BANGKOK (Thailand) - The best women players on the planet are ready for a restart in 2025 and what better way to do that then at the brand new FIBA 3x3 Champions Cup on March 14-16.
With just a week to go, let's see where the teams rank one through to eight.
1. Canada (#5 Seed)
We just have to start with the reigning AmeriCup champs, who bring back the same players from that amazing triumph not long ago. They are again led by superstar Katherine Plouffe, who is out to dominate the paint while Paige Crozon ran hot at the backend of 2024.
Canada have been a force for a long time, they are women 3x3 pioneers, so we just have to put respect on their name and have them No.1.
2. Australia (#No.6 Seed)
Almost every tournament Australia enters, they win medals. It didn't quite happen though last time we saw them at the Paris Olympics. On that occasion Anneli Maley was in tears and unable to get through her media commitments after Australia had been knocked out such her emotions.
But you just know she will be extra motivated and ready to start a fresh chapter for a new-look Australia team.
3. China (#No.1 Seed)
The former World Cup and Asia Cup champs have long been one of the markers for women's 3x3 and they remain a formidable force. China will be showing off their young talent in Bangkok with a group of players aged 18-24.
We can't wait to see dynamic teenager Jiaxin Wang show off her sublime skills.
4. France (#No.2)
This is a New Gen for France, a 3x3 power. But they boast a name the whole world is crazy for - Wembanyama!
That's right Victor's sister Eve is a 3x3 pro - real ones knew this already - and she's ready to ball out for a French team looking for immediate success in 2025 after tough times last year, including the bitter pill of an early flame out at their home Olympics.
5. Spain (#No.3)
There were few better success stories than Spain in 2024 after they completed the Olympic silver medal and Europe Cup title back-to-back. And Spain are ready for more success with Vega Gimeno ready to inspire her nation like she did all through last year.
The Spaniards have repeatedly shown plenty of heart and they are ready to again pour their passion on the half-court.
6. Germany (#No.4)
The Olympic gold medalist have a new team from the one that produced the most epic moment in German women's hoops history. But the new brigade in Bangkok will no doubt be inspired by their heroes as they look to write their own chapter for Germany.
Bucket getter Pauline Mayer could well step up in Bangkok and become the latest German hero.
7. Madagascar (#No.8)
Madagascar might be slightly unproven on the world stage, but the reigning African champs are out to show that they are the real deal. They bring the same four players who are proven winners and we just cant wait to see Africa Cup MVP Minaoharisoa Jaofera unleash her two-way mastery.
8. Thailand (#No.7)
Thailand will need to go on a giant-killing run, but don't bet against them because they will be playing on their half-court with their loud fans close by. Thailand have had success at the Asia Cup previously and we've also seen bucket getter Rattiyakorn Udomsuk get red hot so don't write them off.
FIBA