MANILA (Philippines) - Things are about to go up a level as the pro circuit returns to hoops crazy Philippines for the FIBA 3x3 Manila Challenger on September 20-21. Let's preview the 14th Challenger of the season as the pro circuit journeys back to a fan favorite location. The Favorites
We haven't seen them in action for a month, but Ub (SRB) are looking to continue their red-hot form from before this break when they won four straight titles. Zoom out even more and the spectacular Serbs have actually won 7 of 8 events, including 5 WT titles.
But this awesome foursome will still have a chip on their backs after they were part of Serbia's shock quarter-final exit at the Europe Cup. You just know these bad boys led by superstar Strahinja Stojacic will be out for revenge in a happy hunting ground for Ub, who have had plenty of success previously in Manila.
But rivals will be buoyed and know they can be beaten. Namely OG Nauris Miezis who took down Serbia at the Europe Cup and he will be pumped up leading Chongming (CHN) in Manila.
Fellow Chinese team Hangzhou (CHN) also have to be rated among the contenders because they are hard to stop when high-flyer Aleksandar Lasic takes the aerial route.
Hangzhou will have their hands full in a Pool D blockbuster against Skyliners (GER). Germany are in the midst of a golden period in hoops and Skyliners are joining in the party after finishing runner-up at WT Debrecen.
The Field
This is a deep draw, so we couldn't quite squeeze Ulaanbaatar MMC Energy (MGL) in the list of contenders even though they absolutely have the pedigree. But the Mongolians have not been able to make it past the semis from seven events this season, increasing the pressure on them to break their drought.
Their hopes will be raised if sniper Anand Ariunbold is on target, while Utrecht (NED) also will be a threat because they boast the deadly one-two punch of Nesta Agasi and Dimeo van der Horst.
Lugano (SUI) have already won a title this season, so it would certainly not be a shock if they repeated the dose here.
If you want a dark horse then Manila Melmac (PHI) is your best bet because excitement machine Mac Tallo always brings it in front of the loud Filipino fans.
Pools Pool A: Ub (SRB), Seef (BRN), Mandaluyong SBP (PHI) Pool B: Chongming (CHN), Lugano (SUI), Manila Melmac (PHI) Pool C: Ulaanbaatar MMC Energy (MGL), Utrecht (NED), QD Pool D: Hangzhou (CHN), Skyliners (GER), QD What's at stake The top 3 teams in Manila will qualify for the WT Macau on October 18-19 as part of the FIBA 3x3 World Tour 2025. How to watch The two-day extravaganza is on September 20-21 and you can follow it live on the FIBA 3x3 YouTube pages.
FIBA