MACAU - After an absorbing swing through mainland China, the FIBA 3x3 World Tour 2025 isn't venturing far with glitzy Macau in its sights on October 18-19.
While some of their rivals might feel battle weary, second seed Miami (USA) should arrive with a swagger having won two of their last three events, including their last stop on the WT in Shanghai.
Henry Caruso was unstoppable in an MVP performance and he returns to lead Miami, who are in Pool B featuring dangerous Lugano (SUI) and Diadema (BRA).
While Miami will feel upbeat, top seed Ub (SRB) arrive unusually moody after a shock semi-final defeat to London (USA) at the WT Deqing. It ended a run for the ages for the Serbs, who had won 6 of 7 titles on the WT, and they'll lean on superstar Strahinja Stojacic to get them going.
Ub in Pool A face Kandava Turiba (LAT), who have performed strongly recently largely thanks to a heat check from bucket getter Rihards Kuksiks. Marbella (ESP) are the third team in the group and will want redemption after being disposed of easily by Ub in Deqing.
After falling agonizingly short of a second WT title this season, Liman (SRB) will be extra amped-up having lost a thriller to London in Deqing. Andreja Milutinovic will look to continue his sizzling shooting form as Liman face desperate Ulaanbaatar MMC Energy (MGL), titleless on the pro circuit this season.
The third team in Pool C will emerge from QD A, where Riffa (BRN) will be hot favorite to advance.
Pool D looms as a blockbuster between Chongming (CHN) and Baskets Bonn Telekom (GER), with the teams entering after vastly different fortunes in Deqing. Chongming only narrowly fell to London in an absorbing quarter-final, but Baskets Bonn Telekom (GER) had a tough time as they crashed out on Day One.
The third team in Pool D will come from QD B, where Bordeaux (FRA) and in-form Taipei WanBao (TPE) appear set to tussle over the coveted spot.
FIBA