Stage set for Dubai's International Basketball comp

Jose Maria Santos 19:01 14/01/2015
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  • Basketball action at a previous DIBC game.

    After successfully hosting the 2014 FIBA U17 World Championship last year, the country will witness another top-level basketball competition with the staging of the 26th Dubai International Basketball Tournament at Al Ahli Club on January 15-24.

    Nine teams from the UAE, Philippines, Lebanon, Libya, Egypt, Morocco and a selection of American players will battle on the hardcourt to become champions in the annual tournament held under the patronage of HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

    According to Waleed Awad Samy, tournament organising manager, the teams to watch are the sides from Lebanon –  Al Riyadi and Sagesse sides –  and the Philippine squad represented by PBA (Philippine Basketball Association) expansion team NLEX Road Warriors.

    “Lebanon is a powerhouse in regional basketball while the Philippine team enjoys a sort of ‘home advantage’ because of the huge partisan Filipino crowd. Teams from Egypt (Zamalek) and Morocco (Salé) are also strong while the UAE teams (National team and Al Shabab Club) have a good chance to get into the Final,” added Samy.

    Meanwhile, Dubai-based Philippine team coordinator Rolan Carpi said he is confident NLEX Road Warriors can win the championship because the team is bannered by former Los Angeles Clippers forward Al Thornton, who was drafted 14th overall in the 2007 NBA Draft.

    The 6-foot-7 American cager put up 12.7 PPG and 4.5 RPG in 79 games in his first year, which were good enough to land him an All-NBA Rookie First Team slot. He will be supported by PBA veteran Asi Taulava, Wyne Arboleda, Enrico Villanueva, Aldrech Ramos, and Jonas Villanueva who all have previously competed in basketball tournaments in Dubai.

    Filipino expats are again expected to come in droves.

    The DIBC is organised by the UAE Basketball Federation, in coordination with the Dubai Sports Council, and is one of the main events of the Dubai Shopping Festival. Basketball lovers surely do not want to miss this tournament. Tickets priced at 25 dirhams can be bought at the gates.

    Group A

    UAE National Team (Al Habtoor Group), Philippines (NLEX Road Warriors), Al Riyadi Lebanon (Dubai Duty Free), Zamalek Egypt (Egypt Air), Ittihad Libya (Star Food)

    Group B

    Sagesse Lebanon (Fly Emirates), Al Shabab UAE (DP World), Salé Morocco (Live Free), And1 USA Selection (Athlete's Rod)

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