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MIBF aims to follow FIBA 3×3 program
Fab IV’s Eleina Santos, center, challenges the defense of two CTSI players during their title game in the Mariana Islands Basketball Federation-hosted 3×3 tournament at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium in October last year. (Roselyn B. Monroyo)
The Mariana Islands Basketball Federation eyes to implement the 3×3 program launched by the International Basketball Federation last year.
The FIBA 3×3 Fast Track development program was introduced last year in order to address the growing demand of participation and progress of the sport in all FIBA-member national federations.
Under the program, FIBA would offer support in developing a long-term plan for each national federation. The long-term plan is to identify young talents and mentor them through skills camps. FIBA will also provide coaching to players in the 16 to 23 age group to raise the competitiveness of 3×3 national teams.
MIBF, just like other national federations, will have to identify and select a pool of 16 U18 players in the boys and girls divisions at the beginning of each year. The 32 that will be chosen will take part in four national skills camp conducted by their federation every year.
The national federation then can send one team in each gender to attend two international skills camps organized by FIBA. FIBA-designated experts will also hold sessions for coaches. The national federation will be funding the activities and FIBA is advising its members to seek financial help from their respective national Olympic committee, the government, and private businesses.
Through the implementation of the FIBA 3×3 program, MIBF would like to improve the skill level of all players and the competitiveness of the islands’ national teams.
Popularity of FIBA’s 3×3 basketball has rapidly grown since the federation began the program, especially after the event kicked off at the inaugural Youth Olympic Games in Singapore in 2010 with Serbia winning the gold after a 22-9 demolition of Croatia. Lithuania then ruled the competition in the 2014 Youth Olympics in Nanjing, China, following a close 18-16 decision over France in the finals. This year, the event will be held in Buenos Aires, Argentina from Oct. 6 to 18.
Meanwhile, the men’s and women’s 3×3 basketball will be making its debut in the 2020 Olympic Games set from July 24 to Aug. 9 in Tokyo, Japan.
