The inaugural 3x3 Canada Quest has come and gone!  The championship team from each of the regional qualifier events in Edmonton, Toronto and Montreal had earned a berth to partake in the FIBA 3x3 World Tour Masters Competition in New York City to be held on August 18-19, 2012.

The first event kicked off this summer on June 9-10 in Edmonton, Alberta.  Hosted by Basketball Alberta, the event featured 12 different divisions and a total of 110 participating teams, doubling the size of last year’s tournament.  With the first of three qualifying spots on the line for a chance to represent Canada, players from across the province and throughout Western Canada competed in the men’s elite division for this unique opportunity.  As expected, the competition was tough and the games were tightly contested.  In the end, ‘The People’s Elbow’ – Jordan Baker, Dom Coward, Jarred Ogunbomi and Joel Friesen won and finished on top to earn their way to New York City and the FIBA 3x3 World Tour Regional Championships.

In the Toronto 3x3 event hosted by Ontario Basketball, the field of teams that participated in the Men’s Elite division were fierce and competitive.  Many of the players boast a college-playing background, national and provincial teams, and in some cases, overseas professional experiences.  Taking place at the world class Rexall Centre, the home of Tennis Canada’s Rogers Cup was transformed into a multi-courts outdoor basketball playground.  Going down to the wire, the team ‘X Marks the Spot’ came out on top and earned their spot to showcase their skills in NYC.

In a joint partnership between Basketball Quebec and NBA Canada, the third stop took place in Montreal, Quebec on July 7-8.  The festival-like event featured break-dance performances, DJs, on-site graffiti artist, NBA player appearance, to go along with a 70+ teams 3x3 tournament on the grounds of Olympic Stadium.  In the men’s competitive division, team Dynamo – Francois Mpabe, Charles Fortier, Samuel Sow and Monkam Tientchew Eric Bertin earned the last and final spot to represent Canada later on this summer.

Canada Basketball would like to thank the three provincial partners – Basketball Alberta, Ontario Basketball, Basketball Quebec, in the delivery of the inaugural 3x3 Canada Quest tour.  Special thanks to NBA Canada for their involvement in the Montreal event.  Finally, thank you to all the participating players, coaches, parents, volunteers and spectators.  Your involvement had contributed to the overall success of the first ever 3x3 Canada Quest.

Moving forward, Canada Basketball will look to expand the 3x3 Canada Quest tour to include more cities in more provinces across Canada.  

For video from 3x3 Canada Quest event from Quebec, click here.

For video from the 3x3 Canada Quest final from Ontario, click here.

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