Dubai Head Coach Irhad Tinjak dedicates the victory to Dubai, highlighting the team’s pride in representing the UAE on an international stage.

The Dubai Basketball U18 Elite team has etched their name into international youth basketball history, emerging as champions of the Basket Cup Sarajevo 2026 in their debut appearance at the tournament. Representing not only their club but also the city of Dubai, the team delivered a statement performance against some of the continent’s top young talent.

As the only team competing from outside Europe, Dubai Basketball U18 Elte entered the tournament with determination and a clear sense of purpose: to showcase the Emirate’s growing presence and commitment to the sport on the global basketball stage. Over the course of 3 – 5 April, the team demonstrated exceptional skill and resilience, culminating in a dominant run to the title.

Head Coach Irhad Tinjak praised his team’s effort and spirit, saying, “After four days of competition, we are proud to be crowned the 2026 Basket Cup Sarajevo champions. This victory means a lot to everyone at Dubai Basketball, and we are honoured to represent both the club and the United Arab Emirates. In difficult moments, we stayed together and played for Dubai.”

Dubai Basketball set the tone early in the group stage with commanding victories, including a 22:133 win over Grafičar Ludberg U18, a 109:23 triumph against Ilirija Ljubljana U18, and a 40:73 result over Scuola Basket Miky Mian U18. Their momentum carried into the knockout rounds, where they defeated Maribor Mladi U18 103:53 before overpowering Murska Sobota U18 26:75 in the semi-finals.

In the final, Dubai Basketball faced Ras Beograd U18, securing a convincing 53:69 victory to lift the trophy. A standout performance came from Montenegro’s Luka Malović, who delivered a personal tournament-high of 21 points in the final, leading his team with composure and confidence on the biggest stage.

Beyond the results, this triumph reflects the rapid development of basketball in Dubai and the wider UAE. Competing and winning in Europe signals a new era for the sport in the region, one driven by ambition, and investment in developing talent at a grassroots level.

-ENDS-

About Dubai Basketball: 

Founded in 2023, Dubai Basketball is a newly established professional basketball franchise that plays in Europe’s EuroLeague and Adriatic Basketball Association (ABA) League for the 2025/26 season. The franchise has assembled a strong roster of players led by Head Coach Jurica Golemac. The club plays their home games at Coca-Cola Arena.

Dubai Basketball stands as a testament to the power of passion and dedication in shaping the landscape of basketball in the UAE and beyond. Its foundation is built upon a diverse and talented team, consisting of FIBA-certified coaches, former professional players, business experts, and passionate enthusiasts.

Dubai Basketball is committed to catalysing positive social change, where dreams are not just envisioned but realised, talents are not merely found but nurtured, and aspirations are not only lived but fulfilled.

Keep up to date with the latest news on Dubai Basketball by visiting www.dubaibasketball.com or on social media platforms:

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/dubaibasketballclub
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/dubaibasketballclub/
X – https://x.com/dubaibasket
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@DubaiBasketball

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