UTSUNOMIYA (Japan) - The hype is in overdrive after the draw was released for the traditional FIBA 3x3 Utsunomiya Opener on April 26-27 as the World Tour starts its new season in style.
Here are the games you just have to watch on day one of competition.
Pool A: Ub (SRB) vs Liman (SRB)
We just have to start with this epic rivalry that is among the very best in the World Tour's 14-year history. Both legendary Serb teams refuse to bow down to age as their brilliant chemistry and experience repeatedly comes to the fore and wards off new challengers.
Despite being good friends off the half-court, these dudes go at each other ruthlessly with games between them the stuff of legends. We can't wait to see what unfolds in this latest chapter.
Pool A: Ub (SRB) vs Partizan (SRB)
It's another Serb showdown with Partizan (SRB) desperate for success on the World Tour after a difficult 2024. Their hopes are high because Stefan Milivojevic is proving exactly why he is 'The Gladiator' on the half-court.
After an MVP at the first-ever Champions Cup, Milivojevic is making a run at being the best player alive. But GOAT Stefan Stojacic is not ready for a passing of the torch just yet. We can't wait to see them go toe-to-toe.
Pool B: Toulouse (FRA) vs London (USA)
The battle of the rebranded teams should be a whole lot of fun. They were once known as Paris (FRA) and Princeton (USA) respectively, but Toulouse (FRA) and London (USA) have decided to embrace new identities.
The Frenchmen had an era defining 2024, especially superstars Franck Seguela and Jules Rambaut who won Olympic silver on home soil. They are back and more confident than ever, but face a tough task straight up against a London team aiming to make a name for themselves.
Big fella Ashley Hamilton gets his chance on the big stage for London in his debut on the World Tour.
Pool C: Miami (USA) vs Raudondvaris Hoptrans (LTU)
Miami (USA) are the defending champs but have brought a different squad this time around. By no means are they less talented. This team is absolutely loaded after signing prized recruit Henry Caruso who will form a one-two punch with scoring machine James Parrott.
They will need to unleash all of their firepower because the lethal Lithuanians can drop buckets at will. Olympic bronze medalists Aurelijus Pukelis and Evaldas Dziaugys are capable of going on heaters and Raudondvaris also have an aerial threat in explosive Modestas Kumpys.
This will be box office.
Pool D: Amsterdam RABOBANK (NED) vs Vienna (AUT)
What an epic battle this will be between European powers. Reigning World Tour Final champs Amsterdam RABOBANK (NED) were the team of 2025 with their superstar Worthy de Jong holding the crown.
But Vienna aren't too far behind after an incredible season where their talented players enjoyed a first-ever triumph for Austria at the Europe Cup. You just know this will be a furious back and forth between title-contending teams.
They played an epic final at the Wuxi Masters in one of the best games of 2024. Vienna came out on top on that occasion. Who ya got this time?
FIBA