CANGZHOU (China) - After a disappointing World Tour swing in China, Amsterdam Rabobank (NED) are aiming to have better luck on the mainland at the FIBA 3x3 Cangzhou Challenger on October 18-19.
Let's preview the 18th Challenger of the season.
The Favorites
No.1 seed Amsterdam have not been at their best in China after losing in the quarters at WT Shanghai and Shenzhen. The Dutch Masters incredibly have only won just the sole title in 2025 and they will need superstar Worthy de Jong to live up to the hype if they are to add another.
There are other teams also desperate. No.2 seed Toulouse (FRA) have won three titles this season, but lost in the quarters at Shenzhen and Deqing. Superstar Franck Seguela did have a welcome return to form but he'll need more support if the Frenchmen are to walk off with a dub.
Third seed Raudondvaris Hoptrans (LTU), however, will arrive with confidence after a semi-final run in Shenzhen. Evaldas Dziaugys has been the most evil player on the half-court and expect him to be a devil for opponents.
Along with the lethal Lithuanians and Toulouse, Vienna are the other WT 2025 champs in this draw and the last time we saw the Austrians they finished second at the Dongguan Challenger.
Vienna start as the fourth seed and will be a genuine contender, with walking bucket Quincy Diggs in red-hot form.
The Field
Perhaps the most anticipated Day One game is between Vienna and Hangzhou (CHN) in a Pool D blockbuster. Led by high-flyer Aleksandar Lazic, Hangzhou have proven they can match it with the big boys and they'll be eying another top scalp.
Spanish teams Valencia (ESP) and Barcelona (ESP) have been gaining a lot of experience as the season has worn on, putting them in good stead to make a splash at the business end of 2025.
Samobor (CRO) shocked the world in Shenzhen with a semi-final run for the ages. Towering Ivan Vrgoc was the breakout star and he will be out to prove it was no fluke.
Pools Pool A: Amsterdam RABOBANK (NED), Samobor (CRO), Shanghai (CHN) Pool B: Toulouse (FRA), Valencia (ESP), Podebrady (CZE) Pool C: Raudondvaris Hoptrans (LTU), Barcelona (ESP), Qingchuan WOLFUNITED (CHN) Pool D: Vienna (AUT), Hangzhou (CHN), QD What's at stake The top 3 teams in Cangzhou will qualify for the WT Bucharest on November 8-9 as part of the FIBA 3x3 World Tour 2025. How to watch The two-day extravaganza is on October 18-19 and you can follow it live on the FIBA 3x3 YouTube pages.
FIBA