Paris look to continue purple patch at FIBA 3x3 Xiong'an Challenger 2024

XIONG'AN (China) - Red-hot Paris (FRA) will be looking to continue a memorable stretch for the Frenchmen at the FIBA 3x3 Xinog'an Challenger on August 31-September 1. 

Let's take a closer look at the 14th Challenger of 2024.

The Favorites

It's been an incredible period for France after their men's team won Olympic silver on home soil before Paris claimed the Lausanne Masters shortly afterwards. 

While they came back to earth slightly at the Europe Cup, the Frenchmen have swagger, especially superstar Franck Seguela who walked off with the MVP in Lausanne. 

No.3 seed Paris deserve to be favorite, but that tag might just rile up top seed Raudondvaris Hoptrans (LTU), who will be out for revenge after losing to the Frenchmen in the Lausanne final. 

 

The lethal Lithuanians will be led by Olympic bronze medalist Evaldas Dziaugys and they also boast dunking machine Modestas Kumpys, who already has a Masters MVP under his belt this season.   

No.2 seed Partizan Meta Force (SRB) will be looking to get back on track after a disappointing early exit in Lausanne.

Their chances are high if muscular Stefan Milivojevic - who is now officially one of the very best players in the world - can turn into 'The Gladiator' on the half-court. 

 

Ulaanbaatar MMC Energy (MGL) are out to rediscover their best and add a second title on this season's pro circuit. The fan favorite Mongolians will look to legendary sniper Steve Sir to heat up beyond the arc. 

The Field

Princeton (USA) have the potential to make us look silly because they can absolutely go all the way. They've already won one title this season and are coming off consecutive runner-up finishes on the pro circuit. 

Explosive Henry Caruso is one of the most exciting players in the game, while Austin Butler is proving just as talented as his famous namesake. 

Marijampole Mantinga (LTU) loom as a dark horse, so too Sansar (MGL) if Anand Ariunbold aka 'The Archer' is on target. 

 

Chinese teams Chongming (CHN) and Wuxi WenLv (CHN) have proven they can go on giant-killing runs, while Marupe (LAT) is out to showcase Latvia's vaunted depth of talent. 

Pools

Pool A: Raudondvaris Hoptrans (LTU), Wuxi WenLv (CHN), Marupe (LAT)
Pool B: Partizan Meta Force (SRB), Sansar (MGL), Chongming (CHN)
Pool C: Paris (FRA), Marijampole Mantinga (LTU), QD
Pool D: Ulaanbaatar MMC Energy (MGL), Princeton (USA), QD 

What's at stake

The top 3 teams in Xiong'an will qualify for the Amsterdam Masters on October 12-13, 2024, as part of the FIBA 3x3 World Tour.

How to watch

The two-day extravaganza is on August 31-September 1 and you can follow it live on the FIBA 3x3 YouTube page.

FIBA