LAUSANNE (Switzerland) - The FIBA 3x3 World Tour 2025 returned to Europe for the annual stop in Lausanne, which was bigger and better than ever.
Let's look back at the ninth stop played on August 15-16 of this riveting WT season. Ub are better than ever
After submitting the highest possible 3x3 in recent years, especially during 2022-23, we all thought Ub (SRB) had passed their absolute peak. There was no way they could possibly get any better amid an increasingly loaded field?
Hands up if you saw this coming? Put your hands down because not even Ub themselves could have imagined they would reel off five straight WT titles in surely the greatest ever stretch seen on the half-court.
Even without injured leader Dejan Majstorovic, Ub continue to be unstoppable as they showed in Lausanne with an unbeaten campaign. There were a few close calls but in trademark style Ub were too good in the clutch on every occasion.
Ub's chemistry is better than anything Walter White could cook up as they are making 3x3 oh so pretty. It was a total team effort with smooth mover Marko Brankovic putting up buckets for fun, while GOAT Strahinja Stojacic continues to hold his crown ever so tightly.
But it was glue guy Nemanja Baric who deservedly received his flowers with an MVP performance as he did all the little things in trademark fashion to help complete this perfect 3x3 team.
Miami find form
The American power started the season spectacularly by winning the Utsunomiya Opener, but have fallen off since. They entered Lausanne having not made it past the quarters in their previous three stops, but Miami (USA) returned to form by almost going all the way before being halted at the death by Ub.
Miami got through a murderers' row, including thumping hometown heroes Lausanne (SUI) in the quarters before shutting down Liman (SRB) with a defensive masterclass. Dylan Travis and Mitch Hahn were inspired and flaming hot throughout the event.
Superstar James Parrott could not find his two stroke, but made up for that with an all-round exhibition filled with monster dunks and emphatic blocks. Miami are back!
Lugano get the fans hollering
While Lausanne were unable to break their long-time WT title jinx, compatriots Lugano (SUI) stole the show with a semi-final run that included thrilling dubs over Partizan (SRB) and Barcelona (ESP).
The new Swiss kids on the block enjoyed their WT season debut and were led by former Lausanne stars Westher Molteni and Malik Hluchoweckyj.
But it was Michael Efevberha, who announced himself as a walking bucket as he had the Wilson in his hands in all the big spots. By the end of their memorable run, Lugano had won a whole new legion of fans who can't wait to see them back on the half-court.
Riffa and Partizan can't get going
So many upstart teams have made noise this season, but that means inevitably there will be several highly-fancied sides who have disappointed. Riffa (BRN) and Partizan (SRB) have been casualties of this increased depth and need to lift quickly otherwise they will be struggling to qualify for the Manama Final.
To be fair, the draw in Lausanne was brutal so it was no shame to fall early. Still their droughts continued with neither team having made it past the quarters this season. Both were left heartbroken by agonizing defeats with Riffa exiting after a one-point loss to Valencia (ESP), while Partizan had two one-point defeats to Amsterdam Rabobank (NED) and Lugano.
They need to lick their wounds and bounce back quickly before the season slips away.
The Olympic capital delivers again Not long since the one-year anniversary of the unbelievable Paris Olympics, it was fitting that the World Tour returned to Lausanne - the Olympic capital of the world.
The event featured many Olympians who felt inspired by their surroundings as they remembered that incredible week at La Concorde. Lausanne has staged World Tour events for years with this fixture being an annual favorite on the calendar. The latest showpiece was surely the best ever with passionate and knowledgeable fans lighting up the venue amid Lausanne's spectacular scenery. Circle the calendar because we just can't wait to return to the Olympic capital 12 months from now.
FIBA