CHENGDU (China) - Fresh off an unforgettable launch at the Utsunomiya Opener, the FIBA 3x3 World Tour will move quickly to its second stop at the fan favorite Chengdu on May 3-4.
There will be no time for a breather for top seed Ub (SRB), who will be extra determined after falling short in the semis in Utsunomiya.
After three straight final appearances at the season-opener, including back-to-back titles in 2022-23, Ub lost a thriller to rival Amsterdam RABOBANK (NED) but showed enough of their trademark brilliance to suggest they aren't falling off.
The same fearsome foursome will return in Chengdu, a happy hunting ground where Ub are the defending champions. They will need to be at their dazzling best as they face tough tests against supremely talented Baskets Bonn (GER) and Hangzhou (CHN).
Ub's match-up against the Germans might be the most compelling game on Day One with high-flying Fabian Giessmann and Denzel Agyeman looking to grab the torch.
Second seed Amsterdam RABOBANK enter in strong form after making the final in Utsunomiya. As per usual, superstar Worthy de Jong was a highlight reel to finish as the lead overall scorer in another dynamic performance.
He will need to keep the foot down in Pool B against Chongming (CHN), who boast 3x3's greatest superhero duo - Tokyo gold medalists Karlis Lasmanis and Nauris Miezis.
It's much more than a two-horse race because Shinagawa (JPN) boast a scoring machine who is no longer a secret weapon. His name is Ryo Ozawa, who in case you live under a rock holds the greatest ever scoring game seen on the half-court after his insane 20-point outburst at the recent Asia Cup.
Third seed Raudondvaris Hoptrans (LTU) highlight Pool C and they'll be confident of a deep run after a scoring binge in Utsunomiya from big fella Aurelijus Pukelis.
They'll need Pukelis to be on song with the lethal Lithuanians set to face a physical examination against in-form Ulaanbaatar MMC Energy (MGL), who are led by the gritty dude you know as 'the bull' - Delgernyam Davaasambuu.
They've already experienced success on the pro circuit this season and want to continue that winning feeling.
Underdog Sagamihara (JPN) just can't be written off as they eye a giant-killing run in the group.
New team London (USA) started slowly in Utsunomiya, but they showed glimpses of what they are capable of. An excitement machine to keep an eye out for in Chengdu will be explosive Justin Pierce, who loves nothing more than putting defenders into body bags.
They will get an early test against Lausanne (SUI), those fan favorite Swiss Maestros who are still seeking a first ever title on the World Tour.
The third team in Pool D will emerge from QD featuring Bayankhairhan MIG (MGL), Yokohama (JPN) and Vracar (SRB).
FIBA