MIES (Switzerland) - It's already been an insane FIBA 3x3 World Tour 2024 so far, but we're just getting started before the action goes into overdrive at the business end of the season.

While we have a short breather amid Olympic fever, as 3x3 takes center stage in Paris, let's take a mid-season temperature check.

Miami have risen to the top 

There is a new top dog in the world standings. For the first time in ages,  Ub Huishan NE (SRB) - the GOATS - have been knocked off No.1.

They've been replaced by rival Miami (USA), who has stormed to the top after titles at the Utsunomiya Opener and Edmonton Masters. 

Their victory in Utsunomiya was a major statement after defeating Ub in a classic final to prove that 2024 might just be a different script than we've been used to in recent seasons. 

 

The Americans impressed in their debut season last year, but have gone up a level as their chemistry continues to improve. 

It's a scary prospect for opponents at the Olympics because Miami double as Team USA with Jimmer Fredette, Kareem Maddox, Canyon Barry and Dylan Travis to represent the hoops power. 

Having knocked off Ub in the rankings, these Americans will be dreaming of again toppling Serbia's best players on the biggest stage of them all in Paris. 

Jimmer is closing in on 3x3's GOAT

Strahinja Stojacic has been the undisputed best player in 3x3 over the last few seasons. So good that he has gone on a run that is unparalleled in the World Tour's 12-year history. 

It was so spectacular that the 32-year-old just has to be deemed as the GOAT. He remains No.1 in the player rankings, but his crown is under threat from the player next on the list - Jimmer Fredette who already boasts two MVPs this season. 

While Stojacic has built up slowly this season with an eye towards the Olympics, Fredette has been in overdrive as he zeroes in on a childhood dream and  becomes an Olympian. 

The former NBA player and college phenom has been the engine for Miami's blistering start to the season. He's averaging 6.5 ppg, but the stats don't even do him justice because defenses are being built to stop this sniper. 

But nothing can limit this dude who becomes 'Himmer Fredette' on the half-court. In a scary prospect for opponents, he can get even better because Fredette has been streaky from two. 

It's only a matter of time before the law of averages balances out and that would make Fredette truly unstoppable.

With a few more MVPs and titles, maybe he'll finally take the crown off Stojacic. 

 

Don't write off Ub 

No one could believe it after Ub Huishan NE was titleless after the first three stops on the World Tour. The Serbs had stormed out of the blocks in record fashion the last two seasons, but this time around they were left frustrated like Djokovic at Wimbledon. 

Critics were starting to line up as they declared Ub's domination over and the torch had been passed. Not so fast! Because Ub are the GOATs and it's going to take more than that to end their reign. 

Without 'Doctor Strange', Ub were under pressure in Chengdu but it was the older Stojacic sibling who stepped up with 'Mr Robot' producing an MVP performance to break the drought. 

It was a sweet performance for legendary Stefan Stojacic, who has sparked Ub as their new recruit

Stojacic again had to be at his best as Ub summoned a heroic effort in Almaty with just three players after their core trio of 'Doctor Strange', Dejan Majstorovic and Marko Brankovic focused on Olympic preparations. 

Nenad Nerandzic, who has filled in admirably previously, dominated inside along with muscular Nemanja Barac and Stojacic as Ub went on a run for the ages. 

They almost did what only a few teams have ever accomplished with three players, but Ub fell short to Vienna in the final. Still they showcased plenty of heart and proved that Ub has plenty of fight left in them. 

 

The Olympics are pushing stars to new heights

We've talked about Fredette, but there are other players hitting top form as the Olympics approaches. Worthy de Jong belongs in the conversation along with Fredette and Stojacic with the scoring machine not disappointing in 2024. 

'Hype Worthy' will soon be making his Olympic debut, but before he leads Netherlands' quest for gold, de Jong has again been tearing up the World Tour. 

The Dutch hoops legend is averaging a leading 7.8 ppg (minimum of 10 games) on the World Tour and he already has an MVP in his bag after powering Amsterdam to the title in Ulaanbaatar. 

 

He's not the only star balling out before the Olympics, with Chinese dynamo Ning Zhang stealing the show during the Chengdu Masters in a tour de force. 

Lethal Lithuanian Aurelijus Pukelis has been lights for Raudondvaris Hoptrans (LTU), averaging 7.4 ppg and was a major part of their title in Marseille. 

The Lithuanians had to battle past Paris (FRA) in the final with the Frenchmen having rode the back of superstar Franck Seguela, who will be flying the French flag proudly at the Olympics. 

The World Tour has never been so even

There have already been four winners on this season's World Tour, with Miami the only multiple champion. Others are coming hard with Lausanne (SUI) twice coming so close to finally breaking their drought on the World Tour. 

The Swiss have made the leap after recruiting wizard Malik Hluchoweckyj, while big fella Westher Molteni has been in career best form. You feel like a title is coming their way soon.

 

The list of contenders is deep, while new teams have emerged including Kandava Turiba (LAT) led by young sensation Francis Lacis. 

Expect the unexpected when the season resumes. 

Donkor needs more help

Dennis Donkor has been putting up insane stats this season to again prove he's not just a menace on D. He's averaging almost 7 ppg, but it hasn't been enough for Riffa (BRN), who are sliding. 

The team comprising famous Belgian players were much hyped entering the season, but have struggled since making the semis at the Utsunomiya Opener. They have twice been knocked out on Day One.

Bucket getter Jonas Foerts went cold and the mid-season break will be hoped to get him out of his funk. But he has still been giving effort on the defensive end to prove he's doing everything he can to shake out of his slump.

 

Big man Caspar Augustijnen is still working his way back from a serious knee injury and he should be better when the season resumes. 

Riffa will no doubt do some soul searching during the break as they look to hit back hard on return. 

FIBA