E-Paper
Sign In
Dubai Basketball flying high ahead of ABA League playoffs
Dubai Basketball's 13th consecutive victory of the season secured a top-four finish for the team, meaning their playoff campaign will open at home
- PUBLISHED: Mon 5 May 2025, 2:44 PM
In a defining game against the ABA League regular season leaders, Dubai Basketball cemented their dominance ahead of the playoffs with their 13th consecutive victory, overcoming Budućnost VOLI in another decisive final quarter at home (79:75).
A matchup for the books, the Montenegrin side arrived in Dubai as the league’s toughest challenge. Yet it was the home team who delivered under pressure, continuing their historic streak and securing a top-three finish as they now turn their sights to the playoffs set to kick off on Sunday, May 11.
Recommended For You
“It was like a final,” said head coach Jurica Golemac. “Congratulations to the players, and congratulations to the fans. The focus was unbelievable in the second half – we allowed only 27 points. We controlled most of it and truly deserved this win.”
The game’s most electric moment came in the final quarter. With just minutes on the clock and the win still undecided, Awudu Abass intercepted a crucial play and charged through the Budućnost defence for a sensational fast-break dunk, giving Dubai a five-point advantage and igniting the 4,500-strong crowd at Coca-Cola Arena.
Dubai Basketball’s fourth quarter performance pushed the crowd into a frenzy as the game was held to just a two-point difference. Showing up when it matters the most, Captain Klemen Prepelič sealed the win with his final point free throw.
The night also delivered excitement off the court. Dubai Basketball games also come with life-changing prizes. The final round of the ABA League regular season was special to a number of fans, especially to Filip Bakoch who walked away with Dh 20,000 after sinking an incredible lay-up, free throw and three-pointer, all in under 30 seconds.
The win secured a top-four finish for Dubai Basketball, meaning their playoff campaign will open at home. The team will face Slovenia’s Cedevita Olimpija on Sunday in what will be a historic game for the club.
Calling for Dubai Basketball’s sixth player, Coach Golemac speaks to the teams’ fanbase, saying “We are calling all the fans to come next week – in seven days – for the first game of the playoffs. We are going to need their support more than ever.”
Founded in 2023, Dubai Basketball is a newly established professional basketball franchise that plays in Europe’s Adriatic Basketball Association (ABA) League for the 2024/25 season.
The franchise has assembled a strong roster of players, with the team represented by countries including the Philippines, USA, Serbia, Croatia, Slovenia, Jordan, Turkey, Latvia, Italy, Bosnia, and France. The franchise plays their home games in the ABA League at Coca-Cola Arena.