Top women to watch at FIBA 3x3 Olympic Qualifying Tournament 2024

DEBRECEN (Hungary) - It's do-or-die as some of the world's best women players prepare for the all-important FIBA 3x3 Olympic Qualifying Tournament on May 16-19. 

Here are the superstars that you just know will bring it to famous 3x3 location Debrecen. 

Michelle/Katherine Plouffe (Canada)

The spectacular sisters, the heart and soul of powerhouse Canada, could not believe it as Australia celebrated clinching the Olympic ticket at the UOQT 2 in Utsunomiya. 

But their disappointment would have faded when they remembered that Canada had one last chance in Debrecen. It just means the sisters will be more motivated than ever and that is scary for opponents because they are the nastiest one-two punch in the business. 

Their domination is like mirror images and it would almost be a shock if the Plouffe sisters leave Debrecen in disappointment. 

 

Sonja Greinacher (Germany)

The Plouffe sisters aren't the only superstars with a chip on their shoulders because Sonja Greinacher experienced similar pain in Utsunomiya when Germany was bounced in the semis. 

The towering German did everything she could and dripped buckets, but it wasn't quite enough.

The 6ft. 3in (1.9m) Greinacher reminded everyone why she is a former No.1 ranked player in the world and she'll have to again rediscover her best as she prepares to go toe-to-toe with rivals. 

When the stakes are raised, 'Sunny G' makes the half-court bright as she will in Debrecen. 

 

Sandra Ygueravide (Spain)

There aren't too many more deserving players of Olympic glory than this speedy Spaniard, who has played with her heart on her sleeve for many years. 

The Spanish 3x3 legend was at the center of one of 3x3's most unforgettable moments when she led her country to an emotional FIBA 3x3 Europe Cup 2021 victory ending years of heartbreak.

The former No.1 player's legacy is cemented, but leading Spain to a first Olympic appearance would be the icing on the cake of a magnificent career. 

 

Klaudia Papp (Hungary)

Who will be the most popular player in Debrecen? It surely has to be Hungarian Klaudia Papp who will be shouldering the dreams of a nation. 

We saw her explode in UOQT 1 in Hong Kong as Papp showcased her lightning quick footwork to lead Hungary to the semis. 

The 5ft. 6in (1.68m) relentlessly attacks the basket and somehow never gets tired as she aims to become a hero on home soil.

Papp was part of Hungary's heartbreak three years ago at the same event in Debrecen and she gets a golden opportunity to finally banish those ghosts.  

Noortje Driessen (Netherlands)

The 24-year-old has already showcased her incredible power and athleticism in Hong Kong and Utsunomiya, where she averaged 6 ppg across the events.

But she was just warming up as Driessen hopes it will be third time lucky for the Netherlands.  

In her short career, Driessen has already proved she's more than capable of handling the pressure after leading the Netherlands to the title at FIBA 3x3 Europe Cup 2023 with an MVP performance. 

The 6ft (1.82m) Driessen is the ultimate two-way player, like she was built in a 3x3 lab, and if she flat out dominates then the Netherlands are almost assured of a ticket to Paris. 

 

Shizuka Takada (Japan)

After a successful 3x3 debut last year, Shizuka Takada announced herself as a legit star with a jaw-dropping performance at UOQT 2, where she poured in 21 points in just three games. 

The 5ft 6in (1.68m) speedster attacked the rim and her finishing skills were out of this world. But she can still get to another level after she struggled from deep in Utsunomiya. 

If she finds her radar then Shizuka Takada might just be unstoppable. 

Nadine Selaawy (Egypt)

The towering 6ft 3in (1.9m) Selaawy has helped Egypt become a continental powerhouse as a former Africa Cup MVP, but now she's ready for the ultimate prize. 

She was dynamic in Utsunomiya to lead her team in scoring after showing off her devastating inside-outside game.

The 26-year-old has been building up to this moment, where Nadine Selaawy can become a global superstar if she can lead Egypt to the Paris Olympics. 

 

FIBA