All we learned from FIBA 3x3 World Tour Manama Masters 2023 presented by Bahrain Tourism and GFH

MANAMA (Bahrain) - Another new champion was crowned on the FIBA 3x3 World Tour with Partizan (SRB) emerging victorious at the first-ever Manama Masters.

Let's recap all the action.

Partizan makes history

It's been a season where new forces have emerged on the World Tour. The latest new champion is Partizan, but we're hardly surprised because they've looked the goods all season.

After a runners-up finish in Abu Dhabi, Partizan went one better in Manama to claim the title in an unbeaten run all the way from the qualifying draw. 

They went 7 of 7 with Partizan showing no signs of fatigue, especially in the knockouts when they rolled past in-form Vienna (AUT) in the quarters.

Partizan were made to work harder after that, but edged Hangzhou (CHN) and Antwerp TOPdesk (BEL) to spark scenes of jubilation. 

Sometimes overlooked by his hot shooting teammates, big fella Marko Stevanovic was unstoppable after leading his team in player value (29)  but he had plenty of support. 

All four players scored at least 20 points in a perfect team performance as a new powerhouse emerges from Serbia. 

 

Antwerp TOPdesk rediscovering their best at right time

Antwerp TOPdesk had a rough patch after winning in Lausanne, but they are looking formidable again in a good sign as the Jeddah Final approaches. 

Brilliant Belgians Jonas Foerts and Dennis Donkor formed a deadly duo as they combined for an insane 75 points. 

Antwerp looked unbeatable as they stormed through the competition with no team able to score more than 12 points against their stingy defense.

They were halted by Partizan in an epic final, but Antwerp can be well pleased with their efforts. 

 Another Lithuanian team is rising 

Having won a title on this season's World Tour, Raudondvaris Hoptrans (LTU) flies the flag for Lithuania. 

But they aren't the only lethal Lithuanians with Marijampole Mantinga (LTU) making their mark. They got through a tough Pool B with wins over second seed Vienna and dangerous San Juan (PUR),

Marijampole weren't nearly done as they upset Amsterdam HiPRO (NED) in the quarters before running out of steam against Antwerp. 

Evaldas Dziaugys again showed his star-making credentials with 31 points from 4 games as Marijampole finishes 2023 strongly. 

Amsterdam and Ub again fall short 

Perhaps top-ranked Ub Huishan NE (SRB) always faced an uphill task to end their FIBA 3x3 World Tour drought without No.1 player Strahinja Stojacic. 

But the spectacular Serbs will still be disappointed with a winless campaign after losing narrowly to Chinese teams Hangzhou and Futian (CHN). They have now gone eight straight stops on the World Tour without title success as time runs out ahead of the Jeddah Final. 

For Amsterdam HiPRO, they still have not tasted success on this season's World Tour after winning just 1 of 3 games. They will play in Hong Kong in what is their last chance to win a title in the regular season. 

In a silver lining, once again, superstar Worthy de Jong was at his electric best with vicious slams in Manama. 

 

Manama was an incredible 3x3 destination 

For the first time, the World Tour descended on Bahrain's capital of Manama. The fans were treated to an incredible atmosphere in an amazing venue at the Bahrain Harbour North.

It was perfect for 3x3 complete with an amazing light and music show under the spectacular Magic Sky roof.

We can't wait to return to this new 3x3 destination.

 

FIBA