ABDUL HAS BIG PLANS FOR VIENNA
Great Britain’s men advanced to the FIBA 3X3 Europe Cup despite being the bottom seed, and now Hafeez Abdul has different goals ahead of the tournament in August.
“The motivation now is to go and win it,” he said following GB’s 21-19 win over Israel that sealed their spot at one of Europe’s premier 3X3 events for the first time, due to take place in the Austrian capital of Vienna from 22 to 25 August.
A statement of intent and belief, given that Great Britain competed against some of the most talented and more established 3X3 nations including past FIBA 3X3 Europe Cup winners, along with the current Olympic gold medallists in Latvia, and came away with the golden ticket of qualification.
“The experience of playing against a number of teams was eye-opening,” said Abdul.
“Just playing against the number one ranked team and Olympic gold medalists in Latvia and just seeing how they play, how they move, how quick they move, how efficient they are and how quickly they flow into their sets was eye-opening.
“That being said, now we’ve seen that, I feel the experience won’t hit us as hard.”
GB fought hard against powerhouses Latvia and hung with them throughout, but the Latvians’ long-range shooting prowess was the catalyst for their 21-15 success.
It was a loss for Abdul and his troops, but certainly nothing to be ashamed of, and the team used it as motivation going forward.
A 22-16 victory over hosts Romania was followed by an impressive 21-16 win over the 2016 FIBA 3X3 Europe Cup champions Slovenia, their most impressive showing.
Quick-thinking offence – which is the main objective in 3X3 – forced Slovenia into foul trouble rapidly, reaching the six-foul limit just two minutes in and a 5-2 finish secured a vital 21-16 success.
A comfortable 21-9 win over Greece, where Abdul led the way with seven points, was followed by the qualification-sealing triumph over another well-established 3X3 side in Israel, 21-19.
Great Britain announced itself on the international 3X3 stage, with Abdul thankful for the experience and adjusting quickly to the format.
A veteran of the traditional five-on-five game, Abdul had a stellar season for National Basketball League side Worthing Thunder, where he led the league in scoring at 22.9 points a contest.
But with former Thunder team-mates Max Richardson and Ty Nsangu on hand as the reserves and seasoned professionals, Ashley Hamilton, Evan Walshe and Dwayne Lautier-Ogunleye, Abdul was at ease immediately.
“It was very different; we had to adjust to what would be allowed in 3X3, along with defensive schemes, which really changes your mentality on what you’re used to with five-on-five,” Abdul said.
“Still taking pride on defence but understanding where fouls are going to be called, what’s allowed, what’s not going to be allowed, what players will work best.
“Getting used to how things were and how camp works was made easier by having people around, having guys like Ashley, Evan, and Dwayne around who are complete professionals was very eye-opening, and it was an experience that I definitely enjoyed.”
And before Abdul returns to having four teammates on the floor, he will look to have another chance with two in picturesque Vienna.
To watch Great Britain’s progress at the FIBA 3X3 Europe Cup, taking place from 22 to 25 August, check out the FIBA 3X3 YouTube channel, and give GB Basketball a follow on Facebook, X and Instagram.