Paris set sights on title at FIBA 3x3 Hamburg Challenger 2024

HAMBURG (Germany) - After falling agonizingly short at the Shanghai Masters, No.2 seed Paris (FRA) are hoping to go one better at the FIBA 3x3 Hamburg Challenger 2024 on September 27-28.

Let's take a closer look at the 18th Challenger of 2024.

The Favorites

Let's start with in-form Paris (FRA), who bring to Hamburg the same stars part of their runner-up campaign in Shanghai. Superstar Franck Seguela was in MVP form, while excitement machine Paul Djoko matched him in highlight plays. 

 

But the Frenchmen will have to back up quickly in a loaded draw headed by top seed Miami (USA), who have continued to roll with James Parrott proving a walking bucket. 

Hangzhou (CHN) have to be rated among the contenders because they have former Masters MVP Vladimir Trajkovic, who can heat up Hamburg in seconds. 

We just have to give excitement machine St Pauli (GER) the nod in this section because talented youngsters Denzel Agyeman and Fabian Giessmann are making the leap before our eyes.  

 

The Field 

This is a deep draw with a number of teams capable of upsetting the top seeds. 

Utrecht (NED) are starting to click having made the semis at the Debrecen Masters with high-flyer Nesta Agasi capable of exploding to the rim whenever he pleases. 

 

Another team quickly making waves is Kandava Turiba (LAT), who have been close to winning a first-title.

They have a perfect blend of youth and experience with Francis Lacis the latest in the line of Latvian sensations and he will continue to be mentored by Tokyo Olympic gold medalist Edgars Krumins. 

 

Beloved NY Harlem (USA) have not lost the magic of old and they'll be led by Dominique Jones who you just know as 'Disco Domo'. 

While Marijampole Mantinga (LTU) and Podgorica Kodio (MNE) always bring it and they aren't afraid of anyone. 

And, of course, we have not forgotten Dusseldorf LFDY (GER), who will have the support of the loud German fans with Niklas Kropp likely to be the crowd favorite. 

Pools

Pool A: Miami (USA), Podgorica Kodio (MNE), St Pauli (GER) 
Pool B: Paris (FRA), NY Harlem (USA), Getafe Grupo EM (ESP)
Pool C: Hangzhou (CHN), Dusseldorf LFDY (GER), QD
Pool D: Utrecht (NED), Kandava Turiba (LAT), QD

What's at stake

The top 3 teams in Hamburg will qualify for the Neom Masters on November 7-9, 2024, as part of the FIBA 3x3 World Tour.

How to watch

The two-day extravaganza is on September 27-28 and you can follow it live on the FIBA 3x3 YouTube page.

FIBA