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Dubai, 22 May 2025: As a historical achievement, the Dubai Basketball team has made it to the semi-finals of the ABA League in their debut season itself. This is a major achievement not only for the team but also for the entire region. In the third and decisive match of the quarterfinals played at Dubai’s Coca-Cola Arena, he achieved this position by defeating Sodevita Olympia of Slovenia 85–76.
Dubai Basketball team, which was established in 2024, has become the first team of the UAE to participate in the league. This league is usually operated by clubs from East Yugoslavia. The Dubai Basketball team will start playing in this league from the 2024-25 season and will participate in it for the next three seasons.
Under the guidance of Head Coach Zurika Golmac, the team soon made its mark. He topped the table with 25 wins and only 5 defeats, performing brilliantly in the regular season. Dubai Basketball equaled experienced teams such as Krevena Zwezda and remained behind Buducnost and Partizan by just one win.
Turning Points in Dubai’s ABA League Journey
Dubai Basketball’s journey to the semi-finals is made up of many important victories and strong performances. The most memorable moment was in his magnificent victory when he showed his strength by defeating the experienced and top-class team. Dubai Basketball performed the best teamwork, strategy, and mental strength throughout the league.
- Important victory: Dubai defeated the top ranked team in a tough match and showed that they could challenge the best teams.
- Constant performance: The team showed a balanced game throughout the season, where both defense and offenses were strengthened.
- Strong under pressure: Even in difficult and pressure-filled conditions, Dubai Basketball took full advantage of its skills and coaching, which was the result of its preparation
Victory in the Quarter-Finals
Coming to the quarterfinals, Dubai Basketball, while facing Sedavita Olympia, performed well. In the first two matches, both teams won one by one, but Dubai Basketball dominated the third match from the beginning. By the end of the first quarter, he maintained his benefits in the entire match by gaining eight points.
The team’s leading player Net Mason showed a brilliant game, he assisted 18 points, 4 rebounds and 2. At the same time, Avudu Abbas strengthened the team with 17 points and 6 rebounds. Davis Bertans also played an important role in the team’s victory by scoring 12 points.
Approaching Semi-Final Showdown
With the win in the quarterfinals, Dubai Basketball is now set to face Serbian legendary partyzant Mozzart Bet in the semi-finals. The match will be in a three-match series. The first match will be played in Belgrade on 26 May, while the second match will be held in Dubai on 29 May.
The Dubai basketball trip was not easy. The team faced many challenges, such as pace with high level competition and beating physical and mental fatigue.
- Travel and Administration: To play in the international league, one has to manage the pressure and timetable, as well as maintain their best form.
- Difference of experience: Dubai had to learn rapidly due to facing experienced teams and adopt advanced techniques of sports.
- Pressure stability: Maintaining restraint in hard and stressful matches shows the increasing maturity and strength of the team.
Broader Effects
The success of Dubai Basketball shows that the competitiveness of associate countries in international sports is increasing rapidly. His achievement also shows the importance of strategic planning, investment in the development of players, and the importance of commitment to excellence. The story of this team preparing for the semi-finals is an inspiration and also proof that big goals can be achieved with the right approach and determination.
Dubai Basketball’s League is the beginning of a new round for the game in the historic UAE in the semi-finals. This is the result of hard work, strategic thinking, and the team’s joint efforts. This achievement not only recognizes Dubai basketball on the international stage but also raises hope and enthusiasm for the future of basketball throughout the region. As the team continues its journey, UAE’s sports lovers and cricket communities will also keep an eye on the new status to come.
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