BAODING (China) - This season's FIBA 3x3 pro circuit starts with a bang in the first Challenger event of 2025 in Baoding on April 12-13. A loaded field of 16 teams will be hungry for an early season statement and fighting for prized tickets to the Marseille Masters, the fourth stop on this year's FIBA 3x3 World Tour. Let's preview the action as the Challengers start in style.
The Favorites
As expected for the season's launch, this is a loaded draw and we just have to start with the team who claimed 2024's biggest World Tour prize - Amsterdam (NED). The Dutch Masters will never forget 2024, but they are just as hungry for success and to further burnish their legacy.
They bring back two Paris Olympic gold medalists, including MVP Worthy de Jong who will be 'Hype Worthy' once again in 2025.
No.1 seed Miami (USA) have been the top American team in recent years and they've gotten even stronger! Superstar Henry Caruso is desperate to be the new Captain America and he will make steps towards that goal as he gears up for his new team alongside recruit Andrew Kelly.
Legendary Liman (SRB) were winless on the World Tour last year and you just know that didn't sit well with them. They will be out for early success with veteran Mihailo Vasic ready to bang bodies in the paint, while big fella Marko Stevanovic will be out to posterize sorry defenders. Chongming (CHN) made its mark last season with Latvian gold medalists Karlis Lasmanis and Nauris Miezis proving they are still 3x3 superheroes. Just wait for Batman and Robin to pack a one-two punch as they commence another season on the pro circuit.
The Field
It's not all about Amsterdam, because Utrecht (NED) are also Dutch Masters in their own right. And they have an Olympic gold medalist with Dimeo van der Horst set to play his air guitar in Baoding as he inspires a talented team that also features athletic marvel Nesta Agasi.
Skyliners (GER) - the artists formerly known as Dusseldorf - may have rebranded but they still boast 3x3 unicorn Niklas Kropp who he is set to take his game to new heights. They will have to go through the QD but don't write them off!
We just have to mention No.8 seed Shinagawa CITY EXE (JPN) because they have the hottest player on the planet right now - Ryo Ozawa. This scoring machine was more lethal than sake at the Asia Cup in a record-breaking performance that had to be seen to be believed. We can't wait to see if he can live up to the hype on the pro circuit.
Pools Pool A: Miami (USA), Barcelona (ESP), Ermont SENEF (FRA) Pool B: Amsterdam (NED), Shinagawa CITY EXE (JPN), Qinhuangdao (CHN) Pool C: Liman (SRB), Bordeaux (FRA), QD Pool D: Chongming (CHN), Utrecht (NED), QD What's at stake The top 3 teams in Baoding will qualify for the Marseille Masters on May 24-25 as part of the FIBA 3x3 World Tour 2025. How to watch The two-day extravaganza is on April 12-13 and you can follow it live on the FIBA 3x3 YouTube pages.
FIBA