UTSUNOMIYA (Japan) - The 14th edition of the FIBA 3x3 World Tour started with a bang at the Utsunomiya Opener 2025 in a sign of what is to come this season. Let's take a look at the two-day traditional first stop played on April 26-27. New-look Miami repeat as champs
Miami entered as the reigning champs in Utsunomiya, but there was an unknown over this new-look team that had made significant changes in the off-season.
With superstar Jimmer Fredette having recently announced his retirement, AmeriCup MVP Henry Caruso has stepped into his big shoes after taking his talents to Miami.
He had a fine debut as Miami (USA) showcased immediate chemistry in an opening statement that will send shockwaves through the competition. Their unbeaten run included victories over powers Raudondvaris Hoptrans (LTU), Partizan (SRB), Toulouse (FRA) and Amsterdam RABOBANK (NED) in a nail-biting final.
It was an even performance with Olympian Dylan Travis being the glue guy while scoring machine James Parrott was a walking bucket as per usual. But it was Mitch Hahn who stole the show with a determined two-way effort to pick up his first World Tour MVP in a brilliant start to his second season with Miami.
Miami have made the early running as the team to beat this season.
New season, same 'Hype Worthy'
After he completed such a stellar 2024, including realizing his Olympic dream, there was uncertainty over the 3x3 future of megastar Worthy de Jong. But, thankfully, the Dutch Master recommitted to a game that has refuelled his love affair with hoops.
He has started the World Tour season in spectacular fashion after leading Amsterdam RABOBANK (NED) to the final. It was business as usual for de Jong, who most certainly was 'Hype Worthy', with a performance filled with trademark dunks and acrobatic plays.
The game's greatest ever scorer was again a bucket getter to lead all scorers with 40 points overall as de Jong proved that he still holds 3x3's individual crown after a season for the ages.
Ub show trademark resiliency, but fall short
No.1 Ub (SRB) have set such high standards that anything other than titles is considered a disappointment. But as we've learned over the last 12 months, the field in 3x3 is so incredibly deep now that we can't just expect Ub to win everything like they did during their golden run of 2022-23.
After three straight appearances in the final in Utsunomiya, including going back-to-back in 2022-23, Ub could not get past the semi-finals following a tough loss to rival Amsterdam RABOBANK.
It may have not been the start they wanted, but Ub again showcased their fighting characteristics at a happy hunting ground having won tight games against compatriots Partizan (SRB) and Liman (SRB) on Day One and then Raudondvaris Hoptrans (LTU) in the quarters.
Two of their wins were in OT with superstar Strahinja Stojacic and Marko Brankovic hitting clutch Buzzer Beaters to issue a reminder that they have nerves of steel.
It's going to be tougher than ever, but Ub remain one of the best in the business despite not going all the way.
Pukelis starts the season on fire
Who had the best scoring average in Utsunomiya? It was Olympic bronze medalist Aurelijus Pukelis, who just continues to be a lethal Lithuanian. He finished with 9 ppg and his masterpiece was 11 points and 5 rebounds against Ub in the quarters.
Real ones know that the towering Pukelis is one of the very best players on the planet and he just keeps on getting better season after season. He's only getting warmed up because Pukelis will be back in action at the upcoming Chengdu Masters, where you just know he'll be a scoring machine yet again.
Utsunomiya remains the perfect place to start the World Tour season
For the fourth straight year, Utsunomiya hosted the season-opener and once again it was the perfect way to launch the World Tour. What makes the event so special and why it is a favorite for so many - it's a personal No.1 for a lot of top players - is the unmatched combination of passionate fans and historical setting. Can you think of any other sporting event in the world quite like this? The half-court is set in one of the most picturesque and historical sites on the World Tour - the Futaarayama Jinja shrine, which was founded about 1,600 years ago. The backdrop is filled with fans lining the shrine's famous steps as the packed crowds in this hallowed setting once again created an unforgettable launch for the World Tour season.
FIBA