Which teams have qualified for FIBA 3x3 World Tour Abu Dhabi Final 2022 already

MIES (Switzerland) - Eleven teams have already qualified for next month's FIBA 3x3 World Tour Abu Dhabi Final 2022 leaving just one place up for grabs. 

Let's look at the teams who have already stamped their ticket.

No.1 Ub Huishan NE: 600 points; Titles: Utsunomiya, Manila, Prague, Lausanne

The No.1 seed have led the standings for the entire season after they started with an incredible four straight titles and will stay on top regardless of what happens in the regular season finale in Hong Kong. 

But things have been harder since then with the Serbs unsuccessful in their last three Masters although they finished runners-up twice. They will look for a W in Hong Kong to build momentum for the Abu Dhabi Final. 

 

No.2 Liman Huishan NE: 455 points; Titles: Utrecht 

A force for years, Liman once again have had a strong season even though they have just one title to show despite dominating the Challengers. 

The spectacular Serbs have made the quarters in all seven Masters they've contested underlining how they just don't get knocked out early.

While their core have been doing their thing for years, Liman have raised their game this season through the improvement of big fella Aleksandar Ratkov who ranks second overall in rebounds. 

 

No.3 Antwerp: 400 points; Titles: Debrecen

Like Ub and Liman, Antwerp have played in every Masters bar three and they're clearly one of the very best teams in the world. 

But if they want to get to the level of those Serbian teams and Riga then Antwerp need to be just a little bit more consistent. They shockingly had a Day One exit in Manila, while they've also had three quarter-final exits. 

At their best, led by Thibaut Vervoort who is No.3 in player value on the World Tour, Antwerp know they can beat anybody but there is a lot at stake for them over this last stretch of the season. 

 

No.4 Riga: 390 points; Titles: Montreal, Cebu and Riyadh 

Here they come! Riga started the season slowly but with Karlis Lasmanis aka 'Batman' putting the cape on, the Latvians have been literally unbeatable with a perfect live 25-0 record on the pro circuit, including a trio of Masters titles. 

It's a scary prospect for opponents who thought these Latvian legends might have lost the hunger after achieving the ultimate last year when they won Olympic gold. 

But they're back and better than ever as they eye winning their second World Tour Final in three years. 

 

No.5 Amsterdam HiPRO: 310 points

Frustratingly, they are yet to taste a W this season but you know what to expect from them - a deep run. They've made the semis four of five Masters they've played in 2022 but unfortunately have not progressed further like some type of curse is on them. 

But you feel they are due for a title and they've got two chances left on this season's World Tour.  

 

No.6 Vienna: 310 points; Titles: Paris

Perhaps the big risers in 2022 with the Austrians making the leap into the elite bracket. A lot of that has to do with 3x3 great Stefan Stojacic aka 'Mr Robot' rewiring in a comeback for the ages from a serious knee injury. 

Vienna had their World Tour coming out party in Paris and they want more after tasting victory. 

 

No.7 Sakiai Gulbele: 255 points

They've been Jekyll and Hyde over the last few years but the good version of Sakiai have emerged, especially in the backend of the season where they finished runner-up in Montreal and made the semis in Utrecht. 

The lethal Lithunians' success revolves around underrated duo  Aurelijus Pukelis and Marijus Uzupis, who have combined for 12 points a game. With that type of one-two punch, Sakiai have been on target in 2022. 

 

No.8 Ulaanbaatar MMC Energy: 245 points 

The Mongolians have had a busy year after playing little during the last two Covid-19 pandemic interrupted seasons.

More experience and the arrival of Canadian 3x3 legend Steve Sir has helped Ulaanbaatar become a more formidable team and they've made the quarters in all five Masters they've played. 

Ulaanbaatar still feel perhaps a level below the teams above them on the standings but the gap is narrowing and they might move even closer by season's end.

 

No.9 Princeton: 215 points

They've long been USA's best 3x3 team and Princeton showed why with a runner-up finish at the Utsunomiya Opener, which gave them a head start in the race to qualify for Abu Dhabi. 

With a strong core of big fella Kareem Maddox, former NBA player Robbie Hummel and walking bucket Canyon Barry, Princeton can roll out some of the best players we've seen on the half-court and that always makes them a title contender. 

And don't leave then open because Princeton are filled with assassins as they shoot at a 36% clip from deep to sit second in two-point % on the World Tour. 

 

No.10 Omaha 3BALL: 182 points

Watch out Princeton, Omaha 3BALL are coming for the crown of best American team in 3x3. These confident dudes are peaking at the right time having made semis in two of their last three Masters, including in Riyadh. 

These guys have improved dramatically this season whether it's Dylan Travis splashing from every angle or Malik Hluchoweckyj doing something crazy with the Wilson. 

They're fearless too with Omaha sitting second in drives per game. Omaha believe they're ready for greatness and their time might be arriving sooner rather than later. 

 

No.11 Utrecht: 175 points

The new sensations only needed three events to qualify for Abu Dhabi after Utrecht finished runners-up in Paris and made the semis in their World Tour debut at home.

Like Omaha, they're not afraid of taking defenders on with Utrecht No.1 in drives per game and that's probably no surprise when Worthy de Jong  loves nothing more than putting dudes on a poster. 

Utrecht have spiced up the World Tour in the backend of the season and they're not done yet. 

 

FIBA