Mediterranean Games Preview: 3x3 comeback for former U18 stars

TARRAGONA (Mediterranean Games 2018) - Several former FIBA 3x3 U18 medalists will battle it out in Tarragona, Spain at the Mediterranean games 2018 on June 26-29, 2018.

Thirteen U23 men's teams and nine U23 women's teams will play in the iconic Camp de Mart Auditorium, with some familiar faces for the 3x3 fans in both genders.

In the men's category, Greece, Slovenia and Spain were seeded in Pool A. Slovenia bring back 3 out of the 4 players that went 20-0 at the U23 Nations League last year and now compete in the 3x3 professional circuit as 'Ljubljana East'. 3x3 U18 Europe Cup 2015 bronze medalist Nil Bria headlines the Spanish team in Tarragona.  

Croatia, Italy and Tunisia are seeded in Pool B while Andorra, MKD and 3x3 powerhouse Serbia will meet in Pool C. Keep an eye on Serbia as they are represented by 2 players who finished 3rd last year at the Sibiu 3x3 Challenger. 

Last but not least Poold D will be headlined by France, featuring U18 Europe cup 2017 winner Jim Seymour and World Cup 2017 bronze medalist Charly Pontens.  Also, Turkey will be led by U18 Europe Cup 2015 MVP Tanalp Sengün. Portugal complete the pool.

In the women's category, Spain are the team to beat in Pool A with a star-studded 4-women roster: 2014 Youth Olympic  Games and 3x3 U18 World Cup  2013 bronze medalist Laia Flores,  2016 Olympic Games silver medalist and 3x3 U18 World Cup 2013 bronze medalist Laura Quevedo, 3x3 U18 World Cup 2013 bronze medalist Nogaye Lo and Marina Lizarazu. They will play Slovenia, Portugal, Greece and neighbours Andorra, starring FIBA 3x3 World Cup Skills Contest gold medalist Claudia Brunet, who represented Andorra in the FIBA 3x3 World Cup just two weeks ago in the Philippines.

If Spain are favourites in Pool A, old rivals France are the team to watch in Pool B. 'Les Bleues' will be led by Caroline Heriaud - who led France to the Europe Cup semi-finals last season. Italy will be a tough competitor with former 3x3 U18 player Elisa Policari as their main star. Serbia and Turkey complete the pool.

In the men's category, teams are divided in 4 groups, with the best 2 teams of each one advancing to the quarter-finals.

In the women's category, they are split into 2 pools of 4 and 5 each, with the best 2 teams advancing to the semi-finals.

The pool stage will be played on June 27 and 28 and the knock-out games on Friday 29.

FIBA