Players to watch at FIBA 3x3 World Tour Edmonton Masters 2023

EDMONTON (Canada) - Strap in because the world's best players are ready to put their stamp on the first-ever FIBA 3x3 Edmonton Masters 2023 on July 28-29.

Let's look at the players to watch at the fifth stop on this season's World Tour. 

Strahinja Stojacic (Ub Huishan NE)

You know the drill. It would be downright disrespectful if we put anyone above the man who holds the 3x3 crown. 

Strahinja Stojacic is submitting one of the greatest ever World Tour seasons - the man is a walking stat line averaging 6.8 ppg and shooting 78% from ones and 32% from twos.

He makes his teammates better, but also dominates when needed. With Ub full of stars, Stojacic hasn't had to shift into overdrive the last couple of Masters. 

But we feel like he might just step on the gas as he eyes a third Masters MVP of the season. 

 

Worthy de Jong (Amsterdam HiPRO)

Take a guess what Worthy de Jong is averaging on the World Tour? If you said 21 then we don't blame you because it feels like he's scoring on every single play. 

Still his mark of 10.2 ppg is insane and, you guessed it, he is the only player who has double digits in dunks - almost one per game. 

The only thing missing in his incredible debut season with Amsterdam HiPRO (NED) is a Masters title.

If he achieves that in Edmonton then we really have to start those Stojacic vs de Jong debates.

 

 Miroslav Pasajlic (Riga)

You know how much 3x3 means to this flat out assassin?

Just watch his passionate celebration after the Riga recruit thought he hit the Maurice Lacroix Buzzer Beater to down compatriots Liman Huishan NE in the quarters at the Macau Masters.

Unfortunately for him it didn't count and Liman had the last laugh, but Pasajlic again showed his liking for the big moment having hit a game-winner on Day One. 

Expect him to step up in the clutch in Edmonton. 

 

Dulguun Enkhbat (Ulaanbaatar MMC Energy)

Ulaanbaatar are getting closer to a first-ever Masters title and the return of the man with the perfect hair might be the difference maker. 

This dude is well known for several things. Firstly, he is a lockdown defender who loves nothing more than making life difficult for his opponent. 

Secondly, he has probably the best hair on the pro circuit - no amount of wind can knock it out of place!

Thirdly, Enkhbat is all about the Ws and having tasted glory at the FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup 2023 he now wants to experience ultimate success on the World Tour. 

 

Carlos Martinez (Lausanne)

If he wanted to, Carlos Martinez could give David Blain a run for his money. Seriously, give him a deck of cards and he'll blow your mind like a Christopher Nolan film. 

But there's no magic tricks needed on the half-court for the 27-year-old who uses his towering frame to good use around the basket. 

He's also got good touch for a big fella making him an unstoppable scorer when he gets going. 

Quite clearly, a future career as a world famous magician can wait while he dominates the half-court. 

Henry Caruso (Princeton)

Iconic American team Princeton makes a return to the World Tour and will look a bit different in 2023. 

But their hopes of returning to former glory are promising with newcomer Henry Caruso a breakout player on the pro circuit. 

He had one of the most dazzling debuts seen in 3x3 after topping player value (47.3) and grabbing a whopping 45 rebounds at the Baoding Challenger. 

That ended a two-year title drought on the pro circuit for American teams and if he can fire in Edmonton then Princeton can go all the way on the World Tour for the first time since 2019. 

 

Niklas Kropp (Dusseldorf LFDY)

Dusseldorf LFDY are Jekyll and Hyde right now. Their strong form on the pro circuit has been cancelled out by a winless record on the World Tour. 

The up and down form of the Germans might be owing to their best player Niklas Kropp's inconsistencies.

He's a 3x3 unicorn on the pro circuit, who can light up from downtown but also dominate the paint. Oh, and this towering German really shouldn't be able to handle the ball like a dude a foot shorter.

But life has been harder on the World Tour. We think it might just be time for Niklas Kropp to become a unicorn at a Masters. 

Charlie Brown Jr (Washington DC)

Who will have the most dunks in Edmonton? It's likely going to come from entertainers Washington DC, who have athletic marvels Khalil Iverson and Keaton Wallace in their line-up.

But we're going with former NBA player Charlie Brown Jr who usually puts on a dunking exhibition in games. 

The 26-year-old played in the NBA as recently as the 2021-22 season, but has fallen in love with the half-court which suits his ability to play above the rim.

We can't wait to see what he has in store in his World Tour debut.

  

Antonio Ralat (San Juan)

Antonio Ralat made one incredible World Tour entrance when he had a star-making performance at the Manila Masters. 

Against powerhouse Riga, with the scores level at 20 apiece,  Ralat called game with a step back two in an incredible Maurice Lacroix Buzzer Beater. 

He has nerves of steel and if Ralat again delivers in the clutch then the New Gen of San Juan can go a long way. 

 

Bikramjit Gill (Toronto)

Toronto will be flying the Canadian flag and fan favorite Bikramjit Gill is set to get the crowd rocking in Edmonton.

Having returned home, the 'Bearded King' is ready to inspire with a combination of nasty dunks and rim protection. 

This dude has long been a 3x3 pioneer and he can cement a legendary career with a knockout performance on home soil.

 

FIBA