TORONTO, ON (December 10, 2015) - Two Canadian teams will participate in the six-team 2015 FIBA 3x3 All Stars Competition, which tips-off today in Doha, Qatar.

"Congratulations and good luck to both Canadian teams participating in this year's FIBA 3x3 All Stars tournament," said Michele O'Keefe, president & CEO, Canada Basketball. "3x3 is a growing discipline and it's incredible for Canada to have one-third of teams participating at this event. We look forward to further growth and success of 3x3 basketball in Canada."

Team Saskatoon secured their place as team captain Michael Linklater was the top player in the Americas through FIBA 3x3 Individual World Ranking. Team UQAM is this year's guest team, qualifying by winning the 2015 FISU World University League.

"We're extremely grateful to have been invited to compete at the 3x3 All Stars tournament and represent not only Canada, but all of the Americas this year,� said Michael Linklater, captain of Team Saskatoon. "We did our job this time in preparation for this event and we're looking forward to having a strong showing and thank you to everyone back home for supporting us."

Team Saskatoon enters the tournament ranked fourth place and will play in pool A, with Team UQAM ranked sixth overall and in pool B.

"It's truly a dream come true for our team to represent Canada at the highest level of global 3x3 basketball," said Nate Philippe, head coach, Team UQAM. "We took a lot away from our experiences in China and competing in a top-level tournament will be an even bigger challenge and opportunity. We greatly appreciate the support and are proud to represent the greatest country in the world!"

Click here for the full 3x3 All Stars competition schedule. A full list of Canadian athletes below.
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<table border="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td><strong>TEAM SASKATOON</strong></td><td><strong>TEAM UQAM</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Michael Linklater (Saskatoon, SK)</td><td>Rudolphe Joly (Montreal, QC)</td></tr><tr><td>Michael Lieffers (Saskatoon, SK)</td><td>Kewyn Blain&nbsp; (Montreal, QC)</td></tr><tr><td>O'Neil Gordon (Brandon, MB)</td><td>Greishe Clerjuste&nbsp; (Montreal, QC)</td></tr><tr><td>Nolan Brudehl (Saskatoon, SK)</td><td>Davidson Joseph&nbsp; (Montreal, QC)</td></tr></tbody></table>

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Following the successful introduction in the 2010 Youth Olympic Games in Singapore, the ultimate goal is that 3x3 becomes a self-sustained new FIBA discipline and enters the Olympic Games by 2020. Click here for more information on 3X3.

Canada Basketball and its Provincial/Territorial organizations continue working with FIBA to increase the number of basketball players and fans by structuring and developing 3x3 basketball events nationally.