Best rookies of FIBA 3x3 World Tour 2023 look to make another jump

MIES (Switzerland) - Several amazing rookies lit up the FIBA 3x3 World Tour 2023 and are expected to rise to even greater heights this season. 

Let's look back at five newcomers who became instant stars on the half-court. 

Jimmer Fredette (Miami)

Move over Swifties, there is another legion of crazy fans waiting for the reappearance of their hero.

Jimmer Fredette has had hype follow him ever since his legendary college career was followed by a long-time NBA stint. 

'Jimmer Mania' swept onto the half-court and Fredette didn't disappoint with an insane 44% from 2 at a crazy volume of 5 twos per game to become the most lethal shooter from downtown.

Fredette was a dual MVP winner on the World Tour and he also came agonizingly short of powering USA to gold at the World Cup.

We just know Fredette will be even better as he eyes completing a childhood dream and playing in the Olympics in 2024.  

 

Antonio Ralat (San Juan)

Almost every time he stepped on the half-court, it turned to ice because  sniper Antonio Ralat was cold-blooded in the clutch. 

The sharpshooter was at the heart of San Juan's resurgence and gave the youthful team swagger to revive memories of when Puerto Rico was a pioneering force in 3x3. 

Ralat was also part of Puerto Rico's first-ever triumph at the AmeriCup on home soil and he's out to continue his fast start this season. 

And he had the huge honor of being named 'Rookie of the Year' by Kyle Montgomery aka 'The Voice'. 

 

Ning Zhang (Liman Huishan NE)

We can guarantee one thing - Ning Zhang has become bigger and stronger in the off-season. 

He was a revelation and helped spark a new-look Liman Huishan NE, who continued to remain a powerhouse of the World Tour. 

The Chinese star was a bully with the Wilson as he memorably proved during his MVP run in Chengdu, where he flexed on opponents standing in his way. 

 

Stefan Milivojevic (Partizan)

Speaking of physical specimens, no one imposed themselves quite like this spectacular Serb, who became affectionately known as 'The Gladiator'. 

And with good reason because he was mentally tough in battle as he showed by hitting some of the craziest Buzzer Beaters in 2023.

He's the latest in a long line of superstars from Serbia and you just know he's going to enter 2024 even more jacked as he aims to build on an incredible debut season. 

 

 

Enis Murati (Vienna)

Vienna's biggest moment of the season boiled down to the epic final in Amsterdam, where unstoppable Miami led by Jimmer Fredette appeared set for back-to-back titles. 

But up stepped Enis Murati, who showed he was made for 3x3 with the title-winning bucket to lift Vienna to World Tour glory. 

 Murati was a fine addition for Vienna as he averaged 4.4 ppg to be a reliable option and you know he'll be more of a focus for the Austrians this season. 

 

FIBA