3x3: Join the worldwide movement in your own backyard

It’s the chance to be part of a worldwide movement.

In your own backyard.

At a time when three-on-three basketball is sweeping the globe, players of all ages and abilities will be gathering at the Saville Community Sports Centre in Edmonton on June 2 and 3 for the eighth annual Alberta Basketball FIBA 3x3.

There is no better opportunity for the community to unite in the spirit of sportsmanship and competition around the game of basketball than Alberta Basketball 3x3, which features Wheelchair, U11, U13, U15, U17 and Adult Recreational divisions for both men and women. New to the festivities this year are always-exciting Shoot-Out contests, just like on the FIBA 3x3 World Tour, for youth and adults (read all about the Shoot-Out becoming part of Alberta Basketball 3x3).

“We want everybody who comes to have a great time being part of this event that you just can’t get anywhere else,” says Alberta Basketball Association executive director Paul Sir.

Everyone who participates gets their own unique and personalized FIBA 3x3 Planet profile on the http://3x3planet.com website, connecting them with players from every corner of the world.

 “You are automatically part of the global 3x3 community,” Sir says.

Tremendous anticipation surrounds the elite-level Canada Quest division, which will crown a brand new champion in 2018. The first-place team receives $2,500 prize money, while the runner-up earns $1,000, and both squads receive an automatic berth in the Canada Quest National Championship at the Saville Community Sports Centre in July. That event will see teams from across the country vie for a spot in the FIBA 3x3 Saskatoon Masters later in July and the incredible opportunity to play against the very best 3x3 teams that Earth has to offer.

Considered the top urban team sport in the world, 3x3 was added to the Olympic program for 2020 when it will makes it Summer Games debut in Tokyo.

“This is another sport to chase your Olympic dream in,” says Sir.

The explosive growth and popularity of 3x3 is no surprise. The sport is ideal for skill development in youth and fosters participation, is highly accessible and inclusive, and, moreover, is just a great time to be had by all.

“It’s structured street-ball, so it’s the best of going into the gym with your friends and just plying, and that’s really where 3x3 comes from,” Sir says. “Everybody has to dribble, pass and shoot, rebound and defat. Everybody has to do everything in the game. It’s the purest and most fun way to play basketball.”

Alberta Basketball continues to be at the forefront of three-on-three hoops. The Edmonton 3x3 event the largest and longest-running in the country, and has had teams go on to play on the FIBA 3x3 World Tour and on multiple occasions even reach the World Tour Championship. This September, West Edmonton Mall will host the first Canada’s first ever FIBA 3x3 Challenger event, which will draw elite talent from across the planet.

“We are the leaders nationally in the sport of 3x3,” says Sir. “We have thrown our time and energy into bringing the sport into the future. We take a lot of pride in being in our eighth year and to see Edmonton be the capital of 3x3 basketball in Canada, with the National Championship being here and the FIBA Challenger coming in September.”

How can you be part of Alberta Basketball FIBA 3x3? Click here to sign up now!

See you at the Saville Centre on June 2 and 3!