Playoff action on Friday, December 4, 2020, in the FIBA 3x3 Basketball tournament. Photo: Facebook

Starting with a total of 18 registered teams across categories for both male and female, the tournament has an overall objective of promoting 3x3 Basketball in the territory, spokesman Eustace C. Freeman aka ‘Boss’ told Virgin Islands News Online (VINO). Photo: VINO/File

Starting with a total of 18 registered teams across categories for both male and female, the tournament has an overall objective of promoting 3x3 Basketball in the territory, spokesman Eustace C. Freeman aka ‘Boss’ told Virgin Islands News Online (VINO).

“18 total teams registered across the categories which are from Under 13 and Under 15, Under 18, Open Male and also 40-Plus,” he said.

3x3 Format being pushed locally – MR Freeman

Mr Freeman said the appeal of the 3x3 format locally, comes as part of a new initiative being pushed by basketball internationally where due to the size of the game and amount of players needed, the format allows basketball to be played anywhere.

According to FIBA, the rule of the game are as follows: 1 basket on 1 half-court, 2 teams of 3 players and up to 1 substitute per team with a 12-seconds shot-clock.

The first team to reach 21 points or best after 10 minutes win.

“So that’s the basis behind what we're doing here today, the festivities happening at the Admin Complex and we use the opportunity to bring basketball to where people are,” he further said.

According to Mr Freeman, the finals will start at 5:00 pm sharp and is being organized by the BVI Basketball Federation in collaboration with the Department of Youth Affairs and Sports, with support from City Manager Janice Braithwaite-Edwards.