MACAU (China) - The FIBA 3x3 World Tour Macau 2026 brings together some of the biggest names in 3x3 basketball, with established stars, in-form contenders and hungry challengers ready to battle for the title on October 17-18.
From World Tour statistical leaders to players chasing a breakthrough victory, Macau offers plenty of compelling storylines. Strahinja Stojacic (Ub) will be out to bounce back after a rare early exit, while Worthy de Jong (Amsterdam RABOBANK) arrives fresh off an MVP performance in WT Bucharest. Fabian Giessmann (Baskets Bonn) has been instrumental in a remarkable season, while several other stars will be looking to turn individual brilliance into another World Tour stop win.
Here are eight players to keep an eye on when the action gets underway.
Strahinja Stojacic (Ub)
There is never a shortage of reasons to watch 'Doctor Strange,' but Stojacic arrives in Macau with unfinished business. The Serbian superstar remains the No. 1-ranked player so far this season and continues to lead all FIBA 3x3 World Tour players in overall player value. He also tops the circuit in highlights (172) and key assists (59), underlining his ability to influence games well beyond scoring.
However, Ub (SRB) will be eager to respond after failing to advance past pool play at WT Bucharest, marking the first time the Serbian powerhouse has suffered that fate this season. With two World Tour stop victories already in the bag this year, Stojacic will be central to Ub's push for a third title in Macau.
Worthy de Jong (Amsterdam RABOBANK)
No player arrives in Macau with more momentum than de Jong. The Dutch star recently led Amsterdam RABOBANK (NED) to back-to-back WT Bucharest titles and claimed MVP honors, adding another statement performance to an already outstanding campaign.
De Jong leads all World Tour players in scoring with 242 points and ranks second overall this season in terms of total player value. He also tops the circuit in two-pointers made (64), double-fives (11) and triple-fives (4). That combination of scoring volume and long-range firepower makes him one of the most dangerous players in the field. With Amsterdam chasing their third World Tour stop victory of the season, de Jong will once again be the headline figure in their title ambitions.
James Parrott (Miami)
Parrott brings plenty of firepower to Macau as Miami (USA) look to build on their success across the 2026 campaign. The high-flying American was named MVP at WT Zadar earlier this year, leading Miami to their only FIBA 3x3 World Tour stop victory so far this season. Now, he will be looking to help the team double that tally.
Parrott has also helped Miami win three Challenger titles at FISE Birmingham, Sansar and Phoenix, while also playing a role in the USA's FIBA 3x3 Champions Cup 2026 triumph in Bangkok earlier this year. He is also tied with Fabian Giessmann for the most blocks among World Tour players this season, with 18. If Parrott can bring his athleticism and defensive presence to the half-court, Miami will have a strong chance of making another deep run.
Fabian Giessmann (Baskets Bonn)
Speaking of Giessmann, he and Baskets Bonn have put together a season to remember. The German standout has helped his team win three World Tour stops -- Amsterdam, Lausanne and Debrecen. That has made Baskets Bonn the only team to have claimed three stop victories so far this season. Their success has extended to the Challenger circuit, with additional titles in Manila and La Reunion.
Ranked third overall among World Tour players this season, Giessmann has been one of the driving forces behind Bonn's consistency. He is tied with Parrott for the FIBA 3x3 World Tour lead in blocks with 18 and ranks second in dunks with 32, showcasing his ability to make an all-around impact. With Baskets Bonn looking to add another title to their collection, Giessmann could be one of the defining players in Macau.
Stefan Kojic (Skyliners)
When Kojic finds his range, he can change a game in a hurry. The Skyliners sharpshooter remains one of the most dangerous two-point threats in 3x3 basketball, capable of turning a close contest on its head with a timely shooting run.
Skyliners (GER) are still searching for their first World Tour stop victory of the season, giving Kojic and his teammates plenty of motivation heading into Macau. The German side recently finished in the top six at the Go Too! Group Aichi Challenger before securing a top-three finish at the Madrid Challenger. Kojic's shooting could prove crucial as Skyliners look to translate their Challenger form into a breakthrough World Tour performance.
Anand Ariunbold (Ulaanbaatar MMC Energy)
Known as 'The Archer,' Ariunbold is one of Ulaanbaatar MMC Energy's (MGL) key weapons from the perimeter. The Mongolian sharpshooter can get hot in a hurry, and his ability to knock down two-pointers makes him a constant threat whenever he finds his rhythm.
Ulaanbaatar are still chasing their first World Tour stop victory of the season, but they have already come close, finishing runners-up in Shanghai and on home soil in Ulaanbaatar. Ariunbold will be looking to turn those near-misses into a title run in Macau. If The Archer gets firing from long range, Ulaanbaatar could once again put themselves in contention.
Karlis Lasmanis (Shanghai)
Lasmanis arrives in Macau carrying one of the biggest achievements of his career, having helped Latvia win the FIBA 3x3 World Cup earlier this year. The Latvian star has proven he can deliver on the biggest international stage, and now he will look to bring that winning momentum to the World Tour with Shanghai.
Shanghai are still searching for their first World Tour stop victory of the season and have struggled to find consistent results. They have advanced beyond pool play in only four of their seven World Tour appearances this year, leaving little room for error in Macau. With Lasmanis bringing championship experience and proven big-game quality, Shanghai will hope he can help them turn their potential into a breakthrough result.
Nico Kaltenbrunner (Vienna)
Kaltenbrunner enters Macau with momentum after helping Vienna win the recent Hongcheon Challenger. He also arrives fresh from a top-four finish at WT Deqing, giving the Austrian side reason to believe they can threaten the leading contenders.
Vienna are still searching for their first World Tour stop victory of the season, but they have shown encouraging consistency by reaching the knockout stages in four of their six World Tour appearances. Kaltenbrunner will be central to their hopes of taking the next step.
With statistical leaders, proven champions and teams hungry for a breakthrough all converging on Macau, the competition promises plenty of intriguing individual battles. From Stojacic's bid to get Ub back on track to de Jong's quest for another MVP-caliber performance, these eight players could have a major say in who leaves Macau with the title.
Stay Connected
Follow all the latest action from the FIBA 3x3 World Tour throughout the 2026 season by visiting the official World Tour website, where you can find the latest news, team standings, player statistics and everything you need to follow the Race to the Final. Fans can also keep track of the Event Calendar and the latest FIBA 3x3 Individual and Federation Rankings as teams and players continue their push toward the season finale.
Want to learn more about 3x3 basketball? Explore the official FIBA 3x3 Rules to understand the unique fast-paced format of the game, or discover the FIBA 3x3 Competition Structure to see how the discipline’s global pathway connects grassroots events, professional tours and world-class international competitions.
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