China out to continue hot form at first-ever FIBA 3x3 Women's Series Astara Stop 2023

ASTARA (Azerbaijan) - Red-hot China will be eyeing a second straight title to start the FIBA 3x3 Women's Series 2023 at the first-ever Astara Stop on May 20-21. 

Let's take a deeper look at the second Stop on this season's schedule. 

The Favorites

No.2 seeds China have started fast after a home triumph at the Wuhan Stop, where they stormed through the competition with superstar Lili Wang winning MVP. 

The speedster and towering ZhiTing Zhang continue to pack a powerful one-two punch and that just means China - who have the same four players from Wuhan - have to start favorites in Astara. 

But top seeds Germany will be determined to live up to top billing after losing to China in the semis in Wuhan.

Superstar Sonja Greinacher might be even better than ever after an insane performance, where she led player value (47.1) and points (48). 

She will need more support from her teammates with Germany facing an early test against African champs Egypt, who are led by the brilliant Soraya Mohamed. 

The 27-year-old will most certainly be a handful for opponents as Egypt aim to shock the world but 3x3 real ones know they can make a deep run. 

No.3 seeds Poland are always competitive with Aldona Morawiec a reliable bucket getter as the European power highlight Pool C. 

But they face a serious challenge against Chinese commercial team Sc. Yuanda, who stormed to the semis in Wuhan with Wanglai Zhang showcasing her pretty passing. 

The Field

This is a deep draw that boasts numerous dark horse contenders, including always competitive European teams Romania and Hungary who have a blockbuster Pool D clash. 

Romanian young gun Teodora Manea is set to make the jump into superstardom. If you don't believe me, just watch her create a downpour in Astara. 

We can't wait to see her go toe-to-toe with Hungary's young gun Orsolya Toth, who wants to make her mark in 2023.

European teams Ukraine, Czech Republic and Austria are also strong chances to progress to the knockout stages, while hosts Azerbaijan and commercial team Neftchi will hope to be inspired by their home fans in this history-making event. 

Pools

Pool A: Germany, Egypt, Ukraine 
Pool B: China, Czech Republic, Austria
Pool C: Poland, Sc. Yuanda (CHN), Azerbaijan 
Pool D: Romania, Hungary, Neftchi (AZE)

How to watch

The two-day extravaganza is on May 20-21 and you can follow it live on the FIBA 3x3 YouTube and Facebook pages.

FIBA