FIBA, the world governing body for basketball, would like to add 3 on 3 basketball to the Olympics. Yes, you read that correctly, the game that is played in countless driveways, parks, and rec. centers around the world, could be seen in the Olympics as early as 2016 in Rio.
This idea is not as wild a notion as some may think. 3 on 3 basketball is already a part of the Youth Olympic Games and FIBA is currently holding 3 on 3 tournaments all around the globe.
Patrick Baumann, the secretary-general of FIBA had this to say;
“Like volleyball has beach volleyball, swimming has synchronized swimming, we want three-on-three to be part of it,”
When you think about it that way, it makes perfect sense. Beach volleyball which is contested 2 on 2, was originally derived from the 6 on 6 traditional volleyball game played in gyms. It could even be argued that the beach version of the game is more popular that its predecessor.
While I don’t see 3 on 3 encroaching on the global popularity of 5 on 5 full court hoops, the addition of 3 on 3 to the games could help grow the sport of basketball. Each summer there are countless 3 on 3 tournaments held, with the Gus Macker and Hoop It Up tourneys being two of the more popular ones. FIBA would like to incorporate the results of these tournaments into their global rankings.
There are some pretty obscure sports in the Olympics (Handball anyone?), so adding 3 on 3 basketball doesn’t seem that far off. I also think that the television draw this sport could garner would be a huge consideration. With all the one on one isolations that pop up during a usual 3 on 3 game, the trash talking could add an extra element of fun for the home viewer.
What do you think about this possibility? Let us know in the comment sections.