Vienna look to continue winning form at FIBA 3x3 Pristina Challenger 2024

PRISTINA (Kosovo) - After taking out the Almaty Masters in style, Vienna (AUT) are determined to continue their red-hot form at the FIBA 3x3 Pristina Challenger on July 20-21. 

Let's take a closer look at the 11th Challenger of 2024. 

The Favorites

We just have to start with the latest Masters champs of 2024. Top seed Vienna (AUT) will arrive with a swagger after their triumph in Almaty, especially MVP Nico Kaltenbrunner who repeatedly blew by defenders on his way to the rim. 

But they will face an early test against Fribourg (SUI), who deserve to be rated among the contenders due to their strong form.

They're title winners on this season's pro circuit and made the semis of all three events they've played with the Jurkovitz Bros intimidating opponents in the paint. 

No.2 seed Riffa (BRN) have not had the greatest season to date, but are determined to turn things around. They can start their climb here and will again look to in-form Dennis Donkor, who has been a one-man show. 

No.3 seed San Juan Church's (PUR) are always dangerous and have made a couple of finals on the pro circuit this season. But they are hungry for a title and their chances are high if sniper Antonio Ralat goes on a heater. 

The Field

You just know Marijampole Mantinga (LTU) can flat out ball because they are from hoops crazy Lithuania. These dudes always mean business, especially Zygimantas Simonis who can drip buckets. 

Talk about dark horses and we just have to mention Podgorica Kodio (MNE), who have already made a final on the pro circuit this season. Milos Jovanovic is a scoring machine and he'll again try to fuel a giant-killing run for Podgorica. 

Dusseldorf LFDY (GER) always frighten opponents because they boast 3x3 unicorn Niklas Kropp, while Kandava Turiba (LAT) is a rising force but have a name real ones will know well - Olympic gold medalist Edgars Krumins. 

Antananarivo (MAD) had a breakout in 2023 and they are led by one of Africa's very best players - Elly Randriamampionona. 

Pools

Pool A: Vienna (AUT), Fribourg (SUI), Bordeaux Ballistik (FRA)
Pool B: Riffa (BRN), Kandava Turiba (LAT), Antananarivo ( MAD)
Pool C: San Juan Church's (PUR), Dusseldorf LFDY (GER), QD
Pool D: Marijampole Mantinga (LTU), Podgorica Kodio (MNE), QD

What's at stake

The top 3 teams in Pristina will qualify for the Wuxi Masters on October 1- 2, 2024, as part of the FIBA 3x3 World Tour.

How to watch

The two-day extravaganza is on July 20-21 and you can follow it live on the FIBA 3x3 YouTube page.

FIBA