Defending champs Poland and France face early tests at FIBA 3x3 U23 World Cup 2023

LUBLIN (Poland) - Get ready because the best young stars are ready to put on a show at the FIBA 3x3 U23 World Cup 2023 on September 27-October 1.

The fourth edition of the yearly showpiece competition boasts 40 teams - 20 per gender - and will be the first time played in the historic Polish city of Lublin. 

In the men's, Mongolia are the No.1 seeds and headline a tough Pool A featuring Czechia, Netherlands, China and Chile. 

The Dutch Masters loom as a title contender with insanely talented Nesta Agasi showcasing his athletic ability on the pro circuit for Utrecht. 

Pool B is led by last year's bronze medalist France, who will have to fend off hosts and defending champs Poland, Austria, Romania and Benin boasting muscular Fadilou Alassane. 

It is a rematch between Poland and France from the same stage last year with the Poles prevailing in a thriller en route to a memorable title. 

No.3 seeds Germany have title ambitions and are led by exciting Denzel Agyeman, who is a dunk machine at every level he plays. They headline Pool C containing Israel, Qatar, Tunisia and Kenya. 

Pool D might just be the 'Group of Death' with Lithuania, Japan and USA all eyeing deep runs. Italy and Egypt won't just be making up the numbers as they round out the group. 

Pools Men's

Pool A: Mongolia, Czechia, Netherlands, China, Chile
Pool B: France, Poland, Austria Romania, Benin
Pool C: Germany, Israel, Qatar, Tunisia, Kenya 
Pool D: Lithuania, Japan, Italy, Egypt, USA

In the women's, China have top billing and face a major early test against reigning silver medalists USA. It is a rematch of last year's tense semi-final, where USA prevailed before losing the final to France. 

The Netherlands, who won bronze last year, are aiming to spoil the party and boast dynamic Zoe Slagter, while Kenya and Austria fill out Pool A.

Germany and Lithuania headline Pool B, while hosts Poland will want to feed off their crowd support. Tunisia and Greece loom as dark horses.

Defending champs France are the team to beat in Pool C with their toughest challenge possibly against African powerhouse Egypt. Italy, Thailand and Hungary are also in the group.

Asian powers Japan and Mongolia square off in Pool D, but don't write off Czechia, Romania and Chile who can all make some noise in Lublin.

Pool's Women

Pool A: China, USA, Netherlands, Kenya, Austria 
Pool B: Germany, Lithuania, Poland, Tunisia, Greece
Pool C: France, Egypt, Italy, Thailand, Hungary 
Pool D: Japan, Mongolia, Czechia, Romania, Chile 

The top two teams in each pool will qualify for the quarter-finals.

FIBA