In the off-season, some basketball players found a new home, others are returning to the most popular urban sport, while some will make their debut in the Open category.
Bogdan Sandu participated in all the stops of last season, representing only one team, CSU Pitești. At the first tournament of 2024, he will play alongside Rahova Finest, one of the most famous teams in the BCR Sport Arena Streetball circuit. In fact, Sandu has played for this team before, back in 2018, along with Cătălin Vlaicu and Cătălin Bordei, two players who represented Romania in the FIBA 3×3 World Tour a decade ago. Cornel Cioacătă is the fourth member of Rahova Finest, a basketball player who has also previously competed under this distinguished title.
After three years without #SAS tournaments, Amedeo Casale is returning to Poli Arena, where his most recent memory is probably also one of the most pleasant. In 2021, at the second tournament of that summer, Amedeo Casale was part of the Percento team, the winners of that stage in the Men’s Open. He also holds a U18 title in Sport Arena competitions, and now he’s making his comeback over a decade after his debut in the #SAS circuit. Casale has a strong chance at the Men’s Open title, teaming up with Marius Ciotlăuș, Aurelian Gavriloaia, and Nicolae Ciucă, all of whom have represented Romania in international competitions.
After carrying Romania’s flag at the 3×3 World Cup and other international competitions, Anamaria Vîrjoghe will make her senior debut in the BCR Sport Arena Streetball circuit. Since 2022, she has been a key player for the national team, and she will begin the 2024 3×3 basketball season at Poli Arena. Vîrjoghe has previously participated in #SAS tournaments, but back in 2013, in the U14 category. Therefore, 2024 will mark her first competition as a senior. She is part of a team with players who have plenty of experience in #SAS. Sonia Kim, Carla Popescu, Anca Șipoș, and Anamaria Vîrjoghe form the Agro Squad, on paper, the main favorite in the Women’s Open.
Another interesting transfer is in the team called “Trouble for the agent”. We’re not sure what the agent did, but Robert Spoitoru will not play for this team, but for CSU ASE. Spoitoru was voted Player of the Season in the U18 category at the #SAS Awards, after spending the entire season with Trouble for the agent.
On Friday, May 17, a new season of BCR Sport Arena Streetball will begin, the 19th edition. With returns, debuts, transfers, new players, and legends, we are ready to kick off another summer full of 3×3 basketball.
