Cyprus Basketball Federation

Cyprus Basketball Federation Κυπριακή Ομοσπονδία Καλαθόσφαιρας Kıbrıs Basketbol Federasyonu
Official logo
Motto	Our Sport
Formation	1966
Headquarters	Nicosia
Location	Cyprus
President	George Chrysostomou
Website	www.basketball.org.cy

The Cyprus Basketball Federation (Greek: ΚΟΚ-Κυπριακή Ομοσπονδία Καλαθόσφαιρας, Turkish: Kıbrıs Basketbol Federasyonu) is the governing body for basketball on the island of Cyprus and is a division of the Cyprus Sport Organisation (ΚΟΑ-Κυπριακός Οργανισμός Αθλητισμού). It was established in 1966 and became a full member of FIBA in 1974.

It is responsible for representing Cyprus on the international stage and for running the national teams that represent Cyprus at all levels.

Currently it runs:

• two national men’s leagues:

Division 1 (9 teams)

Division 2 (14 teams)

• The yearly Cypriot Basketball Cup (that employs a knockout format)

• The yearly Cyprus Super Cup (Champion vs Cup Winner game)

• One national Women’s League (7 teams)

History of Basketball in Cyprus

Cyprus has a total population of around 800,000 most of whom follow the sport of basketball. In terms of popularity and spectator following, basketball only comes second to football.

The history of basketball in Cyprus can be roughly categorized into 3 periods (1966 to 1974, 1974 to 1988 and 1988 to today). Up to and including 1974 the most successful teams on the island were Digenis Morphou and PAEEK. As a direct result of the Turkish invasion both teams were expelled from their home towns; an event which had obvious catastrophic consequences.

The immediate aftermath of the invasion was a period of economic suffering for all aspects of society including sport and basketball itself. Investment in sport development, infrastructure and foreign expertise (players and coaches) became of secondary importance. However, the triumph of Greece in the Eurobasket 1987 tournament sparked a renewed interest in the sport which brought in young players and the beginnings of a much needed investment. Foreign players soon followed and new arenas were constructed to cover the thousands of fans flocking to the top division games.

Until the early 80’s most games were held on open courts with a tarmac floor and a wooden backboad. But by the end of the decade KOA (Cyprus Sports Authority) had invested in several modern indoor arenas. Stadiums were erected in every city and venues such as the Eleftheria” in Nicosia, “Kition” in Larnaca, AEL arena and Apollon stadium in Limassol now meet modern international standards where European competition matches are regularly held.

Except of the men’s championship there is also a teenager’s league (U-20). The teams that take part in the men’s league also take part in the U-20 league. There is also women’s championship with 6 teams, U-16 boys and girl’s championship. Most of the teams also have basketball academies were young children go and learn the game.

Basketball in Cyprus is an expanding sport. More and more people are coming close to the game and the interest form the press and fans is going rapidly.

National team

Main article: Cyprus national basketball team

Leagues

Main article: Cyprus Basketball Division 1

Nine teams have won the league:

• AEL (13)
• APOEL (10)
• Achilleas (5)
• Keravnos (6)
• Pezoporikos (4)
• PAEEK (3)
• ENAD (2)
• Digenis (2)
• ETHA (1)

Cups

Main article: Cypriot Basketball Cup

Eight teams have won the cup ^[1]:

• APOEL (11)
• AEL (8)
• Achilleas (7)
• Keravnos (8)
• Pezoporikos (5)
• Apollon Limassol (1)
• ENAD (1)
• ETHA (1)

References

1. ^ "Men's National Cup Finals". cybasketball.com. http://www.cybasketball.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=46&Itemid=43. Retrieved 2008-05-14. 

External links

• Overview by Cyprus Sport Organisation [1]
• Details as registered with FIBA [2]
• Cyprus Basketball league info in English [3]