AMSTERDAM (Netherlands) - After a week off to catch a breather, following a frenetic start to the season, the FIBA 3x3 World Tour journeys to Europe for the first time in 2025 with the WT Amsterdam on May 17-18.
In a major treat for the passionate Dutch fans, the two best teams in the Netherlands will be squaring off in a Pool A blockbuster on Day One. Top seed Amsterdam RABOBANK (NED) have hit the ground running so far this season, but fell short at the final hurdle at the Utsunomiya Opener and in Chengdu.
They have brought out the big guns with Paris Olympic gold medalists Worthy de Jong and Jan Driessen leading their charge for a first title in 2025.
Their Olympic teammate Dimeo van der Horst will be a rival in Amsterdam with 'Dimes' adding valuable experience to emerging Utrecht (NED), who boast young athletic beast Nesta Agasi.
But it's not just a two-horse race in Pool A with dangerous Carolina (PUR) more than capable of going the distance, especially if sharpshooter Antonio Ralat goes on a heater.
No.2 seed Miami (USA) are back after they claimed the spoils in Utsunomiya and they bring back three members of that title-winning side, including MVP Mitch Hahn and reigning AmeriCup MVP Henry Caruso.
It's an absolutely loaded Pool B with Lausanne (SUI) aiming to finally win a title on the World Tour after many years of trying. Their hopes are high especially if 3x3 wizard Gilles Martin pulls rabbits out of the hat.
Hangzhou (CHN) will arrive in Amsterdam as one of the in-form teams having already collected a couple of titles on this season's pro circuit. They have also unearthed 3x3's newest sensation Aleksandar Lazic, a dunking machine you just have to keep your eyes on.
There is a lot of anticipation over Pool C with No.3 seed Toulouse (FRA) to face tough early battles against Liman (SRB) and Dusseldorf (GER).
Toulouse are coming off victory at the Lusail Challenger, where superstar Franck Seguela was in MVP form.
The Frenchmen beat Liman in the final and the teams once again meet in the latest chapter of an emerging rivalry. Legendary Liman will have the paint packed with big fellas Mihailo Vasic and Marko Stevanovic.
Pool D is highlighted by a blockbuster between No.4 seed Vienna (AUT) and No.5 Riffa (BRN), with both teams looking for success after quarter-final exits in Utsunomiya.
Young guns Vracar (SRB) are a team to keep an eye out for, especially 20-year-old Igor Jokic - a Serbian dude with that name is bound to be great!
FIBA