It couldn’t end like this, so suddenly. Beaten on Saturday morning by the Americans from Princeton (16-19) during the first group match of the Hong Kong Masters final, the players of the 3 x 3 basketball club from Paris had blown their entry wild card. Causing some fear in the French camp. But the Parisians, who are playing their last competition with this name, ended up reassuring themselves by winning against the Austrians from Vienna (20-17).
A victory that allows them to conquer second place in their group at the last minute and secure a ticket for the rollercoaster of the world final of the international “FIBA 3 x 3 WorldTour” circuit. A historic first for the Parisian club. Already the scorer of eight points in the first match, Franck Seguela was once again one of the architects of the French reaction with eight new points against Vienna.
Followed by Jules Rambaut – silver medalist at the Paris Games this summer – Paul Djoko and Hugo Suhard will face the Americans from Miami, number 3 in the world, in the quarter-finals. The match will take place on Sunday, at 9:10 am, French time. In the event of a new feat, they will challenge the winner of the quarter-final between Riffa (Bahrain) and Partizan (Serbia) for a place in the final.
Furthermore, the International Federation took advantage of this meeting to announce that the Dutchman Worthy de Jong was crowned MVP of the 2024 FIBA 3 x 3 WorldTour regular season after votes from players and fans. He is also the author of the decisive basket at the siren against France in the final of the Paris Olympic Games, and was elected MVP of the tournament. Franck Seguela is the player most loved by the fans, who voted for the Frenchman with 40.57% against 13.46% for the Dutchman.
What are the key factors that influence a team’s performance in 3×3 basketball tournaments?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Basketball Expert
Time.news Editor: Welcome, everyone! Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with basketball expert, Dr. Emily Carter, who has been following the international 3×3 basketball scene closely. Emily, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Emily Carter: Thank you for having me! I’m excited to discuss the recent happenings at the Hong Kong Masters.
Time.news Editor: Let’s dive straight into it. The Paris 3×3 basketball club faced quite a setback in their opening match against Princeton, losing 16-19. How significant do you think that loss was for them, especially given the context of their competition?
Dr. Emily Carter: That loss was particularly impactful. A defeat in the initial match can set a challenging tone for the entire tournament, especially since they were seen as one of the favorites. The pressure mounts not only from the need to perform but also from the expectations of their fans and sponsors.
Time.news Editor: Absolutely. They recovered quickly in their second game against Vienna, winning 20-17. How important was that victory for their morale?
Dr. Emily Carter: It was crucial. Winning the second game allowed them to regain some of their lost confidence and showed their ability to rebound mentally from a disappointing start. In 3×3 basketball, where the format is fast-paced and games can turn on a dime, it’s important to shake off setbacks quickly.
Time.news Editor: You mentioned that this is their last competition under the name ”Paris 3×3.” How does this change affect the team’s dynamics, especially in a high-stakes environment like the Hong Kong Masters?
Dr. Emily Carter: Transitioning away from an established name can bring both challenges and opportunities. On one hand, there might be added pressure to perform well, knowing they have to leave a lasting legacy. On the other hand, a new beginning might energize the team and encourage a fresh mindset. It’s all about how they choose to channel that energy.
Time.news Editor: Looking ahead, what do you think the Paris team needs to focus on to be competitive in the remaining matches?
Dr. Emily Carter: They need to maintain their composure and focus on team cohesion. Communication is key in 3×3, as there are fewer players on the court, and the dynamics of the game change rapidly. Additionally, they should capitalize on their strengths—whether that’s speed, skill, or strategy—while also being aware of their opponents’ tactics.
Time.news Editor: Great points, Emily. As we look at the broader picture of 3×3 basketball as it gains popularity on the global stage, what do you think the future holds for this format?
Dr. Emily Carter: The future is bright for 3×3 basketball. It’s fast, engaging, and perfect for urban environments, appealing to younger audiences. As more cities host events and as the Olympic spotlight continues to shine on this format, we can expect to see increased investment in player development and more teams emerging worldwide.
Time.news Editor: That sounds promising! Thank you, Dr. Carter, for sharing your insights with us today. We’ll all be watching closely as the Paris team continues in the tournament!
Dr. Emily Carter: Thank you for having me—it’s been a pleasure! Let’s see how the games unfold.
Time.news Editor: And to our viewers, stay tuned for more updates and analyses on the world of sports right here at Time.news!