UTSUNOMIYA (Japan) - The FIBA 3x3 World Tour is ready to ignite season 14 at the traditional Utsunomiya Opener on April 26-27. Here is all the important information you need before we get 2025 rolling in style. Where can I watch the Utsunomiya Opener? The action runs from April 26-27, and you can follow it live on the FIBA 3x3 YouTube, Facebook and Sina Weibo pages. Who is competing in Utsunomiya? The top 10 teams in the rankings and a total of 14 squads: Ub, Toulouse, Miami, Amsterdam RABOBANK, Riffa, Raudondvaris Hoptrans, Riffa, Liman, Partizan, London, Sagamihara HIU EXE, Tennoz SCC EXE, Utsunomiya BREX.EXE, Hiratsuka SeasideEXE
What are the pools?
Who are the favorites? As per usual, the season starts with a bang. And that means the World Tour just has to start with the top 10 ranked teams involved in the draw.
So, obviously, this is a wide open field and we're going to have to go on the form of 2024. That means reigning World Tour Final champs Amsterdam RABOBANK (NED) deserve to start as favorites as the Dutch Masters face the tough task of backing up from an unforgettable year.
Two-time former Utsunomiya Opener champs Ub (SRB) weren't quite as invincible in 2024, but they still finished the year as No.1. They almost claimed a three-peat last year in Utsunomiya, but fell short after a narrow loss to Miami (USA) in an epic final.
The Americans will be eying defending their title and have beefed up after recruiting superstar Henry Caruso, who is ready to be his mighty country's best baller.
There is a team with a new name, but you well know these dudes. Toulouse (FRA), formerly Paris, are ready to fire in new colors and they will be led by Olympic silver medalist Franck Seguela, whose confidence is through the roof after a year for the ages.
Vienna (AUT) and Raudondvaris Hoptrans (LTU) have some of the most decorated players in 3x3, while Serb teams Liman (SRB) and Partizan (SRB) brim with dudes who can go on heaters. Who are the players to watch? There will be new rivalries in Utsunomiya. But an established individual rivalry between Worthy de Jong and Strahinja Stojacic will be mouth-watering with a lot at stake. 'Hype Worthy' took 'Doctor Strange's' crown after a jaw-dropping season, but you know that has just made the spectacular Serb hungrier than ever. If they cross paths in Utsunomiya, look out!
There are plenty of other stars who want to grab the belt and make early season claims of being the best player in the game. Two-way force Dennis Donkor is the heart and soul of Riffa (BRN) and was one of the very best players in 2024 as he took the leap.
He can do it all on the half-court much like all-round marvel Stefan Milivojevic, who can intimidate merely by flexing. Just wait until 3x3's gladiator has the Wilson in his hands!
If you want to watch a speedster mastering his craft then keep your eyes trained on Nico Kaltenbrunner, the reigning Europe Cup MVP, while Modestas Kumpys aka 'Flight Mode' is ready to attack the rims and prove once again why he is the GOAT in-game dunker.
FIBA