Lausanne eager to regroup at FIBA 3x3 Quebec Challenger 2024

DEBRECEN (Hungary) - After a run of heartbreak, Lausanne (SUI) will be hoping to ease their pain at the FIBA 3x3 Quebec Challenger 2024 on June 28-29. 

Let's preview the seventh Challenger of the year.

The Favorites 

No.2 seed Lausanne are playing the best stretch since they've landed on the pro circuit. They came within an inch of finally claiming glory on the World Tour only to fall short in thrilling finals in Ulaanbaatar and Chengdu. 

The Swiss have refreshed their line-up, but there is no time for a breather for Westher Molteni, who is playing the best ball of his career. He was unstoppable in Chengdu as he gave all he could in an inspiring performance. 

 

They will have to earn the dub in Quebec, with a number of heavyweights in the draw. 

No.1 seed Miami (USA) are back and ready to fire with superstar Jimmer Fredette out to be inch perfect from deep with the Paris Olympics just around the corner. 

The other title-winning team from this season's World Tour is Raudondvaris Hoptrans (LTU), who are the No.2 seed and they've been in hot form this season.

Modestas Kumpys is still basking in his Marseille MVP and that means trouble for defenders protecting the rim. 

 

American team Princeton (USA) just have to be rated as a contender after their dazzling semi-final run in Chengdu.

Bucket getter Henry Caruso attacked the rim with authority, while Austin Butler has superstar qualities - which is fitting for a dude with the same name as a famous Hollywood actor. 

The Field

There are plenty of teams capable of upstaging the favorites starting with Marijampole Mantinga (LTU), who are set to push Princeton to the limit in a Pool D blockbuster. 

Dusseldorf LFDY (GER) might just be the ultimate dark horse because they have a 3x3 unicorn - Niklas Kropp, the dude with Inspector Gadget arms. 

Podgorica Kodio (MNE) relish going on a giant-killing run, while there are a couple of exciting young teams in the main draw.

We're looking at you Adazi (LAT), who beat Beijing (CHN) in a Day One stunner in Chengdu. 

 

Utrecht (NED) also showed glimpses of potential in Chengdu, especially dunking machine Nesta Agasi who repeatedly put defenders on posters. 

Led by speedy Alex Johnson, Toronto (CAN) will be favored to secure one of the two pool spots available in the six-team qualifying draw. 

Pools

Pool A: Miami (USA), Podgorica Kodio (MNE), Adazi (LAT)
Pool B: Raudondvaris Hoptrans (LTU), Utrecht (NED), Calabasas (USA)
Pool C: Lausanne (SUI), Dusseldorf LFDY (GER), QD
Pool D: Marijampole Mantinga (LTU), Princeton (USA), QD 

What's at stake

The top 3 teams in Quebec will qualify for the Debrecen Masters on August 31-September 1, 2024, as part of the FIBA 3x3 World Tour.

How to watch

The two-day extravaganza is on June 28-29 and you can follow it live on the FIBA 3x3 YouTube page. 

FIBA