JAKARTA (Indonesia) - It's been a magical period for Spanish men's 3x3 and Barcelona (ESP) will be hoping the momentum continues at the FIBA 3x3 Jakarta Challenger on July 26-27.
Let's preview the ninth Challenger of the season. The Favorites
Let's start with Barcelona, who will be flying the Spanish flag proudly in Jakarta. Hot on the heels of Spain's historic victory at the World Cup and Valencia's (ESP) impressive form, Barcelona are a rising team on the pro circuit.
They've already turned heads having finished fourth at the WT Vienna and Barcelona boast World Cup champion Guim Exposito.
Their title credentials will be tested immediately against second seed Riffa (BRN), who have had a sluggish season so far but two-way superstar Dennis Donkor can absolutely get them out of this funk.
Top seed Miami (USA) will be aiming to rebound after an early exit at WT Hong Kong, but their chances look good if James Parrott goes on a scoring spree.
Chinese teams Chongming (CHN) and Hangzhou (CHN) just have to be rated among the contenders because they boast Cameron Forte and Aleksandar Lazic respectively - dudes who are absolutely impossible to stop.
The Field
Utrecht (NED) are always a threat and frighten opposition every time they step on the half-court because high-flyer Nesta Agasi is more than capable of putting defenders on a poster.
Marijampole MANTINGA (LTU) are capable of being lethal Lithuanians, while hometown heroes Jakarta MANDIRI (INA) and Marijampole MANTINGA (LTU) will have the benefit of the home fans.
Lugano (SUI) are absolutely a dark horse and will be amped up every time Malik Hluchoweckyj has the Wilson in his hands. Manila Melmac (PHI) will be a team to watch in QD and they will be ignited by magician Mac Tallo, who can do some of the craziest things you've ever seen on the half-court.
Pools Pool A: Miami (USA), Lugano (SUI), Jakarta MANDIRI (INA) Pool B: Riffa (BRN), Barcelona (ESP), South Jakarta INASPRO (INA) Pool C: Chongming (CHN), Marijampole MANTINGA (LTU), QD Pool D: Hangzhou (CHN), Utrecht (NED), QD What's at stake The top 3 teams in Jakarta will qualify for the WT Lausanne on August 15-16 as part of the FIBA 3x3 World Tour 2025. How to watch The two-day extravaganza is on July 26-27 and you can follow it live on the FIBA 3x3 YouTube pages.
FIBA