UTSUNOMIYA (Japan) - The FIBA 3x3 World Tour Utsunomiya Opener 2026 tips off on April 25-26, with a strong field of teams and players set to begin the new season.
From Olympic champions to emerging talent and new team additions, several players enter the season opener with form, momentum and key roles within their squads.
Here are some of the players to watch in Utsunomiya:
Henry Caruso (Miami USA)
"Captain America" Henry Caruso returns to Utsunomiya as one of the leading figures for Miami, who are the defending champions at this event.
Named USA Basketball’s 3x3 Male Athlete of the Year in 2025, Caruso brings boundless energy and experience as Miami aim to begin their title defense on a strong note.
Worthy de Jong (Amsterdam RABOBANK NED)
Olympic champion Worthy de Jong continues to lead Amsterdam RABOBANK on the FIBA 3x3 World Tour.
Amsterdam enter Utsunomiya following a dsiappointing 12th-place finish at the FIBA 3x3 Hengqin Challenger, and de Jong’s playmaking will be central as the team looks to rebound early in the season.
Leon Fertig (Skyliners GER)
Leon Fertig arrives in form after helping Skyliners win the FIBA 3x3 Hengqin Challenger.
One of the genuine rising stars in 3x3 basketball, Fertig’s development and confidence will be important as Skyliners hope to transition into a consistent contender on the FIBA 3x3 World Tour stage.
Paul Djoko (Toulouse FRA)
Paul Djoko continues to be a key contributor for Toulouse, who finished sixth at the Hengqin Challenger. With Franck Seguela not in tow here in Utsunomiya, the onus will be on Djoko to lead the French.
His consistency and ability to contribute across multiple areas make him a player to watch as Toulouse aim for their first FIBA 3x3 Pro Circuit win in Utsunomiya.
Quincy Diggs (Vienna AUT)
The highly athletic Quincy Diggs will lead Vienna into their first event of the FIBA 3x3 Pro Circuit 2026.
His scoring and ability to impact the game in a variety of ways add a different dimension to Vienna’s lineup.
Leonardo Branquinho (Taipei WanBao TPE)
Leonardo Branquinho brings international form into Utsunomiya after helping Brazil finish third at the recent FIBA 3x3 World Cup Qualifier 2026 in Singapore.
Now representing Taipei WanBao on the World Tour, Branquinho’s scoring ability will be key as the team makes its debut at this level.
Strahinja Stojacic (Ub SRB)
No less than the No. 1 ranked 3x3 basketball player on the planet will see action in Utsunomiya. After missing out and watching his squad fall short at the FIBA 3x3 Shibuya Challenger, Doctor Strange is storming back to the roster.
With his star power and on-court magic, Stojacic will surely attract a lot of attention in Utsunomiya, and there's really no better way to open the FIBA 3x3 World Tour 2026 than seeing him in action again.
Season starts in Utsunomiya
With a mix of established stars, new signings and in-form players, the FIBA 3x3 World Tour Utsunomiya Opener 2026 offers an early look at the players set to shape the season.
As the first FIBA 3x3 WT stop of the year, Utsunomiya provides an immediate test for teams and individuals aiming to build momentum on the global 3x3 basketball stage.
FIBA