game duration (only 10 minutes or until a team reaches 21 points) combined with lively music and the electric atmosphere of the crowd transforms each match into an entertaining sports event. More than just a sport, 3×3 represents youthful urban culture, connecting basketball enthusiasts everywhere.
Final Standings of FIBA 3×3 World Tour Shanghai 2024:
- Riffa (BRN)
- Paris (FRA)
- Ub Huishan NE (SRB)
- Ulaanbaatar MMC Energy (MGL)
- Lausanne (SUI)
- Vienna (AUT)
- Princeton (USA)
- Liman (SRB)
- Plunge (LTU)
- Wuxi WenLv (CHN)
- Belgrade (SRB)
- Chongming (CHN)
- Milan (ITA)
- HK Central (HKG)
Alongside team battles, individual contests like the Maurice Lacroix Shoot-Out and Maurice Lacroix Dunk were major highlights. Enis Murati (Vienna) excelled with 16 points to win the Shoot-Out contest, while Piotr ‘Grabo’ Grabowski captivated the audience with his spectacular dunks.
Future Directions of FIBA 3×3
The FIBA 3×3 World Tour 2024 promises more exciting showdowns as it resumes on October 1-2 in Wuxi, China. With top teams from around the world competing, the tournament is not just a showcase of skills but also a stage for inspiring stories from athletes. 3×3 basketball has proven its immense appeal and has become an integral part of major sporting events, especially since its inclusion in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
Wilson, the official ball partner, and Maurice Lacroix, the official timer, along with high-quality equipment from Enlio, Schelde, Bodet, and Magic Sky, all contributed to the tournament’s success. 3×3 is more than a sport; it is a cultural icon connecting the global basketball community.
