Professional basketball players from the newly-established Dubai Basketball franchise are gearing up for their first-ever season in the Europe’s Adriatic Basketball Association (ABA) League. The team, founded by Abdulla Saeed Al Naboodah from the UAE, is set to face Serbian Red Star in their first match on September 22 at the Coca-Cola Arena. The ABA League serves as a qualifying tournament for the prestigious EuroLeague, making it a significant opportunity for the Dubai team to showcase their skills on a global stage.
The team boasts a diverse roster of 12 players from eight different countries, including the Philippines, USA, Serbia, Croatia, Slovenia, Jordan, and Turkey. Thirdy Ravena from the Philippines expressed his excitement at being a part of the historic season and looks forward to representing both Dubai and the Philippines in a European league. With a strong lineup of accomplished players, the team is eager to make an impact and bring pride to the city and country.
Leon Radosevic, a former Bayern Munich player, and U-19 world bronze medallist, is another key player in the Dubai Basketball team. The Croatian player expressed his eagerness to contribute to the team’s success and praised the club’s ambition and determination. Joining him is Klemen Prepelic, a 2017 European champion with the Slovenian national team, who is eager to make his mark in the ABA League wearing Dubai’s jersey colors. With high aspirations of playing in the EuroLeague one day, the team is focused on achieving great things.
Aleksa Uskokovic, a 25-year-old Serbian point guard, is excited to be part of this new chapter for Dubai Basketball, acknowledging the challenges that come with being a new team in a competitive league. However, he emphasized the city’s excellent facilities and the team’s high-level training environment, which gives them everything they need to succeed. The goal is to target a place in the playoffs and build on their performance from there, showcasing their potential on the court.
With a mix of experienced players from different countries, the Dubai Basketball team is ready to make their mark in the ABA League and beyond. The players are motivated and determined to represent the city and country with pride, aiming to achieve success and create joy for the fans. The club’s quick establishment and ambitious goals have impressed both players and fans alike, setting the stage for an exciting season ahead. As they prepare for their inaugural campaign, the team is focused on teamwork, dedication, and hard work to make their mark in European basketball.
