NAN-S-9
Basketball
By Babatunde Ogunrinde
Lagos Nov. 4, 2016 (NAN) Howell Alusi, Coordinator, Lagos 3×3 Basketball Tour has expressed confidence that the event will ignite the passion for semi-professional basketball championships for ages 16 upwards.
Alusi told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Lagos that the event was targeted at developing youths who are yet to taste the professional aspect of the game.
According to him, the maiden 3×3 Basketball Tour will hold from Nov. 5 to Dec. 3 in five centres across the state.
The venues are Ilupeju, Ikeja, Yaba, Ikoyi and the final event in Surulere.
“I am happy that all is set for the take off of the 3×3 basketball tournament which is backed by the world governing body, FIBA and the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF).
“The tour is largely focusing on street challenge for young male and female players largely 16 years above who are yet to play professional competitions.
“It is organised not only to develop the participants but also give them the opportunity to showcase their talent and at the end receive a certificate of participation and recognition,’’ Alusi said.
Alusi added that the programme would create an enabling environment for younger basketball players to visit sports centres with their selected teams and participate in the game.
“It is urban in nature and endorsed by the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) which the participants will have their individual rankings they deserve.
“The competition will be a round robin game and two teams will be selected from the centres,’’ he said.
Alusi said that no fewer than 48 teams have so far registered and that the list was open for more teams wishing to register.
“The tour has been well received by the many young players and it is definitely going to be a huge success as we have all the modalities to ensure a hitch free tournament.
“It is also going to be on the sports calendar of the state, as already, we have the backing of the Lagos State Basketball Associations (LSBBA).
“We also intend to spread to other parts of the country as we have already met with some other state associations, and once we have the clearance, we will proceed to organize events,’’ Alusi said.
NAN reports that the tournament is also backed by Swift Network, Urbanised Group, Item Sports and Rave TV. (NAN)
BAO/ENN/MZA
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(Edited by Edwin Nwachukwu/Maharazu Ahmed)