Dubai’s historic Euroleague Basketball winners now head to Berlin

Ratiopharm Ulm wins Adidas Next Generation Tournament Qualifier in Dubai. (SUPPLIED)
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  • Adidas Next Generation Tournament Qualifier took place for the first time at Coca-Cola Arena from March 22-24
  • Ratiopharm Ulm emerged victorious to secure a spot at the 2024 ANGT finals in Berlin from May 24-26

DUBAI: The Euroleague Basketball Adidas Next Generation Tournament made history in Dubai as the first such contest at the Coca-Cola Arena from March 22 to 24, and now Berlin beckons for the winners in May.

The event marked a significant milestone in Dubai’s basketball scene, featuring eight teams representing over 25 nationalities, with Dubai contributing nine, including the local heroes Falcons Academy.

Ratiopharm Ulm clinched victory over Zalgiris Kaunas 89-84 in the final to secure a spot in the final four in Berlin from May 24 to 26, while Adidas Next Generation Team finished third. Ratiopharm Ulm’s Noah Essengue was awarded the title of Most-Valued Player.




Ratiopharm Ulm have won the Adidas Next Generation Tournament Qualifier in Dubai. (SUPPLIED)

The tournament in Dubai — hosted by Falcons Academy — marked the first time a qualifier has been hosted in the Middle East, and outside of continental Europe. This has highlighted Dubai’s growing involvement in the global basketball sports arena.

The tournament featured a three-point shootout and slam-dunk contest and was sponsored by DMCC, La Gazzetta dela Sport, Phoenix Capital, Nirvana Tourism, MARCA, and the longstanding partnership with adidas spanning over a decade.

The tournament also received significant support from the Dubai Sports Council, the UAE Basketball Association, Dubai Holding and the Coca-Cola Arena.