All we learned from FIBA 3x3 World Tour Amsterdam 2024

AMSTERDAM (Netherlands) - The World Tour's return to Europe was epic with an absolutely crazy FIBA 3x3 Amsterdam Masters on October 12-13.

Let's take a closer look at this season's 11th World Tour stop.

Stojacic holds onto the crown 

There was much intrigue over who would come out on top between the game's two best players - Strahinja Stojacic or Worthy de Jong, who was amped up playing on his half-court. 

Their paths didn't cross, unfortunately, but 'Doctor Strange' holds onto his crown for a little longer after playing a major part in Ub Huishan NE's (SRB) triumph. 

With the title up for grabs in a titanic final against rival Liman (SRB), Ub gave the ball to Stojacic who did what he has done countless times before and nailed the Maurice Lacroix Buzzer Beater with a two-pointer that triggered scenes of jubilation. 

Stojacic was at his brilliant all-round best to shade de Jong, whose Amsterdam (NED) fell in the quarters to Riffa (BRN). De Jong could not get going and misfired badly from deep as he failed to take the throne from Stojacic. 

 

Underrated Nerandzic steals the show

It wasn't just 'Doctor Strange's' multiverse. Big fella Nenad Nerandzic went home with the MVP after a monster tournament, leading Ub in scoring with 37 points and finishing No.1 overall in player-value (55.3). 

Nerandzic is often overshadowed by his famous teammates, but never disappoints. He underlines Ub's impressive depth and always steps up when called upon. 

Nerandzic lifted his game to new heights with his best performance in Amsterdam capped by scoring a team high 9 points in the final against Liman. He was the star of stars and deservedly had his moment in the sun. 

 

Kojic fuels Liman's best performance

It's been a disappointing World Tour season for Liman, who had kept falling ingloriously at the quarters.

Not this time around as Liman overcame a stacked Pool C to defeat Paris (FRA) and Chongming (CHN) on Day One before easily accounting for Utrecht (NED) in the quarters. 

They weren't nearly done with Liman overcoming in-form Riffa (BRN) in a classic semi before falling short to Ub. For Liman to go up a level they needed superstar Stefan Kojic to get cooking. 

And this Serbian Chef cooked up a tasty dish with another lights out performance to finish No.1 in scoring with 46 points. He has been one of the very best players this season and absolutely deserves a title on the World Tour 2024.

 

Rare early exit for Paris

It's been an incredible run for our favorite Frenchmen - especially Franck Seguela and Jules Rambaut who were crowned Olympic silver medalists just 10 weeks ago. 

They have not been content with their Olympic heroics, with these dudes thriving under an insanely busy schedule ever since.

Perhaps fatigue finally caught up with them or maybe they were just unlucky to be in the 'Group of Death', but Paris were bounced in a rare early exit. They lost to Liman and Chongming in thrillers, so there is no concern over their form. 

It was still surprising to see them endure a rare failure, but you just know they will bounce back bigger and stronger. 

 

Amsterdam was incredible

Amsterdam, one of the most famous cities in the world and a tourist magnet, is now cementing itself as an iconic World Tour destination after successfully hosting the event for the second straight season. 

The Gashouder, a former gas storage facility, looks amazing with its bright lights creating a stunning spectacle. 

We can't wait to return to this iconic Dutch capital.

 

FIBA