ULAANBAATAR (Mongolia) - Buckle up because the biggest names in the women's game are gearing up for the FIBA 3x3 World Cup 2025 on June 23-29. Let's add to the hype by looking at the 10 players you just have to be amped up about.
Noortje Driessen (Netherlands)
We just have to start with the No.1 player on the planet, who absolutely deserves top billing having owned the first quarter of the Women's Series 2025. She's already won two early MVPs and is leading almost all the major categories.
Driessen is averaging 6 ppg and also playing monster D to be the prototype 3x3 player, like she's built in the lab. The Netherlands are the frontrunners in the Women's Series and also are former Europe champions, but World Cup success has so far eluded them.
The women in orange have never made the podium but that will change if Driessen goes supernova.
Khulan Onolbaatar (Mongolia)
All eyes in Ulaanbaatar will be on national hero Khulan Onolbaatar, who has been the face of Mongolian women's 3x3 and a pioneer for sportswomen in her far-flung country.
No one puts more into it than Onolbaatar, whose emotions spilled out after Mongolia won a memorable bronze medal at last year's Asia Cup. The 25-year-old is the heart and soul of her team, but she's also a bucket getter and outstanding defensive player.
If she leads her country to the podium at home then Onolbaatar's legend will be cemented forever.
Mikaylah Williams (USA)
It's a new era for reigning champs USA, who are ready to launch their next wave of talent led by dynamic Mikaylah Williams. The 19-year-old phenom has dazzled for LSU and real ones will know she can ball out on the half-court having dominated at the youth level previously.
Her World Cup debut at the senior level is much anticipated and you just know she will live up to the hype because Williams is a certified bucket getter and she can do whatever she wants with the Wilson in her magical hands.
The future is now.
Elisa Mevius (Germany)
This absolute wizard already has an Olympic gold medal around her neck, but she's just getting warmed up. The 21-year-old Mevius proved she can handle the most suffocating pressure at last year's Paris Games and she's now ready to take the wheel of a new-look Germany.
Mevius has dazzling skill with insane handles to ensure she can get to any spot she wants on the half-court. The new German star is emerging as the world will find out in Ulaanbaatar.
Marena Whittle (Australia)
Australia are always in medal contention and have built up an impressive collection of accolades, including three straight Asia Cup titles and a bronze at the last World Cup.
At the heart of their gritty but fun-loving team is Whittle, who dominates the paint - especially the boards - but don't think she's just a one-trick pony. The 5ft. 11in (1.8m) Whittle also has the shooter's touch and plays mean D.
You won't find a more inspiring player than Whittle, who ignites her team with her amped up celebrations.
Klaudia Papp (Hungary)
Hungary are determined to upstage fancied rivals and their chances of a giant killing run rests with this scoring machine. Every time she steps on the half-court, Papp showcases her lightning quick foot work as she continually blows by helpless defenders and explodes to the rack.
The 5ft. 6in (1.68m) Papp relentlessly attacks the basket and somehow never gets tired, so expect her to leave it all on the half-court in Ulaanbaatar.
Raelin D'Alie (Italy)
Do you remember World Cup 2018? When Rae Rae went cray cray? When she had the loud Manila fans in the palm of her hands?
Raelin D'Alie became a 3x3 legend after she led Italy all the way to the title and she's remained one of the most beloved players in the world. Rae Rae has not lost her dazzling skills as she still schools younger opponents like they are in kindergarten.
Rae Rae is ready to wind the clock back like it's 2018 all over again.
Aleksandra Ziemborska (Poland)
The towering 25-year-old has shown glimpses of her crazy talents, but she's really putting the pieces together. She is averaging almost 5 ppg and is an inside-outside threat, so don't think she's just a low post specialist because Ziemborska has crazy handles too.
With that type of confidence expect Ziemborska to arrive with plenty of swagger as she aims to lead Poland on a giant-killing run.
Paige Crozon (Canada)
This fan favorite Canadian always sports a big smile on her face. There is a warmth about Crozon, who is one of the poster girls for her highly successful 3x3 nation.
But the AmeriCup MVP is an absolute competitor on the half-court and she's helped Canada become one of the powers of the women's game. The heartache of Canada's painful defeat in the final of World Cup 2022 remains and you just know that will fuel her to great heights in Ulaanbaatar.
Juana Camilion (Spain)
Olympic medal? Check. Europe Cup gold? Check. This 26-year-old Spaniard has achieved plenty in her short time in 3x3, but she's not nearly done. Camilion is gearing up for her World Cup debut and she's a two-way terror for opponents.
Spain are a 3x3 women's power, but strangely have never reached the podium at a World Cup. They can end that drought if Camilion steals the show.
FIBA