TAIPEI (Taiwan) - After another chance went begging in Lausanne, top seed Amsterdam Rabobank (NED) have another opportunity to end a title drought at the FIBA 3x3 Taipei Challenger on August 23-24.
Let's preview the 11th Challenger of the season.
The Favorites
Summer is almost officially over in the northern hemisphere and, incredibly, Amsterdam Rabobank (NED) have still not won a title in 2025. It seems hard to believe that we're two-thirds into the year and the Dutch Masters have nothing to show.
They will be extra determined to end their curse, especially superstar Worthy de Jong, who was back to his electric best in Lausanne.
Raudondvaris Hoptrans (LTU) are the only WT 2025 winners in the draw and they loom as strong contenders even without big fella Aurelijus Pukelis. They will need Evaldas Dziaugys to step up and be Evil Knievel on the half-court.
Hangzhou (CHN) have been one of the best stories of 2025, a season where Aleksandar Lazic has become a box office sensation.
Speaking of excitement machines and we just have to mention Baskets Bonn Telekom (GER), who boast athletic marvel Fabian Giessmann - so talented that he might one day be in the GOAT conversation.
The Field
It's been a rough year for Lausanne (SUI), who have not emerged past the quarters in 2025. But World Cup champ Carlos Martinez will never forget this year and his confidence might just lift his side to great heights.
If you want a dark horse then look no further than Skyliners (GER), who boast a three-headed monster in Stefan Kojic, Leon Fertig and Niklas Kropp.
Shinagawa CITY EXE (JPN) can absolutely go on a giant-killing run because Ryo Ozawa has transformed into 3x3's Steph Curry and that is a frightening prospect for opponents.
Pools Pool A: Amsterdam Rabobank (NED), Shinagawa CITY EXE (JPN), Taipei WanBao (TPE) Pool B: Raudondvaris Hoptrans (LTU), Lausanne (SUI), SG Marina Bay Jumpshot (SGP), Pool C: Hangzhou (CHN), Marijampole Mantinga (LTU), QD Pool D: Baskets Bonn Telekom (GER), Skyliners (GER), QD What's at stake The top 3 teams in Taipei will qualify for the WT Shanghai on September 27-28 as part of the FIBA 3x3 World Tour 2025. How to watch The two-day extravaganza is on August 23-24 and you can follow it live on the FIBA 3x3 YouTube pages.
FIBA