Men's 3x3 teams who defined 2023

MIES (Switzerland) - As we start getting ready to party on New Year's Eve, let's give a shout out on the best men's teams of 2023. 

Serbia

Of course, the 3x3 powerhouse have to be first on this list. They memorably defended their World Cup crown to edge rival USA in a thrilling final in what might be the most dramatic match ever played on the half-court. 

Serbia also claimed the tough feat of the World Cup/Europe Cup double for the third time after winning their fifth straight continental championship. 

They also continued to dominate on the World Tour with the best team in the world Ub Huishan NE going on a run for the ages with a record six titles to start the season. 

They then won the showpiece Jeddah Final to boost their claims of being the GOAT 3x3 team.

But it wasn't just about Ub with legendary Liman Huishan NE continuing their streak of winning a title, while Partizan Mozzart stamped themselves as a force with a first-ever triumph as Stefan Milivojevic turned into 'The Gladiator'. 

 

USA

The hoops power again flexed their muscles on the half-court with USA an inch away from glory at the World Cup. They showed off their Next Gen with a memorable triumph at the U23 World Cup to underline their depth of talent. 

Newcomers Miami effectively doubled as Team USA on the pro circuit and showed off college phenom and former NBA player Jimmer Fredette, who was a flamethrower all season long in the hottest shooting spree from downtown ever seen. 

Miami claimed two Masters titles to end a four-year drought for American teams on the World Tour as the red, white and blue made a statement in 2023. 

 

Puerto Rico

It's been a blast seeing an OG 3x3 nation regain their swagger on the half-court.

Playing with flair, their young players had a whole lot of fun as they ended USA's stranglehold of the AmeriCup to win on home soil in front of their passionate fans. 

Led by sharpshooter Antonio Ralat and athletic marvel Luis Cuascut, Puerto Rican 3x3 was rejuvenated with San Juan lighting a fuse on the World Tour.

They became an instant contender and made the final in Edmonton with the promise of more to come in 2024. 

 

Ulaanbaatar MMC Energy/Mongolia

What was the most heartwarming sight in 2023? It might have been 3x3 crazy Mongolia enjoying so much success in a reward for all their hard work on the half-court. 

Mongolia started the season with a bang after claiming the Asia Cup with an upset for the ages to knock off three-time defending champs Australia in an unforgettable final. 

Anand Ariunbold's cold-blooded dagger is a shot that will be replayed for years in Mongolia. 

The confidence of being continental champs trickled down to their No.1 team Ulaanbaatar MMC Energy, who became the first Mongolian team to taste success on the World Tour with a victory at the Shanghai Masters. 

It was particularly satisfying for those much-loved Mongolian fans, who have been riding the journey of their heroes for many years. 

 

Honorable mentions: Paris & Madagascar/Antananarivo 

We can't leave 2023 without giving a holler to Paris, who created history by becoming the first French team to win on the World Tour after taking out the Wuxi Masters. 

Franck Seguela was MVP to stamp himself as one of the very best players in the business. 

 

While Madagascar cemented themselves as an African powerhouse after claiming bronze at the Africa Cup. They were well represented on the World Tour with Antananarivo going on a historic semi-final run in Shanghai.

Elly Randriamampionona proved his credentials as a bucket getter and you better get used to saying his name because he's only going to get better in 2023 as he flies the flag for ever-improving Madagascar. 

 

FIBA