The world’s best 3×3 players will gather in Manila next year as the Philippines earned the right to host the 5th FIBA 3×3 World Cup in 2018.
“We are delighted to bring the FIBA 3×3 World Cup to the Philippines,” FIBA 3×3 Managing Director Alex Sanchez said.
FIBA lauded the Philippines for being a “pioneer in the development” of the sport. The country earlier hosted two stages of the FIBA 3×3 World Tour in 2014 and 2015 that featured PBA superstars Calvin Abueva and Terrence Romeo.
“We are very proud and honored to be hosting the FIBA 3×3 World Cup next year,” Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas Executive Director Sonny Barrios said.
“Our two previous experiences hosting FIBA 3×3 events have been a success and 3×3 has become a centerpiece of our development program.”
A total of 40 men’s and women’s teams will compete in the team event. Side events such as the men’s dunk contest, women’s skills contest and mixed shootout contest will also be held.
“We are positive SBP and the passionate Filipino fans will make it an unbelievable experience for the best 3×3 players in the world and everyone watching on all platforms,” Sanchez added.
Serbia’s men and Czech Republic’s women are currently the reigning FIBA 3×3 World champions. They will try to defend their title in the 2017 FIBA 3×3 World Cup that will be staged in Nantes, France on June 17-21.