Top 10 men to watch at FIBA 3x3 World Cup 2023

VIENNA (Austria) - The best 3x3 players on the planet will be in Vienna and ready to put on a show at the FIBA 3x3 World Cup 2023 as they fight for the crown on May 30-June 4.

Here are 10 men's players you just have to watch. 

 

Strahinja Stojacic (Serbia)

We just have to start with 'Doctor Strange' who has held the No.1 ranking for some time.

And the 30-year-old has shown no signs of giving up his title having started the FIBA 3x3 World Tour 2023 spectacularly with back-to-back MVPs for unstoppable Ub Huishan NE. 

Stojacic last year tasted his first World Cup triumph and he looms as the main man for Serbia to win a remarkable sixth title.

 

Thibaut Vervoort (Belgium)

This brilliant Belgian remains one of the very best players in the world having switched teams on the pro circuit from his beloved Antwerp to Chinese side Futian, who reached the final at the Manila Masters. 

Forget the series-finale of Succession, the 25-year-old remains 'Must See TV' with an ability to crush opponents by splashing from deep or dunking on the heads of defenders.

He goes up a gear when in his country's colors with Vervoort spearheading Belgium to near podium finishes at last year's World Cup and at the Tokyo Olympics.

But close enough isn't good enough for this assassin, who is eyeing winning a first-ever medal for Belgium.

 

Worthy de Jong (Netherlands)

This human highlight reel is most certainly worthy of your attention having already provided numerous insane plays since joining the World Tour last year.

Now he's ready for the biggest of stages as the flying Dutchman makes his World Cup debut.

The Netherlands have twice been runners-up at the showpiece event, but de Jong's energy and rare ability to spark a game through a ridiculous highlight might push the Dutch Masters over the line.

Nauris Miezis/Karlis Lasmanis (Latvia)

We just always have to mention 3x3's superheroes in the same breath with the dynamic duo now performing their superpowers for Chinese team Beijing on the World Tour.

'Batman' and 'Robin' have achieved almost everything in 3x3, including a World Tour Final title, Europe Cup triumph and, of course, Olympic gold.

But the one thing missing is a World Cup title with Latvia having fallen short in the gold medal game against the USA in 2019.

We don't know who will take gold in Vienna, but rest assured we're going to get the A-Games of these legendary partners-in-crime.

 

Anand Ariunbold (Mongolia)

The 26-year-old has made the leap into stardom that he just had to be anointed with a nickname. Say hello to 'The Archer' with Ariunbold so far on a heater to start 2023.

He hit probably the biggest shot in 3x3 so far this year when he sealed Mongolia's upset of three-time defending champs Australia in the final of the FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup 2023.

Ariunbold has continued his tear on the World Tour for Sansar MMC Energy with his smooth-shooting from deep.

The Archer has arrived and he's ready to be a deadeye shooter in Vienna.

 

Netanel Artzi (Israel)

The 26-year-old wrecking ball is usually the most physically dominant dude in games.

The 6ft. 7in (2m) athletic beast will test his physical characteristics against the best in the business in Vienna, where he'll surely be a fan favorite.

The muscular Artzi is big time, who has delivered for his country time and again - most recently at the FIBA 3x3 World Cup Qualifier 2023 on home soil.

One of the best kept secrets in 3x3 is just about ready to explode with the world watching.

 

Jefferson Socas (Brazil)

This Brazilian 3x3 legend has been the driving force for his country, including leading them to a silver medal at FIBA 3x3 AmeriCup 2021.

The former Real Madrid baller can do it all on the court, including splashing twos from deep and driving to the rack in a flash. The 6ft. 5in (1.96m) Socas especially loves money time - it's when he's usually all cash.

If the game is on the line in Vienna, expect Jefferson Socas to demand the Wilson.

Elly Randriamampionona (Madagascar)

This dude is so much more than having one of the longest surnames in 3x3 - he's a problem for opponents on the half-court.

The 25-year-old walked off with the MVP to lead Madagascar to the title at FIBA 3x3 Africa Cup 2022 with 34 points.

He can score from anywhere on the half-court to be a certified bucket getter, but Randriamampionona wants to be much more than the best player in Africa.

Remember the name and get used to pronouncing it because Elly Randriamampionona is ready to go toe-to-toe with the world's best.

Franck Seguela (France)

This 6ft. 7in (2m) excitement machine is the complete package and can do it all on the floor. Great handles? Check. Insane vision? Check. Shooter's touch? Check.

Seguela was part of France's bronze medal campaign at last year's World Cup, but he's now setting his sights even higher.

He turns 26 on the opening day in Vienna and it might just be a long birthday party if Seguela can lead France to their first ever men's gold medal at a World Cup.

Jimmer Fredette (USA)

'Jimmer Mania' is about to be unleashed with former NBA player and college star Jimmer Fredette making his World Cup debut.

In his short 3x3 career to date, Fredette has only tasted success having helped USA defend their title at the FIBA 3x3 AmeriCup 2022.

The 6ft. 2in (1.88m) Fredette usually attracts the most attention whenever he plays and this again will be the case in Vienna as he aims to inspire hoops power USA to a second men's World Cup title.

 

FIBA