Top seed Amsterdam look to continue red-hot form at FIBA 3x3 Clermont-Ferrand Challenger 2024

CLERMONT-FERRAND (France) - After their spectacular triumph at the FIBA 3x3 Ulaanbaatar Masters 2024, Amsterdam (NED) are hoping to continue their winning ways at the Clermont-Ferrand Challenger on June 15-16. 

Let's preview the fourth Challenger of the year.

The Favorites

We just have to start with the top seed even though they will be without superstar Worthy de Jong. But the Dutch Masters won't be worried because it was truly a team effort that lifted them to the title in Ulaanbaatar. 

And three of their heroes return to action and will step on the half-court with a pep in their step. 

 

Arvin Slagter will be again out to go bang, bang but he won't be the only marksman in Clermont-Ferrand because Matthias Linortner is deadeye with the Wilson in his hands. 

He combines superbly with speedy Nico Kaltenbrunner to lead No.2 seed Vienna (AUT), who loom as a title threat. 

No.3 seed Riffa (BRN) will be determined to bounce back after an early exit at the Marseille Masters, and you just know snipers Dennis Donkor and Thibaut Vervoort will be emptying their bullets. 

It's taken us too long to get to fan favorite Paris (FRA), who will be flying the French flag proudly. They love nothing more than playing on home soil as they showed with a runner-up finish in Marseille. 

And we can't wait to see magician Franck Seguela do the impossible once again on the half-court. 

 

And we just have to mention Serbian heavyweights Partizan (SRB) and Liman (SRB), who are loaded with bucket getters. 

The Field

San Juan Church's (PUR) can feel annoyed that they aren't listed in the above category. You know sniper Antonio Ralat will take any slight personally and that means he will be dripping wet in Clermont-Ferrand. 

 

Marijampole Mantinga (LTU) are dark horses, but to get out of Pool A they likely have to beat NY Harlem (USA). The American OGs still know how to hoop as they showed in a runners-up finish at the Penang Challenger. 

Look out for Dominique Jones aka 'Disco Domo' to groove on the half-court and again prove his legendary team still has it. 

And don't count out Marseille (FRA), who boast several talented young Frenchmen including insanely skilful Matheo Cauwet. 

Dusseldorf LFDY (GER) and Bordeaux Ballistik (FRA) are the favorites among a six-team Qualifying Draw with two spots up for grabs.  

Pools

Pool A: Amsterdam (NED), Marijampole Mantinga (LTU), NY Harlem (USA)
Pool B: Vienna (AUT), San Juan Church’s (PUR), Marseille (FRA)
Pool C: Riffa (BRN), Paris (FRA), QD
Pool D: Partizan (SRB), Liman (SRB), QD

What's at stake

The top 3 teams in Clermont-Ferrand will qualify for the Lausanne Masters on August 16-17, 2024, as part of the FIBA 3x3 World Tour.

How to watch

The two-day extravaganza is on June 15-16 and you can follow it live on the FIBA 3x3 YouTube page.

FIBA