XIONG'AN (China) - 3x3's hottest young stars shined during an incredible FIBA 3x3 U23 World Cup 2025 on September 17-21, with Lithuania (men's) and Netherlands (women's) winning in epic fashion. Let's relive all the drama that took place in the Chinese city of Xiong'an.
Lithuania create history
We all know Lithuania is an OG hoops nation, where basketball is the No.1 sport in the Baltic country. They've taken to the truncated half-court version extremely well highlighted by Lithuania taking out the men's bronze medal at last year's Paris Olympics.
Lithuania can add another accolade after their young guns created history by winning the country's first U23 World Cup. It was all lith-o-mania and their future looks incredibly bright after the No.8 Lithuania made a mockery of their seeding.
They made a statement on Day One after edging reigning champs Germany in a defensive masterclass, but things looked shaky after pool losses to Poland and Croatia, which they lost by 1-point.
Lithuania were in a dogfight against Argentina in the quarters before Rokas Jocys stepped up in the clutch and his heroics inspired his team, who proved too strong for Czechia and then powerhouse Serbia in the final.
The 21-year-old Jocys was the standout with an MVP performance and he had plenty of support from Kajus Leliukas as the New Gen of Lithuania put on a show.
Netherlands cap stunning year in style
It had already been an incredible year for the Dutchwomen, who won the World Cup and Europe Cup at the senior level. But their youngsters capped an unforgettable 2025 after winning the U23 women's title for the second time in three years.
Their dominance of the event has been cemented with the Netherlands having medaled now in four straight U23 World Cup editions.
The Netherlands' pipeline of talent appears unlimited after a flawless campaign, winning all seven games including consecutive pool dubs against New Zealand and Fiji where they only allowed five total points.
They were made to work harder in the knockouts, where perhaps their most impressive dub was in the quarters when they knocked out defending champs USA with a convincing 21-14 dub.
Netherlands were pushed all the way by Japan in the semis before edging France 17-13 in the final, where young star Liselot Kulk took center stage having been overshadowed previously by Lotte van Kruistum.
Van Kruistum took home the MVP for her two-way excellence in what are the first steps of a very promising career on the half-court for the 22-year-old.
Vukicevic shines for Serbia
Surprisingly, given their might on the half-court, Serbia had only won the solitary medal in tournament history - silver in 2022. They equalled that effort with 21-year-old Vuk Vukicevic leading the charge after an absolutely lights out performance.
He was a walking bucket throughout to finish with an insane 54 points - 10 more than next best. Vukicevic had several eye-catching performances, but perhaps none was better than his clutch semi-final against rival Croatia when he caught fire from deep.
He looms as the perfect player to carry the torch when the Old Guard are done - though these spectacular Serbs are showing no signs of aging - and we can't wait to go on this journey with him.
Powers France and Spain have talent in the wings
Real ones know that France and Spain have been absolute powerhouses in women's 3x3. Both European countries should remain at the forefront after showing off their young talent, who walked off with medals.
Silver medalist France were unbeaten until the final having edged Spain 18-17 in a classic semi-final. They couldn't go all the way, but there is plenty to like with Vaciana Gomis and Samantha Peytour proving a formidable one-two punch.
Bronze medalist Spain had been unbeaten through to the semis in a campaign that included a comfortable win over USA in the pool phase. Towering Marta Garcia was a tour de force to finish as the leading scorer in the competition and she will be eying opportunities with the senior team in the future. Xiong'an was lit
Xiong'an is one of the most exciting places in the world, fast becoming a mega city. So, naturally, the Chinese city just has to host 3x3 - the most exciting game on the planet. Having hosted on the men's pro circuit previously, Xiong'an went to another level as the site for the U23 World Cup.
The result was predictably spectacular and the passionate fans stole the show. We can't wait to return to this rapidly developing city that is fast cementing itself on the 3x3 map.
FIBA