LUSAIL (Qatar) - After making the semis at the Utsunomiya Opener, powerhouse Toulouse (FRA) are aiming to go even further as the team to beat at the FIBA 3x3 Lusail Challenger 2025 on May 2-3.
Let's preview the second Challenger of the season.
The Favorites
We just have to start at the top with No.1 seed Toulouse, who were dynamic in Utsunomiya before falling to eventual champs Miami in the final. The Frenchmen have tweaked their team with bucket getter Raphael Wilson coming in for Olympic silver medalist Jules Rambaut.
All eyes will be on superstar Franck Seguela, who was once again a human highlight reel in the first World Tour event of 2025.
Toulouse's path to the title might at some stage have to go through strong Serb teams Liman (SRB) and Partizan (SRB), who combined for just one win in Utsunomiya.
Legendary Liman were winless, but far from disgraced after close pool losses to compatriots Ub (SRB) and Partizan. Marko Stevanovic was dominant in the paint, but won't be in the line-up in Lusail with big fella Mihailo Vasic having to take the burden in the interior.
Partizan fell in the quarters, but Stefan Milivojevic continued his barnstorming start to 2025 with another muscular performance that included an unreal dunk to prove why he's 3x3's gladiator.
The Field
There is a new name in 3x3 and that is Carolina (PUR) with this Puerto Rican outfit boasting their country's deadliest sniper - Antonio Ralat. He's capable of producing miracles and you just can't bet against any team he's on.
Ralat will need to be on target from the get go against NY Harlem (USA), the OGs who have not lost their swagger. Dominique Jones aka 'Disco Domo' can still make 'em dance on the half-court and he's not lost that winning feeling.
Lugano (SUI) also will bring a new flavor, but they have iconic dudes including wizard Malik Hluchoweckyj and dunking machines Bikramjit Gill and Westher Molteni. Kandava Turiba (LAT) and Marbella (ESP) loom as dark horses.
Pools Pool A: Toulouse (FRA), Marbella (ESP), Al Wakrah (QAT) Pool B: Liman (SRB), Kandava Turiba (LAT), Al Rayyan (QAT) Pool C: Partizan (SRB), Lugano (SRB), QD Pool D: Carolina (PUR), NY Harlem (USA), QD What's at stake The top 3 teams in Lusail will qualify for the Amsterdam Masters on May 17-18 as part of the FIBA 3x3 World Tour 2025. How to watch The two-day extravaganza is on May 2-3 and you can follow it live on the FIBA 3x3 YouTube pages.
FIBA