All we learned from FIBA 3x3 Europe Cup 2024

VIENNA (Austria) - The FIBA 3x3 Europe Cup 2024 continued the half-court game's surge in momentum after the Paris Olympics, as the continent's best teams fought for the crown on September 22-25. 

Let's look back on the ninth edition of the continental championship, which had Austria's historical capital of Vienna rocking.

Austria are the host with the most

With energetic fans at the famous Kaiserwiese going crazy, host Austria were inspired and created history to win their first-ever Europe Cup. 

Austria lifted to another level to end Serbia's long stranglehold and they became just the fifth men's winner of the tournament.

Things looked rocky when the Austrians lost on Day One to Olympic gold medalist Netherlands, but their confidence did not take a hit. Stronger than Schwarzenegger, Austria took down Spain and Olympic bronze medalist Lithuania to set up the daunting task of facing Serbia in the final. 

Serbia had held the crown since 2018, but Austria overcame struggles from deep with speedy Nico Kaltenbrunner taking over to dominate his star-studded opponents with a triple-five of 8 points, 5 rebounds and 7 highlights. 

The 24-year-old is quickly becoming a 3x3 superstar after adding to his recent Almaty Masters MVP. He was inspired playing in front of his newborn child in emotional scenes for this rising superstar. 

Kaltenbrunner deservedly took home top honors, but he had plenty of support through walking bucket Enis Murati as Austria proved they were the host with the most much to the delight of their jubilant fans. 

 

Spain back up Olympics success 

Did you think Spain (women's) would have a hangover after their extraordinary silver medal at the Paris Olympics?

Of course not because these Spaniards are absolute warriors as they proved when these four heroes backed up their incredible Olympic success by clinching the title in an unbeaten campaign. 

It was a second Europe Cup title for legendary Sandra Ygueravide and Vega Gimeno as Spain overcame a murderers row starting with a convincing victory over fellow Olympians Azerbaijan. 

Spain were determined after a runner-up finish last year and never really tested apart from a tough quarter-final against Ukraine before laying the smackdown on Poland and rival France in the final. 

Ygueravide added to her legacy with an MVP performance to finish as the top scorer with 42 points, including a game-high 6 in the final.

Spain are truly in the midst of a glory period. 

 

Powerhouses Serbia and France rebound from Olympic disappointment

Serbia had a point to prove after a bitterly disappointing Olympic campaign where the favorite were knocked out at the play-in. 

They were in revenge mode and headed for an incredible sixth straight European title until falling agonizingly short to Austria in an epic final.

 

Even though they couldn't quite get the tonic they needed, Serbia's guts and heart were on full show as superstar Strahinja Stojacic returned to his very best to finish on the Team of the Tournament. 

The Serbs enjoyed strong support from their loud compatriots in the bleachers, as they reeled off vintage performances. 

France (women's) were the biggest disappointment at the Olympics after falling at the pool stage. But the three-time former European champs showcased plenty of determination to pick themselves up to finish with silver. 

Marie-Eve Paget was the only Frenchwoman backing up from the Olympics and she was clearly motivated as the 3x3 wizard tapped into her deep bag to be one of the very best players in the tournament. 

Lithuania and Netherlands enjoy more success

Just weeks after Paris, Lithuania won more bronze to continue their strong performance in the tournament having now reached the podium in four of the last five Europe Cups. 

The lethal Lithuanians were devastating as they shook up their line-up weary from Paris. They had the anchor of star big fella Aurelijus Pukelis, but youngster Titas Janusevicius stole the show as he splashed all over the half-court to finish on the Team of the Tournament. 

Title holders Netherlands (women's) were unable to repeat as champs, but did not go home empty-handed after beating Poland to win bronze. It was a brave performance after their hopes of defending their crown ended in a heart-breaking defeat in the semis to France.

The Netherlands were led by dynamic duo Janis Boonstra, who finished on the Team of the Tournament, and Noortje Driessen as they reached the podium for the third straight time. 

 

Olympic gold medalists Netherlands and Germany crash back to earth

It was always going to be a hard task for the Netherlands (men's) and Germany (women's) after the heights of Paris. Thus it was probably not entirely surprising that both did not reach the podium. 

The Netherlands, boasting three Olympians led by Paris MVP Worthy de Jong, looked to be rolling until running into a Serbian buzz saw in the quarters. 

But de Jong continues to dazzle on the half-court as he enjoys basking in the status of best player alive after his heroics in Paris. 

 

Germany also were eliminated in the quarters after falling to reigning champs the Netherlands.

They only had one Olympian in their line-up, but young gun Elisa Mevius relished the responsibility in a dynamic performance to once again live up to the hype following her breakout in Paris. 

Vienna is becoming the heart of 3x3 in Europe

Vienna, the historic and breathtaking capital of Austria, is cementing itself in the absolute top tier of 3x3 hosts. 

After unforgettably staging last year's World Cup, Vienna took it to another level with a mesmerizing Europe Cup at the iconic Kaiserwiese. The Austrian fans are some of the best and loudest 3x3 supporters in the world to ensure the venue had a constant party vibe. 

We can't wait to return to Vienna. 

 

 FIBA