Lausanne aim to find top form at FIBA 3x3 Kaohsiung Challenger 2024
KAOHSIUNG (Taiwan) - Lausanne (SUI) will be determined to turn around their form at the FIBA 3x3 Kaohsiung Challenger 2024 on September 14-15.
Let's take a closer look at the 16th Challenger of 2024.
The Favorites
After a powerful first half of the season, where they twice came within an inch of winning Masters titles, Lausanne have thudded back to earth having only been able to get past the quarters once from their last six events on the pro circuit.
The Swiss Maestros will be itching to claim a first title of 2024. The No.3 seed will rely on big fella Westher Molteni rediscovering the form that made him one of the very best players earlier in the season.
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There are plenty of title contenders with top seed Miami (USA) showcasing all their guts and determination without superstar Jimmer Fredette to reach the final at the Debrecen Masters.
The Americans have a chance to make a deep run because they have bucket getters Canyon Barry and James Parrott. Heater alerts!
The Olympic success of the Frenchmen is still fresh and so too Paris' (FRA) triumph at the subsequent Lausanne Masters. Olympic heroes Franck Seguela and Jules Rambaut will be looking to continue their purple patch for Les Bleus.
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Kandava Turiba (LAT) are emerging and have come close to a first title on several occasions. They have a mix of youth and experience with new sensation Francis Lacis joining forces with Tokyo Olympic gold medalist Edgars Krumins.
The Field
Long-time fan favorite NY Harlem (USA) haven't missed a beat when they've played on the pro circuit this season.
Dominique Jones aka 'Disco Domo' still has the grooviest moves on the half-court, while partner-in-crime Kidani Brutus can get to his favored spots whenever he wants.
Serbs teams Belgrade (SRB) and Pirot (SRB) loom as major dark horses with the latter boasting Dragan Bjelica, who real ones will know as the OG of the crossover.
Taipei WanBao (TPE) also could go on a giant-killing run because former Ub Huishan NE star Vladimir Dordevic will provide a bucket load of class and experience.
Pools
Pool A: Miami (USA), Belgrade (SRB), Kuala Lumpur (MAS)
Pool B: Paris (FRA), Taipei WanBao (TPE), Hong Kong (HKE)
Pool C: Lausanne (SUI), Pirot (SRB), QD
Pool D: Kandava Turiba (LAT), NY Harlem (USA), QD
What's at stake
The top 3 teams in Kaohsiung will qualify for the Abu Dhabi Masters on October 26-27, 2024, as part of the FIBA 3x3 World Tour.
How to watch
The two-day extravaganza is on September 14-15 and you can follow it live on the FIBA 3x3 YouTube page.
FIBA