XIONG'AN (China) - Buckle up because the best young stars on the planet are ready to put on a show at the FIBA 3x3 U23 World Cup 2025 on September 17-21. The sixth edition of the yearly showpiece competition boasts 40 teams - 20 per gender - and will be the first time played in the exciting Chinese city of Xiong'an.
In the men's, defending champs Germany return with top billing and will unleash a line-up that is just totally unfair. They bring back three players from last year's triumph, including superstar Fabian Giessmann.
These dudes are almost overqualified with Giessmann, Denzel Agyeman and Sidi Beikame having led Germany to a fourth-placed finish at this year's World Cup.
Germany will face a tough early test in Pool A against 3x3 power Lithuania and former champ Poland, while Croatia and Iran are also in the group.
Pool B is highlighted by powerhouse France who will be ignited by 20-year-old excitement machine Rudy Ekwakwe, with New Zealand, Czechia, Serbia and Egypt also in the group.
Third seed Mongolia will unleash their New Gen as this fan favorite 3x3 nation looks to continue a stellar season for their country. They face Italy, Algeria, Argentina and Venezuela in Pool C.
Pool D looms as arguably the 'Group of Death' with former champion USA determined to regain the crown. Their chances look bright with the Americans boasting bucket getter Alex Fudge, a former NBA player with Dallas and the Los Angeles Lakers.
But Fudge and his teammates will need to quickly adapt to the Wilson, because USA will have all they can handle against No.4 seed China and fifth seed Latvia. Qatar and Fiji will be out to make shockwaves in Pool D.
Pools Men's Pool A: Germany, Lithuania, Poland, Croatia, Iran Pool B: France, New Zealand, Czechia, Serbia, Egypt Pool C: Mongolia, Italy, Algeria, Argentina, Venezuela Pool D: China, Latvia, USA, Qatar, Fiji
In the women's, defending champ USA will be in a dogfight in Pool B containing No.2 seed Spain, Chile, Mexico and the Philippines. But the Americans are primed, bringing a talented squad led by recent WNBA draft selection Serena Sundell.
Top seed China finished third last year and will be eying to go even deeper as they highlight Pool A featuring Italy, Asian rival Japan, Egypt and Chinese Taipei. China will be a formidable force, with star JianPing Zhang having won medals at the U23 World Cup and Asia Cup before.
No.3 seed Germany loom as a title threat and they will be ignited by Paris Olympic gold medalist Elisa Mevius, who is still only 21! She has not even sniffed her peak on the half-court which is a scary thought for opponents.
She will have to fire up from the get go with Germany pitted against powerhouse France, Poland, Algeria and Venezuela.
The Netherlands have crazy depth of women's talent and their young guns will be out to add to the country's amazing 2025. They will look to Netherlands U25 star Liselot Kulk to get them going just as she does on the Women's Series.
The Dutchwomen are in Pool D featuring Czechia, New Zealand, Uganda and Fiji. Pool's Women Pool A: China, Italy, Japan, Egypt, Chinese Taipei Pool B: Spain, Chile, USA, Mexico, Philippines Pool C: Germany, France, Poland, Algeria, Venezuela Pool D: Netherlands, Czechia, New Zealand, Uganda, Fiji The top two teams in each pool will qualify for the quarter-finals.
FIBA