Fribourg eye another giant-killing run at FIBA 3x3 Orleans Challenger 2024

ORLEANS (FRANCE) - Having already secured a title on this season's pro circuit, in-form Fribourg (SUI) will be looking to upstage a loaded draw at the FIBA 3x3 Orleans Challenger on June 22-23. 

Let's preview the fifth Challenger of the year.

 The Favorites 

Let's start with Fribourg (SUI) because we've liked what we've seen from the Swiss Maestros. 

They gained a confidence booster after winning the FIBA 3x3 Penang Challenger 2024 with Jonathan Dubas submitting an MVP performance, while big fella Natan Jurkovitz was a walking triple-five. 

 

But Fribourg will need to produce a giant-killing run to go all the way because some of the world's top teams are in Orleans and they mean business. 

Top seed Amsterdam (NED) will be looking to shrug off a winless Clermont-Ferrand Challenger and they have the man to get them back on track. You know him as Hype Worthy and this Dutch hoops legend will do everything he can to get that dub. 

No.2 seed Raudondvaris Hoptrans (LTU) already have a Masters title under their belt after dominating in Marseille.

They are loaded with lethal Lithuanians and a dude still basking in being named Masters MVP - Modestas Kumpys who will activate 'Flight Mode' when he's in Orleans. 

Rounding out the European powers are Vienna (AUT) and Paris (FRA), who both won Masters titles in 2023. Quincy Diggs and Franck Seguela are scoring machines who can inspire their respective teams on title-winning runs. 

Paris will have to come through the qualifying draw, but it's a challenge they are up for. 

 

The Field

We're excited to see Hangzhou (CHN) for the first time this season and what they have in store this year after a breakout in 2023.

Sniper Vladimir Trajkovic is ready to start 2024 where he left off last season and that spells trouble for opponents. Hangzhou will need to get through the QD, but they've defied the impossible before. 

 

Marijampole Mantinga (LTU) and Plunge (LTU) are dangerous teams and from Lithuania - so you know these dudes can hoop. 

Tel-Aviv (ISR) are also more than capable of going on a deep run, while Bordeaux Ballistik (FRA) might just be the ultimate dark-horse team. 

You know why? Because they have magician Antoine Eito who can pull a rabbit out of a hat and do things you didn't think were possible on the half-court. 

Pools

Pool A: Amsterdam (NED), Bordeaux Ballistik (FRA), Ermont SENEF (FRA)
Pool B: Raudondvaris Hoptrans (LTU), Plunge (LTU), Hongcheon (KOR)
Pool C: Vienna (AUT), Tel-Aviv (ISR), QD
Pool D: Marijampole Mantinga (LTU), Fribourg (SUI), QD

What's at stake

The top 3 teams in Orleans will qualify for the Lausanne Masters on August 16-17, 2024, as part of the FIBA 3x3 World Tour.

How to watch

The two-day extravaganza is on June 22-23 and you can follow it live on the FIBA 3x3 YouTube page.

 

FIBA