Fukuoka basketballers get ready – the 3×3 Tournament.Exe in Fukuoka is happening in Tenjin this weekend! Pronounced “3 on 3” – it’s a formalized version of three-on-three basketball, initially developed on inner-city asphalt outdoor courts in the US. Backed by the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and the Japan Basketball Association and sponsored by Adidas, a series of qualifying tournaments is currently taking place across 9 locations in Japan from Yokohama to Okinawa. The Fukuoka tournament (9/7~8 at Fureai Hiroba) consists of 32 teams – 24 mens’ teams and 8 women’s. First prize for the mens open category is ¥200,000; and ¥100,000 for women’s open category. The final stage takes place in Tokyo next January, with finalists from the qualifying tournaments battling it out for first prize of ¥300,000 each for mens’ and womens’ open categories (runner up prizes of ¥100,000 and MVP award of ¥50,000). Among the most played recreational sports in the world, 3×3 is anticipated as a key motor for the growth of basketball. The sport is currently being promoted by FIBA, which began developing it in 2007 with hopes to have FIBA 3×3 adopted by the Summer Olympics by 2016 or 2020. The Japan Basketball Association is on board with the goal to spread the sport and works in cooperation with FIBA for the 3×3 Tournament.Exe in Japan.
Image from Yokohama 3×3 Tournament 2013.
• 9/7 (Sat.), 9/8 (Sun.)
• Fureai Hiroba (1-8-1 Tenjin, Chuo-ku)
• http://www.3x3league.com
