Córdoba Hosts Thrilling 3×3 Basketball “Parada” This Saturday
Get ready for an exciting weekend of fast-paced basketball action as the “Parada ciudad de Córdoba” takes over Plaza de la Intendencia this Saturday, March 12th. From 2:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., basketball enthusiasts will witness top-tier 3×3 competition featuring renowned teams like Barrio Parque, Independiente de Oliva, San Isidro de San Francisco, Ameghino de Villa Maria, Atenas, Instituto, and many more clubs from Córdoba and beyond.This event, organized by the Association of Clubs of the National Basketball League, is part of a nationwide tour that has already captivated fans in Viedma (Río negro) and will continue to electrify crowds in Mar del Plata (March 19th), Santiago del Estero (March 26th), Corrientes (April 9th), and other locations.
The “Parada” series serves as a qualifying platform for the grand final,scheduled for April 23rd at a venue yet to be announced. The champion of this final showdown will earn a coveted spot in an international FIBA-organized competition, showcasing their skills on a global stage.
Currently, Ameghino, Obras, and Gimnasia de Rosario have secured their places in the grand final, setting the stage for an epic battle for the season championship. Notably, the 3×3 League welcomes players over 20 years old, allowing any club representative to participate, irrespective of their federation status.
A Rising Star: 3×3 Basketball
3×3 basketball, a dynamic and rapidly growing variation of the customary sport, has taken Argentina by storm. Its inclusion as an Olympic sport in the Tokyo 2020 Games, held in 2021 due to the pandemic, further solidified its global recognition.
While Argentina missed out on qualifying for the inaugural Olympic 3×3 tournament, the sport’s popularity continues to soar domestically. Latvia emerged as the first Olympic champion, defeating ROC (Russia) 21-18, while Serbia secured the bronze medal. In the women’s category, the United States claimed gold, defeating ROC 18-15, with China taking silver after a hard-fought victory against France.
3×3 basketball is played on a half-court with a single basket, featuring three players per team and one substitute. The first team to reach 21 points within a 10-minute timeframe wins. In case of a tie, a thrilling two-point overtime period decides the victor.
Unlike traditional basketball, 3×3 games commence with a coin toss, similar to soccer, eliminating the initial jump ball. Possession lasts for 12 seconds, and each basket scores one point, with shots from beyond the three-point line earning two points.
“This is 3x3S Time to Shine!” – A Chat with Basketball Legend,Gabriela “Gaby” Sordillo
This Saturday,Córdoba is set to boil over with basketball fever as the “parada ciudad de Córdoba” brings high-octane 3×3 action to Plaza de la Intendencia. We took this possibility to catch up with Argentine basketball legend, Gabriela “Gaby” Sordillo, to get her take on the growing popularity of 3×3 and its potential impact on the sport.
Moderator: Gaby, thanks for joining us! the 3×3 scene in Argentina is absolutely booming, with tournaments popping up all over the country. What do you attribute this rise in popularity to?
Gaby Sordillo: It’s exciting to see, isn’t it? I think 3×3’s appeal lies in its fast pace and accessibility. No elaborate rules, just pure, raw basketball. It’s perfect for the shorter attention spans we see today, and you can easily set up a court anywhere.
Moderator: And tournaments like the “Parada” series, which acts as a qualifier for the grand final and even a FIBA international competition, definitely add to the excitement.
Gaby Sordillo: Absolutely! It’s a fantastic platform for players to showcase their talents and potentially gain international recognition. That’s a dream for any athlete, and it’s great to see the Argentinian Basketball League investing in 3×3 development.
Moderator: speaking of international competition, Argentina narrowly missed qualifying for the Tokyo Olympics. What do you think the team needs to do to become a force to be reckoned with on the global stage?
Gaby Sordillo: Well,we have a lot of talent,there’s no doubt whatsoever about that. But I think we need to focus on developing a more consistent playing style. 3×3 requires speed, agility, and an uncanny understanding of spacing and ball movement.We need to hone those skills even further and build a team identity that’s both recognizable and effective on the international stage.
moderator: Engaging point. The article mentions that 3×3 is open to players over 20,nonetheless of federation status. Do you think this open format benefits the sport in the long run?
Gaby Sordillo: I think so. It allows for more inclusivity and encourages participation from a wider pool of players. You might have someone who didn’t make it in the conventional 5v5 format find their niche in 3×3, which can only be a good thing for the overall development of the sport.
Moderator: Definitely! Lastly, what advice would you give to young, aspiring 3×3 basketball players just starting out?
Gaby Sordillo: Practice, practice, practice! Master the fundamentals, work on your shooting, and find ways to improve your ball handling and court vision. But most importantly, have fun! 3×3 is a dynamic and exciting game, so enjoy the process and never give up on your dreams.
Moderator: Wise words from a true legend! Thanks for sharing your insights, Gaby.
What are your thoughts on the rise of 3×3 basketball? Do you think it will eventually surpass 5v5 in popularity? Share your comments below!
