New stars making mark on FIBA 3x3 pro circuit

MIES (Switzerland) - There has been an influx of talent injected into the FIBA 3x3 pro circuit as new stars emerge to light a fuse on this incredible season. 

Here are 10 breakout players.

Maarten Bouwknecht (Amsterdam HiPRO)

Maarten Bouwknecht has added to Amsterdam's strength with powerful performances in his first appearances on the pro circuit since 2019. 

He notably superbly replaced superstar Worthy de Jong at the Fribourg Challenger with a spectacular debut for Amsterdam.

The 28-year-old walked off with the MVP after topping player value (49.7) and highlights (26).

He proved it wasn't a fluke when Bouwknecht combined with de Jong to help Amsterdam win the Pristina Challenger. 

This Dutch Master is all buckets and we're so glad he's back on the half-court. 

 

Vic van Oosterwyck (Antwerp TOPdesk)

The Belgians have fared well since the departure of superstar Thibaut Vervoort with Antwerp showcasing their depth of talent. 

Their major breakout star has been Vic van Oosterwyck, who starred in Antwerp's win at the Ulaanbaatar Challenger. 

The strongly built 23-year-old has been a constant presence for Antwerp since and a marksman from deep, connecting on an impressive 39%. 

Stefan Milivojevic (Partizan)

Underrated Partizan have long been competitive, but needed a spark to really seriously challenge the best in the business. 

They may have found that with the addition of a couple of certified ballers, especially Stefan Milivojevic who has proven to be stone cold in the clutch. 

The 26-year-old is averaging almost 6 ppg and shooting at 35% from downtown in a brilliant debut season. 

We can't wait to see him make his World Tour debut. 

Adriaan van Tilborg/Dylan van Eyck (Haarlem)

You know Dylan van Eyck, right? 3x3 OGs knew him as the kid who went crazy when Dusan Bulut pulled off the nastiest move ever seen on the half-court. 

Some might know him as the dude who played college ball under legendary coach Rick Pitino.

But now, the 6ft. 8in (2.03m) Dutchman has returned to the half-court and he's back to where he belongs. 

He's averaging 7.7 ppg and combined well with 22-year-old Adriaan Van Tilborg, who is averaging 5.5 ppg and dominated the paint. 

These young guns might be the most exciting emerging duo around as Haarlem aims to make a mark on the pro circuit. 

 

Vladimir Trajkovic/Goran Vidovic (Hangzhou)

One of the shocks so far on the pro circuit was No.10 seeds Hangzhou (CHN) producing a giant-killing run to win the FIBA 3x3 Poitiers Challenger.

That's where we were introduced to deadly duo Vladimir Trajkovic and Goran Vidovic, who absolutely were lights out in their debuts. 

The spectacular Serbs are averaging 12 ppg combined so far, splashing from everywhere on the half-court to ensure Hangzhou won't be underestimated again. 

 

Antonio Ralat (San Juan)

Puerto Rio, 3x3 OGs, have decided to back their New Gen aged in their early-mid 20s.

The best of them might be Antonio Ralat, who had a star-making performance at the Manila Masters. 

Against powerhouse Riga, with the scores level at 20 apiece,  Ralat called game with a step back two in an incredible Maurice Lacroix Buzzer Beater. 

He proved he wants the Wilson in his hands when it matters most and you just know Antonio Ralat will deliver more buzzer beaters this season. 

 

Niklas Kropp (Dusseldorf LFDY)

You can be forgiven thinking this lanky German might be a pushover in this tough game of 3x3. 

But think again because Niklas Kropp is a 3x3 dream. It's like he was built in a lab. Let me explain. 

The 25-year-old is a towering 6ft. 7in (2m) and - as you guessed - can dominate in the paint.

But he can also cook from deep and has the dribbling skills that a dude his size really shouldn't be able to pull off.

In other words, Niklas Kropp is a 3x3 unicorn!

 

Ning Zhang (Liman)

Any doubt whether this dude could handle the big stage was wiped away when Ning Zhang helped Liman Huishan NE (SRB) reach the final of the Macau Masters.

It was easy to see why he became an instant crowd favorite with the tough Chinese player always in attack mode as he bulldozed his way to the rim.

Playing passionately and fearlessly, Ning Zhang is just launching his 3x3 career which is set to soar to great heights. 

FIBA