ULAANBAATAR (Mongolia) - As they excitedly count down to the FIBA 3x3 World Cup 2025, some of 3x3's best players will tune up at the Women's Series Ulaanbaatar Stop on June 18-19.
Let's preview the action.
The Favorites
Powerhouses Australia and USA have loaded up for this season's sixth stop and will clash in a Pool C blockbuster dotted with superstars in what could foreshadow the final.
The reigning three-time Asia Cup champs boast the same line-up that again clinched the title in Singapore, including MVP Alex Wilson and Anneli Maley, fresh off being part of Los Angeles Sparks' training camp ahead of the WNBA season.
Mighty USA are similarly stacked and will be looking for a better result after their only sighting on this season's Women's Series was a quarter-final exit in Marseille. There is much hype over the red, white and blue, who boast 19-year-old LSU standout Mikaylah Williams as she gears up to make her senior World Cup debut having starred at the youth level.
Top seed Canada are also among the favorites and headline a tough Group A featuring Japan and Mongolia. The Canadians finished second in Amsterdam in their only appearance this season, but their chances of going one better look strong with Champions Cup MVP Saicha Grant-Allen in the line-up.
Second seed Ulaanbaatar Amazons (MGL) have started the season well with a couple of semi-final finishes. The Mongolians will enjoy strong support from their passionate fans, who will be hollering every time national hero Khulan Onolbaatar has the Wilson in her hands.
The Field
Ulaanbaatar Amazons (MGL) will be dreaming of a home triumph, but first need to get through dangerous Philippines - boasting wizard Kaye Pingol - and Austria in Pool B.
Olympic gold medalist Germany have remade their team as they show off their enviable depth of talent, while improving Singapore and Ukraine will be formidable challenges in Pool D.
Amgalan U24 (MGL), who face the daunting tasks of upsetting Australia and USA, will need the Mongolian fans to make plenty of noise for them to emerge from Day One.
Pools Pool A: Canada, Japan, Mongolia Pool B: Ulaanbaatar Amazons (MGL), Philippines, Austria Pool C: Australia, USA, Amgalan U24 (MGL) Pool D: Germany, Singapore, Ukraine How to watch The two-day extravaganza is on June 18-19 and you can follow it live on the FIBA 3x3 YouTube and Facebook pages.
FIBA