WARSAW (Poland) – As the FIBA 3x3 World Cup 2026 prepares to take over Warsaw, fans can expect the next generation of stars to emerge on the half-court.
But over the years, the tournament has already featured a remarkable collection of players who later became global basketball names.
From WNBA stars and NBA veterans to international legends, the FIBA 3x3 World Cup has long been a showcase for elite talent before the rest of the basketball world fully caught on.
Here are some famous names you may have forgotten once played at the FIBA 3x3 World Cup.
Skylar Diggins (USA, 2012)
The first edition of the FIBA 3x3 World Cup in 2012 in Greece was legitimized by the calibre of players, especially with the dynamic Diggins leading the way in USA women's gold medal victory.
The then 22-year-old showcased the silky skills that would make her one of the very best players in the WNBA as she helped set the standard at the FIBA 3x3 World Cup.
Jorge Garbajosa (Spain, 2012)
The Spanish basketball great and former NBA player finished off his legendary career at the FIBA 3x3 World Cup 2012 to lend credibility to the first-ever event.
The big fella was unable to inspire Spain to victory as they bowed out in the last 16. There may not have been a fairy-tale ending, but it was a privilege for 3x3 basketball to have Garbajosa's last steps playing hoops at the top level to be on the half-court.
Bria Hartley (USA, 2012)
Before embarking on her successful pro basketball career, which included stints in the WNBA, Hartley combined with her star-studded teammates to help USA win the first ever women's FIBA 3x3 World Cup gold medal.
Her slick skills were so mesmerizing that she was considered an early GOAT of women's 3x3 basketball.
Chiney Ogwumike (USA, 2012)
USA made an immediate impact at the first FIBA 3x3 World Cup and loaded up with Ogwumike to become another future WNBA All-Star.
She helped USA enjoy an unbeaten campaign, and her poise was evident at an early age as she calmly helped the Americans enjoy 1-point thrillers against Australia in the Semi-Finals and France in the decider.
For all her accolades, add Ogwumike's status as a 3x3 basketball pioneer.
Cristina Ouviña (Spain, 2012)
Another OG is this Spanish baller, who has strutted her skills all over Europe.
At the FIBA 3x3 World Cup 2012, Ouviña took to the half-court and she was a natural as she represented her beloved Spain with pride. However, it wasn't quite enough with Spain falling in the last 16.
Jewell Loyd (USA, 2014)
Before launching her long WNBA career, where she continues to shine, Loyd was part of one of 3x3 baketball's most dominant FIBA 3x3 World Cup teams.
At FIBA 3x3 World Cup 2014 in Moscow, Loyd teamed up with Tiffany Mitchell and Cierra Burdick as the red, white and blue were barely challenged.
It was little surprise that not long afterwards she was selected No.1 in the WNBA Draft as her legend started to grow.
Tiffany Mitchell (USA, 2014)
The 2014 USA team has strong claims of being the most talented women's side to ever grace the half-court.
Scoring machine Mitchell was back then in the middle of an amazing college career, and she showcased all her electrifying skills in Moscow to ensure Team USA won gold in style.
Alfonzo McKinnie (USA, 2016)
The USA men's team might have fallen short of the triumph in 2016, but that team was the gold standard in entertainment.
They were a dunking machine, full of insane highlights especially Alfonzo McKinnie who produced some of the best slams in 3x3 history.
It was little surprise that just a year later he made it into the NBA, where he eventually rubbed shoulders with superstars Steph Curry and Kevin Durant amid the Golden State Warriors' dynasty.
Sabrina Ionescu (USA, 2018)
Before becoming one of the biggest stars in women’s basketball and a WNBA superstar, Sabrina Ionescu showcased her brilliance at the FIBA 3x3 World Cup 2018 in Manila.
Already a college sensation at Oregon at the time, Ionescu brought her trademark competitiveness, elite court vision, and clutch shot-making to the half-court. She captured the hearts of passionate Filipino fans while further building her growing reputation as one of basketball’s brightest young stars.
It didn’t take long for the rest of the basketball world to catch up. Ionescu soon became the No.1 pick in the WNBA Draft and evolved into one of the faces of the sport.
Mai Yamamoto (Japan, 2022)
There haven't been too many faster players to step on the half-court than the diminutive Yamamoto, who continually fooled taller players through her lightning quickness.
Having starred at the youth 3x3 basketball level, she electrified at the FIBA 3x3 World Cup 2022 and inevitably professional teams started taking notice, including the Dallas Wings, for which Yamamoto saw action in the 2026 WNBA preseason.
Leonie Fiebich (Germany, 2022)
Before she became a WNBA champion, the towering Fiebich made her presence felt for Germany at the FIBA 3x3 World Cup 2022.
Her domination of the paint and ability to play bully ball was evident for one of the biggest talents in German women's basketball.
Jimmer Fredette (USA, 2023)
If it wasn't for the Wilson cruelly swirling out of the rim, Fredette would be a FIBA 3x3 World Cup champion and likely MVP.
But it was still Jimmer Mania in 2023 as Fredette heated up the half-court like never before.
As a college phenom and long-time NBA vet, Fredette is probably the most famous player to have played at the FIBA 3x3 World Cup, and his heroics will never be forgotten.
Cameron Brink (USA, 2023)
The hype was in overdrive in 2023 for Brink, who was a prodigy at the time and balling for Stanford.
She did not disappoint with one of the best individual FIBA 3x3 World Cup performances in a two-way tour de force to lead USA to the gold medal and also collect MVP honors.
Her stock was on the rise back then, and she soon was selected No.2 in the WNBA Draft.
Hailey Van Lith (USA, 2023)
Before becoming one of the most recognizable names in women’s basketball, Hailey Van Lith shined for Team USA at the FIBA 3x3 World Cup 2023.
Van Lith brought her trademark swagger, toughness and shot-making ability to the half-court as USA captured the gold medal. Her ability to create offense under pressure and embrace physical play made her a perfect fit for the intensity and pace of 3x3 basketball.
Already one of the biggest stars in the college game at the time, Van Lith used the FIBA 3x3 World Cup stage to further showcase her versatility and competitive fire in front of a global audience.
Miela Sowah (Australia, 2025)
Before joining the Golden State Valkyries, Sowah showcased her game in the 3x3 basketball format representing Australia.
Her speed, toughness and attacking mentality made her a natural fit for the fast-paced half-court game, and she quickly became one of Australia's most exciting young prospects.
Bonus track: Bas Rozendaal (Netherlands, 2017)
Younger fans might know Bas as the dude with the smooth voice on the FIBA 3x3 broadcasts alongside Kyle Montgomery aka 'The Voice'.
But this man mountain was an absolute beast for one of the best teams in the early years of the international game.
He helped the Netherlands go all the way to the final at the 2017 edition in what set the groundwork for the country's eventual success at last year's Olympic Games.
FIBA