Dubai forward Dwayne Bacon and Head Coach Aleksander Sekulić share their thoughts ahead of the 2025/26 ABA League Finals.

After three months away from home, Dubai Basketball is preparing for a special moment as the team returns to Coca-Cola Arena for Game 1 of the 2025/26 ABA League Finals on Thursday, 4 June.

Having made history by reaching the Finals in just their second season in the ABA League, the team now has the opportunity to compete for the title in front of their home fans for the first time since March.

For forward Dwayne Bacon, the occasion is about more than basketball. “It means a lot not only to me, but most importantly to the team and to the city of Dubai. We’ve been gone for a while and haven’t felt this home environment, so I think it means everything,” said Bacon.

“The fans are always like a sixth man. When they get involved and the crowd gets energised, it brings more out of us. When we’re here, we feel at home, and that extra support has been helping us all year.”

Head Coach Aleksander Sekulić echoed the excitement surrounding the team’s return to Dubai.

“We are all excited for two reasons. We are starting the Finals, and we are starting the Finals at home in Dubai, on our home court. We are all super excited and can’t wait for the Finals to start.”

While acknowledging the challenge ahead against Partizan, Sekulić remains confident that his side can rise to the occasion.

“In order to beat them, it is going to be challenging for us, especially defensively, but I think we have a lot of firepower on offence and we need to take advantage of the qualities we have.”

With a championship on the line and the city behind them, Dubai Basketball will look to make the most of a long-awaited return home as they begin their quest for the ABA League title.

Fans can get tickets to the homecoming game at: http://dubaibasketball.com/homecoming/

-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 Aleksander Sekulić. 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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