MIES (Switzerland) - 3x3's superstars showed off on the half-court all year long and let's look at the most influential players who made this memorable season extra special.
Worthy de Jong
Last season, de Jong produced Wilt Chamberlain type scoring numbers as he averaged an insane 9.3 ppg. But for his teams to become the best in the business, de Jong had to trust his teammates more and focus on developing an allround game.
He did exactly that to devastating effect with de Jong becoming the ultimate winner. He still showed why he's known as 'Hype Worthy' with a cocktail of Euro steps, crossovers and nasty foot work to maintain his status as the most entertaining player in 3x3.
But he did step back to help his teammates develop confidence before memorably taking over in the clutch like he so memorably did with insane buzzer beaters in the Olympic gold medal game against France and also the decider of the Hong Kong Final against Paris.
With three MVPs in this World Tour season and - etching his name into immortality and becoming famous in the Netherlands - the MVP at the Paris Olympics, Worthy de Jong finishes 2024 with the 3x3 crown.
Franck Seguela
It's little wonder Franck Segeula is carrying France's 3x3 torch. He has the looks of a Calvin Klein model, armed with a killer smile, but on the half-court he's an absolute assassin.
The affable Seguela loves the spotlight as he showed at the Paris Olympics after he became France's No.1 hero following dazzling performances at La Concorde.
Seguela was also one of the stars of the World Tour after winning MVP in Lausanne to back up his Olympic success and he inspired Paris' rise into an absolute legit powerhouse.
Nico Kaltenbrunner
We saw glimpses of superstardom from Nico Kaltenbrunner in the past but 2024 was when this speedy Austrian put all his electric skills together.
He enjoyed the moment of his career during the Europe Cup on home soil in Vienna. With his compatriots going wild in the bleachers, Kaltenbrunner submitted a triple-five of 8 points, 5 rebounds and 7 highlights to be the best player in the final and end Serbia's long-time stranglehold of the continental crown.
It was made even more special for him with Kaltenbrunner playing in front of his newborn child in emotional scenes for this rising superstar, who also won an MVP at the Almaty Masters to ensure he's one of the signature players of 2024.
Strahinja Stojacic/Dejan Majstorovic
After years of domination, the year did quite pan out for 3x3's most successful players. But that doesn't mean they didn't have plenty of moments to savor on the half-court. The standards set by GOAT Strahinja Stojacic and 3x3's winningest player Dejan Majstorovic are ridiculous.
And it's a challenge that has been met by their rivals, who have caught up, but this legendary Serb duo still are among the leaders in the pack. Stojacic won three MVPs this World Tour as 'Doctor Strange' continued to prove that the half-court was his multiverse.
Majstorovic continued to fill his packed trophy cabinet and his clutch skills were again on show as this 3x3 icon proved he has plenty left in the tank.
Dennis Donkor
We've known this Belgian was a flat out baller. His nickname Dennis the Menace is an obvious nod at his defensive prowess. But this season Donkor proved he was the best two-way force in the game.
Even when Riffa were struggling early in the World Tour, Donkor was lights out and carried the team. He was much more than a stats machine and defensive anchor because Donkor kept the fire burning when Riffa were down.
He never wavered through the disappointment and his passion was eventually rewarded when Riffa turned it around in the second half of the season. Donkor thoroughly deserved his MVP in Shanghai as he finished the season among the top of the list in all the major stats.
Dylan Travis
It was a tough year for American powerhouse Miami (USA), who did not have superstar Jimmer Fredette after a season-ending groin injury at the Paris Olympics. Former NBA player Fredette had been on fire previously and it appeared Miami's chances of remaining a title contender had sunk.
But fellow Olympian Dylan Travis stepped up and became the glue of the team to inspire Miami to major success without their talisman. He's a 3x3 iron man, playing in every single Miami game in the World Tour - an incredible feat considering his physical style of play.
He also played a key role in USA's triumph at the AmeriCup with an equal team-high 28 points and he did a whole lot of little things that doesn't reflect on the box score.
Travis has stepped out of the shadow of his high-profile teammates to become an influential figure for American 3x3.
Fabian Giessmann
We just have to finish off with a phenom who became a legit star among grown men in 2024. Having been hyped for years after dominating junior ranks, Fabian Giessmann proved the hype was real as he went toe-to-toe with the best players in the World Tour.
And he did it with a swagger as he posterized those who dared step in his way and showcased his incredible athleticism.
The towering 19-year-old became his country's go-to at the Europe Cup and he flat out dominated in his World Tour appearances, averaging an insane 9 ppg - the third highest of any player who stepped on the big stage - with the promise of much more to come in 2024.
FIBA