How FIBA 3x3 World Tour 2024 stands after three Masters

CHENGDU (China) - The FIBA 3x3 World Tour 2024 has been lit so far, crisscrossing favorite destinations while venturing into exciting new terrain.

Ahead of the Chengdu Masters, let's recap the first three stops as the World Tour is about to hit the quarter mark of the season.

Utsunomiya Opener (Winner: Miami; MVP: Jimmer Fredette)

The World Tour once again started in familiar surroundings - the historical Japanese city of Utsunomiya. 

It was an incredible start to the World Tour 2024 with the world's best teams aiming to make an early season statement. 

And it was Miami (USA) who did just that to end top ranked Ub Huishan NE's (SRB) stranglehold of the event with a thrilling victory in an epic final.

Jimmer Fredette went shot for shot with No.1 Strahinja Stojacic - the dude he's hoping to grab the belt off as the game's best.

This was Himmer Fredette's moment. The former NBA player wants the crown and took it in Utsunomiya with the Maurice Lacroix Buzzer Beater as Miami earned the first W of 2024. 

It was not the start a full-strength Ub were expecting, but it was a sign of things to come. 

 

Marseille Masters (Winner: Raudondvaris Hoptrans; MVP: Modestas Kumpys) 

Think this season's World Tour would be dominated by powerhouses Ub Huishan NE, Miami and Amsterdam (NED)? Think again. 

All those three heavyweights were knocked out in the quarters in Marseille as up stepped Raudondvaris Hoptrans, who swooped in for the title.

After beating Ub in the quarters, the lethal Lithuanians then beat Vienna (AUT) and Paris (FRA) to issue a reminder that they are one of the very best in the world. 

And there was a new MVP winner on the World Tour with high-flyer Modestas Kumpys taking flight and dominating the half-court in Marseille. 

 

Ulaanbaatar Masters (Winner: Amsterdam; MVP: Worthy de Jong)

3x3-crazy Mongolia has hosted many events over the years, but this was their first staging on the World Tour.

And it was worth the wait with a crazy event unfolding at the historical Sukhbaatar Square. 

Having fallen well short in the opening two Masters, it was time for Amsterdam to flex their muscles and they did exactly that with a perfect team performance. 

Superstar Worthy de Jong led from the front and produced his usual highlights, but he had plenty of support. 

Arvin Slagter was on fire as he put on a shooting exhibition, while Julian Jaring and big fella Jan Driessen also played important roles to make a more all-rounded Amsterdam impossible to stop.

Amsterdam were too good for Lausanne (SUI), who have teased a lot over the years but appear the real deal in 2024 and appear close to breaking through for a title on the World Tour. 

 

While the Dutch Masters were in celebration mode, it was time for reflection for Ub who again were knocked out in the quarters. 

Is there a power shift now on the World Tour? We can't say for sure, but there may be answers in Chengdu.   

FIBA