FIBA 3x3 Women's Series 2023 launches at loaded Wuhan Stop

WUHAN (China) - It's back! The long wait for the FIBA 3x3 Women's Series 2023 will be worth it with the season launching in style at the Wuhan Stop on May 6-7. 

This season will be a marathon with more than 20 stops confirmed before the Ulaanbaatar Final in September. 

Let's take a deeper look at the season-opener as 3x3 returns to China. 

The Favorites

The season starts with some of the big guns keen to make an early statement led by No.1 seeds Germany. 

You know these 3x3 powerhouses well with Germany traditionally fast starters like last year when they won the first two Stops before cooling off. 

They want to again claim silverware from the jump and any team boasting towering Sonja Greinacher should feel confident.

The 6ft. 3in (1.9m) force might just be the best player in Wuhan and we know she will have added to her game during the off-season. 

Hosts China are legit contenders and will be boosted by their deadly one-two punch of ZhiTing Zhang and Lili Wang, who were unstoppable when they led their country to gold at FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup 2022. 

Fellow Asian powers Australia have not been sighted on the Women's Series in recent times, but aim to translate their dominance at continental level to the pro circuit. 

Their chances look good with dynamic Lauren Mansfield taking charge. We can't wait to see her again in action after the 5ft. 7in (1.7m) wizard unleashed her back of tricks to help Australia win gold at the FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup 2023. 

Japan, another Asian heavyweight, will be looking to bounce back after a shock loss to Thailand at the quarter-finals of the Asia Cup.

20-year-old sensation Nana Santa was electric at times in Singapore and keep your eyes on her because this speedster can drive to the bucket quicker than you can say 3x3.  

The Field

There should be apologies given to No.3 seeds Romania, who have long been 3x3 OGs and probably could have been placed on the above list. 

This proud 3x3 nation always delivers and this talented team should be no exception with a nice blend led by legendary Ancuta Stoenescu and young gun Teodora Manea, who is a smiling assassin on the half-court.  

Mongolia are fan favorites for a reason as this crazy 3x3 nation hopes to go up a level in the women's game this season. 

With walking bucket Khulan Onolbaatar in the line-up, Mongolia can dream big so don't be surprised if they go on a giant-killing run. 

While experienced nation Hungary and new Chinese commercial team Sc. Yuanda will be out to prove they have some rising stars and loom as legit dark horses. 

Expect the unexpected in this much-anticipated season opener. 

Pools

Pool A: Germany, Japan, Mongolia, Australia
Pool B: China, Romania, Hungary, Sc. Yuanda (CHN)

How to watch

The two-day extravaganza is on May 6-7 and you can follow it live on the FIBA 3x3 YouTube and Facebook pages.

FIBA