WUXI (China) - Excitement is at fever pitch ahead of the FIBA 3x3 World Tour debut of Olympic gold medalist and four-time NBA All-Star DeMarcus Cousins in Wuxi on October 1-2. 

Cousins, affectionately known worldwide as 'Boogie', will be in the line-up for hometown heroes Wuxi WenLv (CHN) and the 6ft.10in (2.08m) giant will be a firm fan favorite. 

There will no doubt be a sea of 'Boogie' jerseys in the bleachers to underline his global popularity in a massive coup for the FIBA 3x3 World Tour.

Given his lengthy accomplishments in his long NBA career, Cousins might just be the biggest name to play in the World Tour to underline 3x3's rising status in the aftermath of a historic Paris Olympics. 

Cousins recently joined Wuxi WenLv having played basketball in China and he was lured to the team partly due to a long-time connection with Wuxi star Andrew Kelly. 

The 34-year-old Cousins has started his 3x3 career on the pro circuit and already shown off his brute strength. He has dominated inside the paint, but also demonstrated his shooting touch which is a requisite for success in 3x3. 

But the transition won't be easy with the demanding 10-minute game of 3x3 requiring its own skillset. Cousins' fitness will be tested and so will his ability to guard a range of different players on the half-court. 

In front of what should be packed bleachers, Cousins will face immediate tests in Wuxi against Partizan Meta Force (SRB), who boast No.5 ranked player Stefan Milivojevic, and Lausanne (SUI). 

The scene is set for a mouth-watering clash between Cousins and Swiss big fella Westher Molteni, who will counter Boogie's strength with athleticism and 3x3 experience. 

Cousins will be put through an initiation on the half-court in a debut that is set to be closely watched from all corners of the planet. 

FIBA