From tomorrow, the 3×3 Belgian Lions have to work hard at the FIBA 3×3 Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Graz, Austria. Nick Celis, Thierry Mariën, Thibaut Vervoort and Rafaël Bogaerts have to get an Olympic ticket at the tournament. Bryan De Valck and Jonas Foerts are reserve.
At the FIBA 3×3 Olympic Qualifying Tournamentst the 3×3 Belgian Lions are divided into a tough group with Lithuania, USA, South Korea and Kazakhstan. The first two teams from each pool qualify for the quarter-finals, which are decided in a knockout phase. Only the top 3 of the OQT will receive a ticket for the Olympic Games. If the 3×3 Lions can’t get a ticket at the OQT in Graz, they might get one last shot at the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament, which will take place from June 4-6 in Debrecen, Hungary. After all, the winner of that tournament can also go to the Games.
“Obviously, it is a very tough group, including countries such as the United States and Lithuania,” says Captain Nick Celis. “Still we want to show that we deserve our place in the Olympic qualifying tournament. They are all beautiful posters and we are going full for the top 2 in the group. ”
The 3×3 Lions will come into action for the first time on Thursday, May 27. The first game against South Korea will be played at 12:15 PM. The game against Kazakhstan will then follow at 2:20 PM. After a day of rest, it will be played again on Saturday 29 May. At 12:15 pm the 3×3 Lions have to play against Lithuania and finally the last group match will be played at 3:35 pm against the United States. The quarter-finals, semi-finals & Olympic ticket games will be completed on Sunday, May 30th.
Selectie 3X3 Belgian Lions
Nick Celis (Kangaroos Mechelen / Oxaco)
Thierry Mariën (Basket Willebroek)
Thibaut Vervoort (Melsele)
Raf Bogaerts (Gembo)
Reserves
Bryan De Valck (Oxaco)
Jonas Foerts (Kangaroos Mechelen)
