All we learned from FIBA 3x3 World Tour Debrecen 2024

DEBRECEN (Hungary) - The FIBA 3x3 World Tour 2024 returned with a bang to the fan favorite Debrecen Masters.

Let's take a closer look at this season's eighth World Tour stop played on August 31-September 1.

Ub Huishan NE are back

It's been a fairly tough season for the spectacular Serbs. Ub Huishan NE (SRB) lost their No.1 ranking - a status they've owned for years - amid line-up changes and they had only won a single Masters title in 2024. 

The No.2 seed were on a mission in Debrecen and were basically unchallenged through to the quarters when they thrashed a weakened Amsterdam (NED). 

But it was the younger Dutch team Utrecht (NED), who gave them all kinds of problems. Superstar Strahinja Stojacic had 8 points and 11 highlights as Ub won a thriller before beating rival Miami (USA) in a heart-stopper of a final.

It was a stellar team effort with MVP Strahinja Stojacic shouldering the scoring load along with Marko Brankovic, while big fella Nenad Nerandzic again proved that he is a reliable option when needed. 

 

'Doctor Strange' returns to his best

Look at the individual rankings and something is a bit different. Strahinja Stojacic, arguably the 3x3 GOAT, is sitting No.3 - and not at No.1 where he has been anchored for years.

That's because new No.1 Worthy de Jong submitted the performance for the ages at the Paris Olympics, while No.2 Jimmer Fredette dominated the first half of the season. 

The challenge was for Stojacic to lift even further and he did exactly that in Debrecen with a scintillating MVP performance to finish No.1 in player-value (59.1) and highlights (32). 

He played with swagger, driving to the rack and making sure the half-court was 'Doctor Strange's' multiverse. 

Stojacic's climb back to the top of the mountain has started in fine fashion and he's just getting warmed up.

 

Miami show bucketload of guts 

Many had written off top seed Miami. They were without injured superstar Jimmer Fredette, who sustained a serious groin injury at the Paris Olympics. 

And Canyon Barry was a late scratch meaning they played with just three players, but that didn't stop them with James Parrott producing a scoring binge.

The Americans defied fatigue to win a series of close games, including against in-form Vienna (AUT) and Riffa (BRN) in the knockouts. 

Parrott was on fire against Ub with a ridiculous 12 points as Miami came within an inch of clinching one of the most incredible titles in World Tour history. 

 

Utrecht are making the leap

While the focus has been understandably on Amsterdam amid a golden period for Dutch 3x3, young guns Utrecht are showcasing the depth of talent from the powerhouses. 

After a terrible start having been thrashed by Miami, Utrecht made it through to Day Two by the skin of their teeth with a dub against Plunge (LTU). 

Norbert Thelissen and Adriaan Van Tilborg combined for 15 points as Utrecht produced an epic performance to easily beat legendary Liman (SRB) in the quarters. 

They fell in a thriller to Ub in the semis, but Utrecht are making a name for themselves. Alongside their young talent is recruit Dimeo van der Horst, fresh off his Olympic gold medal. 

He's added experience and become a mentor for the youngsters as Utrecht start emerging from Amsterdam's shadow. 

 

Debrecen delivers again

This time of year means the World Tour descends to 3x3 mad Debrecen, the pretty locale in Hungary.

Kossuth Square was rocking as Debrecen delivered one of its best ever events - truly a feat considering the pretty Hungarian city has hosted at least one FIBA 3x3 international event since 2015.

Debrecen deservedly holds the status as one of 3x3's GOAT destinations. 

FIBA