BANGKOK (Thailand) - Anticipation is building for the start of the FIBA 3x3 season, which launches in style with the history making Champions Cup 2025 on March 14-16.
So let's have a temperature gauge just a week from this new event with the power rankings of the eight men's teams. 1. Netherlands (#No.4 Seed)
We just have to start with the hottest team in 2024 after the Dutch Masters collected the top prizes - Paris Olympic gold and the World Tour Final title. They will bring three Olympic gold medalists to Paris led by superstar Worthy de Jong, who finished last year with the crown.
You just know he's going to be even better in 2025 and that's a scary prospect for opponents.
2. Serbia (#No.1 Seed)
You better watch out because 3x3's undisputed powerhouse is mad and ready to unleash fury on the competition in 2025. Starting off in Bangkok with Serbia again boast a loaded squad led by No.1 player Strahinja Stojacic, who was leapfrogged by de Jong at the end of 2024.
You just know he's hurting and has spent his off-season learning new moves. We also can't wait to see him in tandem with athletic marvel Stefan Milivojevic in what will be a scary one-two punch.
3. Austria (No.5 Seed)
Austria are now entrenched as a 3x3 power after memorably winning the Europe Cup in style on home soil. They did the impossible and ended Serbia's stranglehold of the competition but they did fall away a little in the backend of 2024.
Austria will bring the same four players to Bangkok and their chemistry will give them an edge over some new-look teams. We are also excited to see what trippy moves speedy Nico Kaltenbrunner has added to his bag of tricks.
4. France (#No.3 Seed)
Speaking of chemistry, these Frenchmen can be science professors because they have combined for Paris so memorably in recent years. Paris last year rose up the World Tour ladder last season to underline how much these French stars love playing together.
They also enjoy representing their country, especially superstar Franck Seguela and Jules Rambaut, who won Olympic silver on that unforgettable run at La Concorde.
5. USA (#No.2 Seed)
The USA always have a bucket load of talent and this occasion will be no exception as they start handing the steering wheel to rising star Henry Caruso, who stole the show at last year's AmeriCup.
The Americans are also under pressure but you just know they'll deliver with big fella Christopher Moseley ready to shine wearing the red, white and blue.
6. Australia (#No.6 Seed)
The Aussies have long absolutely owned the Asia Cup as they did again last year with a fourth triumph out of the last five. But they haven't translated that success beyond Asia and they've got a golden opportunity to make a statement with the world watching Bangkok.
Sharpshooter Josh Davey will return to the half-court having helped Australia claim glory in Singapore almost 12 months ago.
7. Madagascar (#No. 8 Seed)
A little like Australia, Madagascar have been the team to beat in their region but are ready to expand their footprint. They have a legit dude who will be able to go toe-to-toe with anyone on the half-court - Elly Randriamampionona. Get ready to pronounce his name properly because he's the real deal.
8. Thailand (#No. 7 Seed)
The hosts are the underdogs, but you just can't write off a team that will play with passion and pride. Plus they will have the support of their enthusiastic fans and we're excited for the world to catch a glimpse of Nicola Franco, who has a lot of potential.
FIBA