After the Olympics, 3x3 basketball set the Trocadéro on fire

It floated like a little OJ tune on the Trocadero esplanade.

For a weekend, the famous Parisian square was transformed into a European temple of 3x3 * basketball on the occasion of the men's and women's Euro.

For 3 days, the best 3x3 basketball teams succeeded each other to win a European coronation under the eyes of the Parisian public and the Eiffel Tower who watched over this competition.

This Sunday was to be the apotheosis with the coronation of the Blues and the Blue, title holders.

Unfortunately, the French public who came in large numbers to this Trocadero Arena will not have seen a tricolor coronation.

It was first of all these men who fell first, defeated by Serbia in the quarter-finals (20-17).

But the most cruel outcome of the day will remain for the teammates of Lætitia Guapo beaten to the wire by a murderous shot from their best Spanish enemies (21-17) who will also end up champions after a 16-12 victory against the Germans.

Many curious people flocked to the esplanade to witness a potential coronation of the Blues. "

It's true that for me 3x3 is more like street basketball with friends, but seeing it as professional as that is also impressive

" confides Joris, 24 years old, who came to attend the meetings with some of his

friends.

friends. The international teams are not left out with large Russian and Serbian contingents coming en masse to occupy the top of the few stands installed around the central field with huge flags and a few drums. “

For once I can come and support my two heartfelt teams, plus for free (laughs), I'm not going to deprive myself

” explains Henri, a 35-year-old Franco-Russian while “

Go Russia

”,"

Come on Serbia

Are heard in hesitant French.

Next to him stands a young boy who has a smile from ear to ear since he has on his shoulders a jersey signed by the entire Serbian team.

As night falls on the Parisian esplanade, the last stands and workshops close their doors and all the public heads towards the central field for the last matches of the competition.

Between American-style entertainment, with a dunks competition won by the Pole Piotr Gabowski, and lively music, the atmosphere and the public are there to support its favorite players and in particular the French women's team. qualified for the small final of "his" Euro.

A champion's reaction to Russia

This match for third place against the Russian Olympic vice-champions was the highlight of this competition for the French public. While the Blue seemed completely paralyzed by the issue, Migna Touré took responsibility by scoring the first five points for the French. Against them, the Russians played methodical basketball based on a static game at the low post. After 4 minutes, the score is only 3-1 in favor of the Habs in an extremely rough and defensive match. The entry of Marie-Eve Paget did the Blues a lot of good as on this clever pass for Lætitia Guapo who goes off to mark the fault to blow up the whole public of the Trocadéro and free the Tricolores and their four lengths of 'advance.

Less prominent at the finish, Soana Lucet compensates by providing defense and precious rebounds to his team.

Race results, the Blue win 19 to 13 and can celebrate in music on the hit of Aya Nakamura Pookie while, chance or not, the Eiffel Tower lights up when the Blue wins this small final.

Beautiful moment of shared communion since the Blues return to the field to congratulate their counterparts who do not fail to start a clapping to thank the some 2,000 supporters present for their success.

Blue women disappointed but "proud"

From this Parisian adventure, Migna Touré will remember two images, "the

bronze and the Eiffel Tower

", she said, with a broad smile. "

Even if we are obviously disappointed to have lost in the half, we prefer to stay on this beautiful positive emotion

". "

We are happy and proud

" adds Soana Lucet while Lætitia Guapo pays tribute to a team from Spain which was "

much stronger than us

". If the sporting disappointment was palpable, the party remains beautiful for these Bleues who take full advantage of "

this idyllic spot

" to forge or renew links with an audience who is still discovering the particularity of this sister discipline of 5 against 5 basketball, more widely known. . "

Go join the 3x3 clubs!

»Concludes with enthusiasm Marie-Eve Paget, elected in the typical team of the tournament.

The message has passed and the appointment has already been made for the next Euro within 2 years or the Paris Games which every French athlete dreams of for 2024.

3x3 basketball rules

Quite different from 5x5 basketball, 3x3 basketball is distinguished by three simple rules.

• The matches are played 3 against 3 on a half basketball court plus a substitute.

• A basket is worth 1 point, behind the line it is worth 2 points

• Matches end after 10 minutes or if either team reaches 21.