Latest news with #BahrainBasketballAssociation


Daily Tribune
24-06-2025
- Sport
- Daily Tribune
Bahrain's 3x3 basketball boom
Bahrain has made a remarkable climb in the FIBA men's 3x3 basketball world rankings, jumping 84 places to reach 73rd globally and 17th in Asia. Rapid Rise, Strategic Roots It's easy to look at the numbers and label Bahrain's ascent a breakthrough, and it is, but the real story lies in how it happened. Back in March, Bahrain sat outside the top 150. Today, they're firmly in the global conversation, and that's largely down to two things: elite-level performances abroad and smart planning at home. Internationally, Mohamed Kuwaid has been central. The national team standout impressed in FIBA 3x3 World Tour events in Vienna and Ulaanbaatar, where he represented Riffa Club with consistency and purpose. His impact on the scoreboard has translated directly into valuable ranking points for the national federation. Building the Game, Not Just the Ranking At home, the Bahrain Basketball Association hasn't waited for results, it's been creating them. The launch of the Bahrain Summer Open 3x3 Championship was a ranking catalyst. The FIBA-sanctioned event drew in competition, created playing opportunities, and contributed directly to the national total. It's an example of strategy in action: invest in domestic infrastructure, host recognised tournaments, and empower players with exposure and minutes that count. Asia on Notice In a stacked Asian field, moving to 17th regionally puts Bahrain in a more competitive bracket. It brings with it new expectations, potentially better tournament placements, and access to higher-quality opposition. With the rankings based on ongoing performance and activity, staying here — or climbing further — will require the same formula: competitive minutes, consistent output, and sustained local engagement. But as far as statements of intent go, this one's loud and clear.

Daily Tribune
22-06-2025
- Sport
- Daily Tribune
Bahrain U16 Squad Heads to Bosnia for Training Camp
TDT | Manama Bahrain's under-16 national basketball team are headed to Bosnia early Saturday for an overseas training camp. The 10-day camp, which will be held in Sarajevo, runs from 22 to 31 June. The Bahrain Basketball Association said the camp will include a full schedule of daily training sessions, weight and fitness, sharpen team mechanics and give players more confidence in competitive situations. The FIBA U16 Asian Championship is set to take place in Mongolia later this year.


Daily Tribune
14-06-2025
- Sport
- Daily Tribune
Bahrain Gears Up for Jones Cup and Arab Championship
TDT | Manama National basketball team sets sights on two key summer tournaments Twin Tournaments on the Horizon Bahrain's senior men's basketball team is preparing for an important summer schedule, with confirmed participation in two major tournaments under the guidance of Greek head coach Georgios Vovoras and his technical staff. First up is the William Jones Cup, to be held in Chinese Taipei from 12 to 20 July 2025. Immediately afterward, the team will head to Tunisia to compete in the Arab Basketball Championship, scheduled from 25 July to 3 August. Strategic Exposure for 'Al Ahmar Al Salawi' These back-to-back competitions are part of a broader plan by the Bahrain Basketball Association to raise the national team's competitive standards. By facing teams from diverse basketball traditions, Bahrain aims to gain valuable experience and build tactical depth. The dual events are also seen as key preparatory steps for the 18th Gulf Men's National Teams Championship, set to be held in Doha in 2026. Long-Term Vision The federation views the tournaments not just as isolated competitions, but as opportunities to build team chemistry, refine tactical execution, and strengthen the squad's resilience on the international stage. As the summer unfolds, all eyes will be on 'Al Ahmar Al Salawi' to deliver positive results and continue building momentum in regional and global basketball circles.


Daily Tribune
13-06-2025
- Sport
- Daily Tribune
Vovoras appointed as Basketball coach
The Bahrain Basketball Association has confirmed the appointment of Greek coach Georgios Vovoras as head coach of the men's national team, in a move designed to elevate the squad's performance and profile across the region and beyond. Vovoras, 47, arrives with a deep résumé shaped by years of experience at the top levels of European basketball. His appointment signals Bahrain's intent to instill a more refined and competitive edge to its national team setup. Experience Across Europe and Beyond Vovoras is best known for his association with Greek powerhouse Panathinaikos, where he has held both head coach and assistant roles over several seasons. His coaching journey also includes stints at DEAC (Hungary), APOEL (Cyprus), and most recently Neptunas Klaipeda in Lithuania, where he guided the team through domestic and continental campaigns. In addition to his European experience, Vovoras has worked closely with NBA franchises, featuring on summer league coaching staffs with the Milwaukee Bucks in 2023 and the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2017. These roles have expanded his tactical toolkit and given him valuable exposure to evolving international styles of play. Promising Track Record Among Vovoras' notable achievements are Greek League and Cup titles with Panathinaikos as assistant coach, multiple EuroLeague quarter-final appearances, and leading APOEL to the Cypriot Cup final in 2016 as head coach. His ability to adapt to different environments and deliver results in both top-tier and emerging basketball contexts makes him a compelling choice for Bahrain's ambitions. The hiring reflects a broader vision within Bahraini basketball: to build a team capable not only of competing regionally but also of leaving a mark on larger stages such as the FIBA Asia Cup and World Cup qualifiers. Preparing for the Next Phase Vovoras is expected to begin his duties shortly after arriving in Bahrain. His first task will be to lead the national team's upcoming training camps and preparation matches, with a focus on strengthening fundamentals and embedding a coherent, high-level tactical identity. With Vavoras' international pedigree and practical adaptability, he represents a calculated and forward-thinking choice. Bahrain will hope his presence on the sidelines translates into consistent performances and, in time, tangible success. As the national team embarks on this new chapter, expectations are cautiously optimistic. The challenge now is turning Vovoras' extensive experience into results on the court.


Daily Tribune
13-06-2025
- Sport
- Daily Tribune
Big Summer, Bigger Ambitions
TDT | Manama Bahrain's new 3x3 basketball tour tips off Saturday with 24 teams chasing a global ticket Bahrain tips off with 3x3 vision A busy summer of basketball is about to get underway in Bahrain, as the kingdom hosts its first-ever 3x3 Summer Tour, which is a new competition bringing together 24 teams in a high-tempo format that's gaining ground across the sporting world. Organised by the Bahrain Basketball Association (BBA), the tournament begins Saturday at the Zain Bahrain Basketball Arena in Um Al Hassam and will run until August 1. It's an ambitious new step for local basketball, designed not just to entertain but to elevate the sport's summer footprint, and perhaps even launch new careers. A shot at the world stage The line-up is as mixed as it is competitive. Registered teams include local clubs, university squads, corporate sides, and groups of individual players—some with professional experience, others simply passionate about the game. They'll all be playing for a share of the $6,000 prize pool, but more importantly, for a chance to advance to a FIBA 3x3 Quest event. That stage feeds directly into the global FIBA 3x3 World Tour, putting Bahraini players just one strong tournament away from international competition. It's a meaningful step in the BBA's long-term strategy. By launching this summer tour, the federation is hoping to grow the domestic game while also placing Bahrain firmly on the map in one of basketball's fastest-growing formats. Fast, physical, and on the rise Played on a half-court with one hoop and three players a side, 3x3 basketball is a condensed, faster-paced version of the traditional game. It was added to the Olympic programme in 2020 and featured again at Paris 2024, helping raise its profile around the world. The BBA sees its potential as a tool for wider engagement, both from fans and new players, especially during the off-season months. Summer tournament, long-term goal This first edition of the Bahrain 3x3 Summer Tour is set to become an annual feature, giving the game a regular summer spotlight while feeding into Bahrain's wider sporting ambitions. While the men's national team continues its push on the traditional five-a-side front, this new event adds another layer to the country's basketball identity—one that's fast, modern, and increasingly international.