HONG KONG - We've conducted a poll on who players think will win the FIBA 3x3 World Tour Hong Kong Final 2024 and the results are in. There are some revelations as the players have their say on who will go all the way in the showpiece event of the year.
Ub Huishan NE (18.75%)
It's no surprise who is on top of the list. Ub Huishan NE (SRB) are used to being No.1 and this is no exception with 18.75% of players believing they will go all the way.
Ub's favoritism is justified given they have won five titles this season and recaptured the form that has made them the GOAT team. Oh and they have Strahinja Stojacic - you may have heard of him. He goes by Doctor Strange. And also the 3x3 GOAT.
Amsterdam & Vienna (14.58%)
These two European powers have combined for four titles this season, so it's hardly a surprise to see them hot on Ub's heels.
They both want to finish amazing 2024 seasons on the absolute best notes. It's been the Year of the Dutch, who are led by Paris Olympic MVP Worthy de Jong. It's little wonder his peers rate Amsterdam (NED) such a title contender.
Vienna (AUT), too, have plenty of firepower. MVP winners Quincy Diggs and Nico Kaltenbrunner are a dynamic duo who will bring their superhuman powers to Hong Kong.
Miami & Riffa (10.42%)
It may be surprising that Miami (USA) are not a little bit higher considering their end of season hot form. The Americans have been powered by scoring machine James Parrott, who is rising up the pecking order having collected two MVP awards.
A few months ago it was unlikely that Riffa would figure this highly in World Tour Final calculations given they were in an alarmingly slump. But the inspirational deeds of two-way menace Dennis Donkor has lifted them and now more than 10% of players expect them to go all the way in the biggest event of 2024.
Princeton (8.33%)
One of the surprises on this list is that Princeton (USA) have the sixth best odds, according to the players. Princeton have not reached a final on this season's World Tour and there are some mighty teams below them on this list.
But the optimism is probably down to athletic marvel Henry Caruso, who is due for a mega breakout on the big stage. If he gets going then Princeton might just prove unstoppable as more than 8% of players think.
Paris (6.25%)
Don't give the Frenchmen fuel. This might give them a chip on their shoulder because Paris (FRA) by a lot of estimates should be among the absolute contenders. But the players are only giving them a 6.25% chance of winning the second title of 2024.
Perhaps the pessimism is due to Paris losing five of six finals this season. But glass half full, they keep making it deep into events and you suspect they'll again make a run in Hong Kong.
Raudondvaris Hoptrans, Partizan & Lausanne (4.17%)
There are three teams with an equal 4.17% chance of going all the way. Raudondvaris Hoptrans (LTU) have already demonstrated they can taste the winning feeling having won a title on this season's World Tour.
Partizan (SRB) have not added to a triumph from last year, but have a weapon you surely know - Stefan Milivojevic who is a 3x3 Gladiator.
Lausanne (SUI) might have been much higher on this list if not for a late season slump. Still we know their electric best can get them a long way as they proved in consecutive runner-up finishes earlier in the season.
Liman & Kandava Turiba (2.08%)
It also might be a surprise to see these teams on the list, but for contrasting reasons. Liman (SRB) have not won a title this season, but remain a threat because Stefan Kojic has been cookin' all season. This legendary team has reached two finals on the World Tour this season.
It feels new kids on the block Kandava Turiba (LAT) might be ahead of schedule, but 2.08 per cent of players believe they can make the most resounding statement. Their confidence is probably because new star Francis Lacis is making a leap and he might just be able to put on a show in Hong Kong.
FIBA