SAN JUAN (Puerto Rico) - The FIBA 3x3 AmeriCup promises to be a fitting way to end this crazy 2024 as the continent's biggest event heads back to pioneer country Puerto Rico. Here is all the important information for the fourth edition of the AmeriCup.
Where can I watch? The action runs from December 12-15 and you can follow it live on the FIBA 3x3 YouTube page. Who is competing? There are a whopping 34 teams – 19 in the men's and 15 in the women's – journeying to San Juan. What are the pools?
Men's Pool A: USA, Mexico, Uruguay Pool B: Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, QD Pool C: Canada, Argentina, QD Pool D: Chile, Brazil, QD Women's Pool A: USA, Uruguay, Dominican Republic Pool B: Canada, Mexico, Jamaica Pool C: Chile, Brazil, Colombia Pool D: Puerto Rico, Argentina, QD Who are the favorites?
In the men's, we just have to start with powerhouse USA, who are out for revenge after their dreams for a three-peat last year fell short in unfamiliar disappointment. They have a new-look team but will welcome back Trey Bardsley, who was part of USA's title-winning team in 2021.
Their biggest challenger might be defending champs Puerto Rico, who always go to another level in front of their passionate fans.
It's far from a two-horse race with Canada desperate for a first medal in the event and to prove they are a continental powerhouse. They will be led by the one-two punch of legendary sniper Steve Sir and big fella Jerome Desrosiers.
Brazil have made the podium at every previous event and they will continue to be motivated by talisman Leonardo Branquinho, who is looking for a fourth straight medal. Two-time bronze medalist Dominican Republic just have to be rated a contender and they have the formidable Moquete brothers to lay the smackdown.
In the women's, defending champs USA will be out for a third title and they will unleash a new wave of WNBA stars.
Canada are the only other team to have tasted gold and will be led by superstar Katherine Plouffe, who will be determined to add another trophy to her glittering collection.
Brazil have won silver every single time but will be out for gold this time around, while Chile and host Puerto Rico should also be in the title mix.
Who are the players to watch?
There are plenty of stars aiming for the continental crown and in the men's scoring machine James Parrott and explosive Henry Caruso will take turns being Captain America.
Puerto Rico have plenty of star power with Antonio Ralat able to perform miracles in the clutch, while Angel Matias is the reigning tournament MVP.
USA are absolutely loaded, but it might be Washington Mystics sensation Brittney Sykes who steals the show in her 3x3 breakout. Los Angeles Sparks star Azura Stevens is also box office and she'll be out to dominate the half-court.
Towering Ziomara Morrison loves playing bully ball and she'll make the paint her personal playground as she once again puts Chile on her back.
Luana de Souza has been the heart and soul of Brazil over the years and you just know she'll leave everything on the half-court. FIBA