How FIBA 3x3 World Tour 2024 stands after 10 stops

AMSTERDAM (Netherlands) - Before the FIBA 3x3 Amsterdam 2024 explodes to life, let's reflect on a crazy first 10 stops of the World Tour. 

The World Tour has never been so even

There have been seven champions so far this season. No one has completely dominated which is different to what we've seen previously with GOATs Novi Sad (SRB) and Ub Huishan NE (SRB) having often set the standard. 

The depth of talent continues to grow, and will continue to do so after Paris Olympic fever, and teams are playing with much more continuity these days to underline the commitment of players to 3x3. 

Those to have experienced glory are: Ub (SRB), Vienna (AUT), Riffa (BRN), Miami (USA), Amsterdam (NED), Raudondvaris Hoptrans (LTU)and Paris (FRA). 

The only multiple winners are Ub, Vienna and Miami with two each. Notable teams to have not claimed a title are Lausanne (SUI), Liman and  Partizan Meta Force (SRB). 

 

Ub are in a fight

We're used to Ub being way ahead by this stage of the season. In 2022, they already had won four titles and last year - probably the greatest single season ever - the spectacular Serbs had six in the bag. 

But times are changing quickly and Ub are in the fight of their life to keep ahead of the desperate pack. To be crystal clear, Ub are still the best in the business and sit at the top of the ladder, but it's been a slog. 

Ub started this season somewhat slowly as they rotated their line-up to ensure their superstars were fresh for the Paris Olympics. They've loaded up recently, but it still wasn't enough in Wuxi where they lost in the semis. 

It has taken something special to beat Ub , who have added legendary Stefan Stojacic and this sniper has not disappointed. They were knocked out by incredible Maurice Lacroix Buzzer Beaters in the semis in Wuxi and Shanghai. 

Perhaps they've just been unlucky and things will go their way. Ub are still top dog, but for how long? Time will tell. 

 

3x3's crown is up for grabs

Strahinja Stojacic in 2022-23 delivered the most dominant back-to-back seasons - complete with endless MVPs and titles. But his reign on top has been under challenge by several superstars. 

Miami star Jimmer Fredette made an early statement, but a serious groin injury at the Olympics has unfortunately ended his season. Paris Olympics MVP Worthy de Jong has also presented a compelling case, but has been picking his spots carefully. 

He might just put the hammer down on his half-court in Amsterdam. Other superstars are rising quickly with Franck Seguela having gone up a level after his Olympic heroics. He's a Masters MVP winner and playing the most consistent ball of his career. 

Aurelijus Pukelis is another who has claimed MVP honors and so too amazing Nico Kaltenbrunner, who is igniting Vienna's stunning season. 

Dennis Donkor also is an MVP winner and showcased his class and passion by playing superbly even when Riffa was in a slump. 

'Doctor Strange' remains No.1 on the rankings and his incredible game has not slipped at all - just check out his ridiculous dime below. But he will need to keep reeling in the titles and MVPs at the backend to keep his crown. 

 

Liman are starting to slip

No team has had the consistency of iconic Liman, who have won a title every season since 2017. While former rivals have left the building, Liman remain a link to the early days of 3x3. 

But Liman are starting to be overtaken by the New Gen as underlined by having only made it past the quarters once from six Masters. You can't write off this team because Liman are still collecting titles on the pro circuit. 

And Stefan Kojic is still cooking up a storm on the half-court to prove he's a 3x3 chef. 

But he's lacked support on the World Tour and Liman are being exposed. There are red flags, but Liman will be out to prove that they still have life in them. 

 

The race to make the Hong Kong Final is intense

While the top 10 on the standings can feel good about their chances of reaching the Hong Kong Final, the rest are under the pump. 

Currently 11th placed Ulaanbaatar MMC Energy (MGL) are 39 points behind Partizan Meta Force (SRB) on 10th. The Mongolians do have a host of events coming in the backend as they look to get breathing room from a host of challengers hot on their heels. 

There are some very highly talented teams fighting for a place in Hong Kong. Some will miss out. It's hard to believe that San Juan Church's (PUR) and Princeton (USA) are on the brink. 

While other teams are set to make a late season run such as Chongming (CHN), who boast legendary Latvians Karlis Lasmanis and Nauris Miezis, and rejuvenated Wuxi WenLv (CHN)sparked by the arrival of former NBA superstar DeMarcus Cousins. 

After his overpowering World Tour debut in Wuxi, the man they call 'Boogie' could help shape the business end of the season.

 

FIBA