ANTWERP (Belgium) – Europe's best 3x3 basketball national teams are ready to battle for continental supremacy at Antwerp's European Championship arena on Groenplaats, with Olympic champions, World Cup winners and some of the biggest stars from the FIBA 3x3 basketball World Tour all set to take center stage.
With the FIBA 3x3 Europe Cup 2026 tipping off on September 11, the stage is set for three days of high-intensity action, where every possession could make the difference.
Before the race for gold begins, here are the players who could define the men's competition in Antwerp.
Strahinja Stojacic (Serbia)
The world's No.1 player leads a Serbian team loaded with experience and star power. Of course, Stojacic has established himself as one of the defining figures of modern 3x3 basketball, combining scoring, playmaking and athleticism to make him one of the toughest halfcourt matchups on the planet. With Serbia seeking their first Europe Cup title since 2023, "Doctor Strange" will be central to their ambitions.
Worthy de Jong (Netherlands)
Few players bring more big-stage experience and presence to Antwerp than de Jong. The Paris 2024 Olympic champion remains one of the most recognizable stars in 3x3 basketball and combines creativity, explosiveness and scoring ability with a wealth of international experience. With the Netherlands looking to make a run at their first men's title, expect de Jong to be at the heart of their challenge.
Ignas Vaitkus (Lithuania)
The defending champions return to Antwerp looking to retain their continental crown, and last year's MVP is expected to once again lead the charge. It goes without saying that Vaitkus will be central to Lithuania's title defense. They do face a tough Pool D featuring Latvia and upstarts Ireland, setting up an immediate test for the reigning European champions.
Hugo Suhard (France)
France bring plenty of experience to Antwerp, with Suhard set to provide perimeter shooting, leadership and playmaking for a team still looking for their first men's European title. The French face red-hot Germany in Pool D, renewing a rivalry intensified by the Germans' victory over France in the FIBA 3x3 World Cup 2026 Semi-Finals.
Fabian Giessmann (Germany)
Speaking of Germany, their rise has been one of the most intriguing stories in European 3x3 basketball, and Giessmann is the biggest name representing the new generation driving that progress. The versatile big man combines size, athleticism and two-way ability and will be key against a French team with plenty of experience.
Karlis Lasmanis (Latvia)
One of the most decorated players in 3x3 basketball history, Lasmanis brings Olympic, World Cup and of course, European-winning pedigree to Antwerp. As such, he has, of course, completed the discipline's coveted "triple crown." He has not enjoyed much success on the World Tour with pro team Shanghai (CHN), but he's hoping his fortunes changer here. Latvia's Pool C clash with defending champions Lithuania promises to be one of the tournament's marquee matchups.
Diego De Blas (Spain)
Spain arrive looking to bounce back at the FIBA 3x3 Europe Cup after being unable to defend their FIBA 3x3 World Cup title in Warsaw earlier this year. De Blas represents their youth movement and is part of a talented Spanish roster facing Olympic champions Netherlands, setting up one of the most anticipated games of the opening day.
Dennis Donkor (Belgium)
The home crowd will have plenty to cheer for with Donkor leading Belgium's charge in Antwerp. A familiar face on the World Tour, the Belgian star brings streaky shooting, defensive intensity and attacking ability to a team chasing their first Europe Cup title. His battle with Stojacic in Pool A could add another chapter to a rivalry forged on the professional circuit.
The stage is set. With defending champions, World Cup winners, Olympic champions and rising powers all converging on Antwerp, the action should be intense and margins razor-thin. These eight players will have a major role to play as Europe's best battle for the continent's foremost 3x3 basketball crown.
Stay Connected
Follow all the latest action from the FIBA 3x3 Cups tournaments throughout the 2026 season by visiting the official FIBA 3x3 website, where you can find the latest news, star players and everything you need to know. 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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