MIES (Switzerland) - For the first time in more than a decade, Dejan Majstorović wasn't competing on the FIBA 3x3 World Tour. Instead, he was watching from the sidelines.
An injury that required back surgery forced the Serbian legend into an 11-month absence, starting in July 2025 -- the longest spell away from the game since he began playing 3x3 basketball professionally in 2014. It was a difficult adjustment for one of the sport's most decorated players, who admitted there were moments when he wasn't sure he'd ever return.
"The first four or five months, my leg wasn't any better after surgery," Majstorović said. "I think that a lot of people didn't believe that I can be back because it's back surgery. I'm 38 years old."
The Uncertainty
The physical recovery, though, was only part of the challenge. Majstorović revealed that he seriously considered retirement after the injury, even discussing the possibility with his wife. But despite the uncertainty, one thing never changed, which was his desire to compete.
"I was thinking about retiring after injury, but I still have desire and motivation to play 3x3 and to win the tournaments," he said. "I just want to try to come back from the injury because it's a big injury."
Throughout his recovery, he remained as invested as ever in Ub's journey. He watched every tournament, spoke regularly with his teammates and even joked that sitting on the sidelines made him an expert analyst.
"I'm very smart when I don't play," he laughed. "I know what mistakes they did on the court."
Majstorović also took pride in seeing Ub continue to thrive, acknowledging that the team enjoyed another successful season despite his absence.
The Return
Now back on the court, the two-time FIBA 3x3 World Cup MVP says his confidence is growing with every game. While he admits retirement may not be far away, his focus remains firmly on helping Ub maintain its place at the top of the World Tour.
"The goal is to win all the tournaments we can," he said. "We are in the first position since 2022, so that's the goal -- to finish first again."
For Majstorović, however, this comeback is about more than winning another title.
"3x3 is my life," he said, reflecting on a journey that fulfilled dreams he once thought were only possible in traditional basketball. Through the sport, he represented Serbia, won major international titles and competed on the Olympic stage.
"I love everything about 3x3," he said. "All my dreams came true through 3x3. You know, I always had dreams to play for the national team, to win the gold medals in the World Cup, European Cup, Olympic Games, and I had a chance to do all that in 3x3."
After months of pain, uncertainty and doubt, one of the game's greatest pioneers is back where he belongs—with renewed purpose and another opportunity to add to a remarkable legacy.
Stay Connected
Follow all the latest action from the FIBA 3x3 World Tour throughout the 2026 season by visiting the official World Tour website, where you can find the latest news, team standings, player statistics and everything you need to follow the Race to the Final. Fans can also keep track of the Event Calendar and the latest FIBA 3x3 Individual and Federation Rankings as teams and players continue their push toward the season finale.
Want to learn more about 3x3 basketball? Explore the official FIBA 3x3 Rules to understand the unique fast-paced format of the game, or discover the FIBA 3x3 Competition Structure to see how the discipline’s global pathway connects grassroots events, professional tours and world-class international competitions.
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