EDMONTON (Canada) - The FIBA 3x3 World Tour 2025's sole visit to North America was epic as fan favorite Edmonton produced a feast of action on the half-court on August 2-3. Let's look back at the eighth stop of this riveting WT season.
Ub are unstoppable
It's now four in a row for the GOAT! We've seen them pull off long winning streaks previously, but this is probably their most impressive given the depth of talent on the WT plus the adversity Ub (SRB) have had to endure.
They went all the way in Hong Kong with just three players after legendary Dejan Majstorovic succumbed to injury in the quarters. That was one of their greatest ever triumphs, but they had to refocus in Edmonton without their leader.
And Ub didn't miss a beat as they dedicated this victory to 'The Maestro', who they hope will be back by the end of the season.
It wasn't a flawless campaign with Ub put on notice after a big early loss to red-hot Carolina (PUR).
But as they've done so many times before, Ub were relentless when it mattered most with big wins over rivals Miami (USA) and Amsterdam RABOBANK (NED) before exacting revenge over Carolina with a comfortable 21-16 victory.
As has been the case since the start of 2022, Ub - who in Hong Kong overtook legendary Novi Sad for the most WT titles - remain the team to beat.
It's 'Doctor Strange's' World
After a breather in Hong Kong, a well rested Strahinja Stojacic rounded into top form to claim another MVP and remind everyone that he is the best to ever do it.
With Majstorovic absent, he formed a formidable tandem with Hong Kong MVP Marko Brankovic who shot the lights out with a team leading 30 points. 'Doctor Strange' did everything else in another polished performance from the mean man with the menacing moustache.
Stojacic made it clear that he has no intention of giving up his crown after outplaying his rivals. He was spectacular against James Parrott's Miami with a game high 7 points before producing a brilliant all-round display to outdo cold-shooting Amsterdam superstar Worthy de Jong.
After clinching another MVP, Stojacic is clearly at the peak of his powers. But don't take his greatness for granted.
Carolina are coming
We have known for a long time the Puerto Ricans are extremely talented. But it hadn't quite come together on the WT with Carolina falling at the quarters in their previous two Stops this season.
But they were determined from the get go in Edmonton and came within an inch of a first WT title. They turned heads after a beat down of Ub on Day One before showcasing their grit in the knockouts with tense victories over Ulaanbaatar MMC Energy (MGL) and Chongming (CHN).
The hero was, of course, sniper Antonio Ralat who had 23 points across those two games and came up huge in the clutch with consecutive Maurice Lacroix Buzzer Beaters. Those heroics reinforced his reputation as the baddest man in the clutch on the WT and he finished an insane tournament by leading all the major stats.
Ralat has risen to one of the very best players on the planet and you feel it's just a matter of time before Carolina claim a first ever WT title.
Amsterdam's tough season continues
2024 was the Year of the Dutchmen. But 2025 has been one of frustration for them with defending World Tour Final champion Amsterdam RABOBANK still seeking an elusive title. They haven't necessarily fallen off, with Amsterdam well entrenched in second place on the WT ladder.
But Amsterdam are used to dubs and they don't have anything to show from seven events they've played after falling to Ub in the semis. Superstar de Jong lived up to the hype with scene stealing performances in Amsterdam's thrilling victories over Partizan (SRB) and Raudondvaris Hoptrans (LTU), but he went cold against Ub.
Time is ticking for Amsterdam to find their brilliant level from 2024, which feels a long time ago now.
Edmonton does it again It was exciting for the WT to journey to North America, where Edmonton was centre stage once again. It was the third straight visit to Edmonton, the historical 3x3 city and pioneer in developing the half-court game in Canada.
This was the biggest and best event yet in the culturally rich capital of Alberta, with fun-loving fans cementing Edmonton's place on the World Tour calendar. Oh Canada!
FIBA