USA Basketball announced an agreement with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), under which the United States will host three games in Abu Dhabi featuring the men’s national teams from the U.S., Germany and Greece. The USA Basketball Showcase Abu Dhabi represents USA Basketball’s first men’s national team activity in the United Arab Emirates.
In preparation for the 2023 FIBA Men’s World Cup, the U.S. Men’s National Team will host Greece and Germany on Aug. 18 and 20, respectively. Germany and Greece are set to play on Aug. 19.
“USA Basketball is thrilled to work with DCT Abu Dhabi to bring the USA Basketball Showcase to Abu Dhabi. This is the first time our Men’s National Team will play in the UAE and we’re excited to engage with fans from across the globe, while also offering our players and coaches memorable on- and off-court experiences,” said Jim Tooley, CEO, USA Basketball. “We are grateful to the national federations of Greece and Germany for their participation as we prepare for the 2023 FIBA World Cup, arguably the toughest international tournament in basketball.”
Saleh Al Geziry, Director General of Tourism at DCT Abu Dhabi: “It’s set to be an unforgettable summer in Abu Dhabi and it’s an honour to host the first USA Basketball Showcase in the UAE. We look forward to welcoming players and fans from the USA, Germany and Greece, to cheer on their national teams and to discover a wide range of experiences in Abu Dhabi that inspire, excite and restore.”
Additional USA Basketball Showcase details, including team rosters, broadcast information and training camp dates, will be announced later. The U.S. officially qualified for the 2023 FIBA World Cup last month. One of seven teams set to represent FIBA Americas in the 32-team field, the USA will play all its games in Manila as the tournament is set for Aug. 25-Sept. 10, in Indonesia, Japan and The Philippines. The World Cup draw is set for April 29, 2023, in Manila.
Ingo Weiss, president, German Basketball Federation: “It’s really great for us to be able to play the USA and Greece in Abu Dhabi just before the FIBA World Cup. Abu Dhabi is an excellent location for such a top-class basketball event and is developing more and more into a real sports stronghold. The DBB is very much looking forward to our time in the United Arab Emirates and the great games there.”
Vangelis Liolios, president, Hellenic Basketball Federation: “We are excited to be part of such a great celebration of basketball. Three continents will meet on the eve of the 2023 World Cup thanks to DCT Abu Dhabi. The Hellenic Basketball Federation accepted the invitation with a mix of joy and excitement for this double-encounter with the USA and Germany. We are looking forward to an amazing experience on and off the court. Our men’s national team will be ready to enjoy the game, hoping to bring smiles to the fans.”
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