Dubai to host FIBA Under-17 World Championship
The best young basketball players in the world will be coming to the UAE next year as Dubai was named the host city for the FIBA Under-17 Basketball World Championships.
The UAE beat out Romania to win the bid after impressing FIBA officials who visited the UAE in March this year to run the rule over the city’s facilities.
The tournament will begin next year between August 7-17, with 16 teams - including the UAE - taking part. Five venues across Dubai will be used with Al Ahli and Al Shabab hosting the opening rounds, Al Wasl and Al Nasr the second round before the knockout stages move to the all-purpose Sheikh Hamdan Sports Complex.
The edition will be the competition’s third with the USA winning the tournament in 2010 and 2012. UAE basketball’s technical director Mounir Ben Slimane believes hosting the event will help create a legacy of basketball in the UAE, hoping to inspire a new generation of players.
“If we had to qualify through the normal channels, it would have been very hard but in hosting we can help kids to fulfil their dream,” Slimane said. “It is their bid too.
“We were worried that Romania would be given the event and we would be given it further down the line. It was a big relief and a big achievement.
“This is a very big achievement for UAE basketball. It’s big for the country, Dubai and the Basketball Association. This will put Dubai on the world basketball map.
“We have to get ready and give a strong message to the local community to get involved. We want players, referees, managers, parents, everybody should be involved to make this tournament a success and create a long lasting legacy.”
Welcoming the world's basketball future: The offical poster.
The UAE basketball president Osmail al Gargawi headed a delegation that travelled to the FIBA headquarters in Geneva last week where they successfully lobbied to win the event.
Ismail Al Gargawi, President of the UAE Basketball Association, said: “We are delighted to have secured this prestigious event. This is a historic decision as it will be the first time a FIBA World Championship will be played in the Middle East.
“It will leave a long lasting legacy for basketball in the UAE and Dubai and will help us to spread the development of basketball throughout our region.
“We will ensure that we deliver a great event that will showcase Dubai and basketball in our country and exceed FIBA’s expectations.”
FAMOUS FIVE
A quintet of players who have previous starred at the Under-17 Championships:
Bradley Beal
The Washington Wizards shooting guard was one of the front runners for Rookie of the Year last season as helping to turn his franchise into a contender. Beal was the MVP in the tournament’s first incarnation in 2010 after averaging 19 points per game.
Andrew Wiggins
You haven’t heard of Wiggins yet but you soon will do. The Canadian is the top rated player in North America and teams are expected to tank next season in the hope of snaffling the player that has been likened to LeBron James. Athletic and a brilliant scorer, Wiggins would be No1 in this year’s draft were he eligible.
Andre Drummond
The Detroit Pistons youngster was a star last season and is likely to be an All-Star for years to come. Massive and freakishly athletic, Drummond was a front runner for Rookie of the Year and could end up being the best player from the 2012 draft.
Anthony Bennett
The Canadian is one of the top prospects in this year’s draft class. A burly power forward with limitless skill, Bennett is one of the few players in the 2013 draft with genuine All-Star potential.
Michael Kidd-Gilchrist
The second pick in the 2012 draft, KIidd- Gilchrist has the uphill task of making the Charlotte Bobcats good. An NCAA winner with Kentucky, the small forward is a star in the making known for defence and hustle.
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