CLERMONT-FERRAND (France) - After an absolutely epic FIBA 3x3 World Cup 2023, the pro circuit resumes at the FIBA 3x3 Women's Series Clermont-Ferrand 2023 on June 9-10. 

Let's take a closer look at the third stop on this season's schedule. 

The Favorites

We just have to start with hosts France, who will be back on the half-court quickly after they won silver at the World Cup 2023.

The No.1 seeds have freshened up the team with the inclusions of Marie Mane and Marie Milapie, but superstar Laetitia Guapo and Hortense Limouzin will push past fatigue in France's season debut on the Women's Series. 

Guapo was outstanding in Vienna to finish on the Team of the Tournament, but her heroics couldn't quite inspire France to a title defence.

They will start favorites here and headline Pool A, where their biggest challenger might just be compatriots France U/24. 

France aren't the only heavyweights in the draw with Asian power China the main attraction in Pool B.

China missed out on a third consecutive podium finish at a World Cup after an agonizing one-point loss to Australia in a dramatic bronze medal game. 

But it was a brilliant effort for a three-player China led by superstar Lili Wang, who was the second leading scorer in Vienna.

She will be joined in Clermont-Ferrand by partner-in-crime ZhiTing Zhang as China eye a third straight Women's Series title after victories in Wuhan and Astara. 

China will face a tough battle on Day One against strong European teams Lithuania, Spain and Switzerland. Spain made the quarters in Vienna, but have an entirely different team here. 

They boast a young talented team, including 24-year-old bucket getter Juana Cuccaro. 

No.3 seeds Lithuania will be looking to rebound after a disappointing World Cup and their chances of a bounce back likely revolve around Kamile Nacickaite, who will be out to change her team's fortunes. 

The Field 

There are numerous teams, who can shock the field and go on a giant-killing run. Although it wouldn't be a surprise to see Sc. Yuanda (CHN) go far after the Chinese commercial team's strong start to the season. 

Mengyun Zhou has proven to be unstoppable and the 24-year-old looms as the next big thing in China. 

Switzerland should be raring to go having missed out on the World Cup and so too Turkey who have brought a mixture of youth and experience to Clermont-Ferrand. 

Pools

Pool A: France, France U24, Sc. Yuanda (CHN), Turkey 
Pool B: China, Lithuania, Spain, Switzerland 

How to watch

The two-day extravaganza is on June 9-10 and you can follow it live on the FIBA 3x3 YouTube and Facebook pages.

FIBA