If you’re a basketball enthusiast and you’re planning to visit Cyprus, you’re in for a treat. Cyprus may be a small island in the Mediterranean, but it has a thriving basketball scene. The sport is popular among locals and expats alike, and there are plenty of opportunities to watch games, join a team, or simply shoot some hoops.
Whether you’re a seasoned player or a beginner, there are many options available for you to enjoy basketball in Cyprus. The country has a number of indoor and outdoor courts, and you can find them in public parks, sports centres, and schools. You can also join one of the many basketball clubs in the country, which cater to players of all ages and skill levels.
If you’re a fan of professional basketball, you can catch some of the best players in Cyprus by attending a game. The Cyprus Basketball Federation organises national leagues for men and women, and there are also international competitions such as the FIBA 3×3 Europe Cup. Additionally, Cyprus has a number of professional basketball clubs, such as Anorthosis Famagusta BC and APOP Paphos BC, which compete in the national and international leagues.
History of Basketball in Cyprus
Basketball was first introduced to Cyprus in 1966, when the Cyprus Basketball Federation was founded. The first official basketball games in Cyprus were played in 1967, and the sport quickly gained popularity throughout the island.
During the first period of basketball in Cyprus, from 1966 to 1974, the sport was played primarily by American soldiers stationed on the island. However, after the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974, many of the American soldiers left the island, and basketball in Cyprus entered a period of decline.
From 1974 to 1988, basketball in Cyprus was played primarily at the amateur level, with few organised leagues or competitions. However, in 1988, the Cyprus Basketball Federation was reorganised, and a new era of basketball began in Cyprus.
Since 1988, basketball in Cyprus has grown in popularity, with organised leagues and competitions at all levels of play, from amateur to professional. Today, the Cyprus Basketball Federation oversees the development of basketball in Cyprus, and the sport is played by thousands of people throughout the island.
Popular Basketball Teams in Cyprus
Cyprus has a passionate basketball culture, with many local teams competing in various leagues. Here are some of the most popular basketball teams in Cyprus:
| Team Name | City | Home Arena |
|---|---|---|
| AEL Limassol | Limassol | Laniteio Indoor Arena |
| APOEL Nicosia | Nicosia | APOEL Indoor Hall |
| Enosis Neon Paralimni | Paralimni | Paralimni Municipal Gymnasium |
| Etha Engomis Nicosia | Nicosia | Eleftheria Indoor Hall |
| Keravnos Strovolos | Strovolos | Strovolos Municipal Gymnasium |
These teams have a loyal fan base and are known for their competitive spirit on the court. They compete in various leagues, including the Cyprus Basketball Division A, which is the top-tier basketball league in Cyprus.
APOEL Nicosia is one of the most successful basketball teams in Cyprus, having won the Cyprus Basketball Division A championship multiple times. The team has a strong roster of talented players and is known for its fast-paced, aggressive playing style.
Another popular team is AEL Limassol, which has a long history of success in Cyprus basketball. The team has a large following in Limassol and is known for its strong defence and disciplined playing style.
Enosis Neon Paralimni is a newer team in the Cyprus Basketball Division A, but has quickly gained a following for its exciting, high-scoring games. The team is known for its talented young players and innovative playing style.
Overall, Cyprus has a vibrant basketball scene with many talented teams and players. Whether you’re a fan of fast-paced, aggressive play or disciplined defence, there’s a team for everyone to support and enjoy.
Basketball Leagues in Cyprus
Cyprus is home to several basketball leagues, including the top-tier level men’s professional competition, the OPAP Basket League. This league features some of the best players in the country and attracts a large following of fans. The league is organised by the Cyprus Basketball Federation (CBF) and features 12 teams competing against each other in a regular season.
In addition to the OPAP Basket League, there are also several other leagues in Cyprus, including the Division B league and the local amateur leagues. The Division B league is organised by FIBA Europe and features teams from various countries competing against each other. The local amateur leagues are organised by the CBF and feature teams from different regions of Cyprus.
One of the most exciting aspects of basketball in Cyprus is the intense rivalries that exist between teams. The games between local rivals are always highly anticipated and attract large crowds. Some of the most notable rivalries include APOEL vs. Omonia, Apollon vs. Keravnos, and Etha vs. AEL.
If you’re interested in watching basketball in Cyprus, there are plenty of opportunities to catch a game. Most of the games are held in indoor arenas, which provide a great atmosphere for fans. Tickets are usually affordable, and the games are family-friendly, making them a great option for a night out.
Basketball Venues in Cyprus
Cyprus has several basketball venues that host various basketball events throughout the year. Here are some of the popular basketball venues in Cyprus:
| Venue Name | Location |
|---|---|
| Costas Papaellinas Arena | Nicosia |
| Eleftheria Indoor Hall | Nicosia |
| Lefkotheo | Nicosia |
| Nicos Solomonides Arena | Limassol |
| Spyros Kyprianou Athletic Centre | Limassol |
The Costas Papaellinas Arena is a modern indoor stadium located in Nicosia, Cyprus. It has a seating capacity of 6,500 and is the home of the APOEL basketball team. The Eleftheria Indoor Hall is another popular indoor venue located in Nicosia. It has a seating capacity of 6,200 and is used for various basketball events.
Lefkotheo is a basketball venue located in Nicosia that has a seating capacity of 1,000. It is used for various basketball events, including local and international tournaments. The Nicos Solomonides Arena is located in Limassol and has a seating capacity of 1,500. It is the home of the Apollon Limassol basketball team. The Spyros Kyprianou Athletic Centre is another popular basketball venue located in Limassol. It has a seating capacity of 2,000 and is used for various basketball events.
These basketball venues in Cyprus host various basketball events, including local and international tournaments, as well as games for both amateur and professional basketball teams. If you are a basketball enthusiast, be sure to check out these venues and catch a game while in Cyprus.
Basketball Events in Cyprus
Cyprus is a great destination for basketball enthusiasts, with a variety of events taking place throughout the year. Here are some of the most popular basketball events in Cyprus:
- FIBA 3×3 Europe Cup Qualifier: This event takes place in Limassol and qualifies one men’s and one women’s team to the 3×3 Europe Cup. It is held annually in June and attracts players and fans from all over Europe.
- Peace Day Basketball Tournament: Organised by PeacePlayers International – Cyprus, this event is held on International Peace Day (September 21st) and aims to promote peace through basketball. It is a great opportunity for local and international teams to come together and celebrate diversity.
- Let’s Play Together – Intercultural 3×3 Basketball Tournament: This tournament is held annually and brings together people from all walks of life to compete and celebrate diversity. It is a fun event that promotes social inclusion and intercultural dialogue.
In addition to these events, there are many other basketball tournaments and leagues that take place in Cyprus throughout the year. Whether you are a player or a fan, there is always something happening in the world of basketball in Cyprus.
Basketball Rules and Regulations in Cyprus
Basketball in Cyprus is played under the rules and regulations set by the Cyprus Basketball Federation (CBF). The CBF is the governing body for basketball on the island and is responsible for organising and regulating basketball competitions at all levels.
Some of the key rules and regulations for basketball in Cyprus include:
- Each team is allowed five players on the court at one time.
- The game is played in four quarters, each lasting 10 minutes for youth games and 12 minutes for adult games.
- Each team is allowed six timeouts per game, with a maximum of two timeouts in the last two minutes of the game.
- Players are allowed five fouls before being disqualified from the game.
- Players are not allowed to touch the ball while it is in the cylinder above the rim.
- Players are not allowed to travel with the ball, meaning they cannot take more than two steps without dribbling.
It is important to note that these rules and regulations may vary slightly depending on the level of competition and the age of the players. It is important for players, coaches, and spectators to familiarise themselves with the specific rules and regulations for each game or competition.
The CBF also has a code of conduct that outlines the expected behaviour of players, coaches, and spectators. This code of conduct emphasises fair play, respect for opponents and officials, and the importance of maintaining a positive and sportsmanlike attitude on and off the court.