GB to enter 3×3 teams in FIBA competitions to prep England for Commonwealth Games

Great Britain Basketball have entered male and female teams made up of England players at two events this year – the FIBA Europe Cup qualifier and the FIBA Under-23 League of Nations to help prepare Team England for the inaugural Commonwealth Games 3×3 event at Birmingham 2022.

The collaboration between the British Basketball Federation and Basketball England, with Commonwealth Games funding from Sport England, will see BE select and run the teams, using the tournaments as part of the Team England player selection process and preparation for 3×3 at the 2022 Games.

“This year marks a new start for the British Basketball Federation following December’s Progression lottery funding award, which has specific targets to re-establish the BBF, continue the improvements in both the women’s and men’s games and look towards Paris 2024 for 3×3 basketball,” Toni Minichiello, chair of the British Basketball Federation, said.

“What better way to do that than working in collaboration with the home countries, especially Basketball England the host nation, towards the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

“This collaboration with BE helps enhance the opportunities of all the Commonwealth countries that make up Great Britain to get a chance to qualify for Birmingham 2022. Thanks to Steve Bucknall and Basketball England’s Commonwealth Games Team Leader Pete Griffiths for all the work they have done to make this happen.”

The approach was agreed with fellow Home Country Associations, Basketball Scotland and Basketball Wales.

It will, in turn, help GB gather FIBA 3×3 player and national team ranking points, a scenario which also benefits Scotland and Wales, who face a qualification process for Birmingham 2022.

The move is set to lead to further collaboration and development with GB and the HCAs looking towards Great Britain qualification for the 2024 and 2028 Olympic 3×3 events.

“This is a great way for England to prepare for the Commonwealth Games in a way that should also benefit the development of Great Britain 3×3 and the other home countries,” Stewart Kellet, Basketball England CEO, added.

“Thanks to everyone who has worked together to make it happen.

“We are looking forward to shining a spotlight on this form of the game through these and other events and, as part of our campaign to promote the Games and 3×3, creating a lasting legacy after Birmingham 2022 of great outdoor places to play and help the whole game recover from the impact of COVID-19. It is an exciting time for our game.”

Technical and Talent Performance Manager Steve Bucknall is leading Basketball England’s selection planning for the Commonwealth Games, a process that has already started with a sweep of current GB senior and U20 players and others and a recruitment process for coaches.

“The two tournaments are a great opportunity for us to look at potential England players in a 3×3 setting ahead of further preparation for the Commonwealth Games next year,” Bucknall commented.

“This is an exciting opportunity for players to represent their country and after that, for them to have the opportunity to compete for medals as part of Team England in Birmingham.

“In the longer term, we hope this leads to a growth of 3×3 across the nation, inspiring more people to enjoy and compete in this all-action form of basketball, and leads to Great Britain qualification for future Olympic Games.”

The Europe Cup Finals will take place in September with the League of Nations in July and August. Qualification for the Europe Cup will take place in June.