Players to watch at FIBA 3x3 World Tour Almaty 2024

ALMATY (Kazakhstan) - The FIBA 3x3 World Tour is excitingly travelling to a new frontier with the first-ever Almaty stop and that means some of the best players on the planet want to flat out dominate in front of giddy fans. 

Here are the players you just have to watch on July 13-14. 

Nico Kaltenbrunner (Vienna)

Vienna (AUT) have finished 3rd, 2nd and 2nd in their last three events. 

The awesome Austrians are in strong form, but want a first title of the season and their hopes might just sit with speedy Nico Kaltenbrunner, who should be well rested after not playing in Edmonton. 

The 24-year-old is the engine of Vienna with his electric style of play getting them going. He can drive past taller opponents in a blur, but can also stop on a dime and nail the pretty jumper. 

Kaltenbrunner is the general on the half-court for Vienna, with the ball usually in his trusted hands to make a play when the game is on the line. 

 

Evaldas Dziaugys (Raudondvaris Hoptrans)

It's already been a big 2024 for this lethal Lithuanian, who helped his hoops crazy country qualify for the Paris Olympics.

This talented 27-year-old has become a big part of Lithuania's premier 3x3 team - Raudondvaris Hoptrans (LTU), who already have a Masters title under their belt this season. 

He has combined superbly with superstar Aurelijus Pukelis in a dynamic one-two punch. They are averaging more than 11 ppg combined and if they top that then Raudondvaris might just be celebrating a second title. 

Milos Supica (Partizan)

Superstar Stefan Milivojevic hogs a lot of the limelight for Partizan (SRB), but the Serbs are far more than a one-man show. 

They have a budding star with 26-year-old Milos Supica having already flat out dominated this season with an MVP performance at the Clermont-Ferrand Challenger.

The former NCAA college player is a man mountain at 6ft. 9in (2.05m), but moves around gracefully like a much smaller dude. Get used to the name because Milos Supica is a stud. 

Dennis Donkor (Riffa)

Dennis the Menace will be arriving in Almaty on a mission. Riffa's (BRN) struggles on the World Tour heightened after failing to make it out of Day One in Edmonton. 

Donkor is usually deadly from everywhere on the half-court, but he was an ice cold 1 of 9 from deep. You better believe this determined Belgian will have been pushing the limits at practice to overcome his slump. 

Bet on Donkor getting back to his A-Grade level, where at his absolute best he's a walking bucket who doubles as a pitbull on defense. 

Malik Hluchoweckyj (Lausanne)

Lausanne (SUI) have become a mighty force on the World Tour and you feel some of their rise has to do with the addition of Malik Hluchoweckyj. 

Sure we could spit out some fancy stats, but this American wizard is about so much more. His infectious personality combined with jaw-dropping skills has provided a spark for Lausanne, who are playing with so much joy in 2024. 

He's had instant chemistry with his new teammates and been deadly in the clutch. 

Hluchoweckyj though won't be satisfied until Lausanne finally tastes the ultimate glory on the World Tour and if he's on a roll then the Swiss team might be celebrating in Almaty. 

  

Antonio Ralat (San Juan Church's)

This 3x3 assassin was not in Edmonton, so he should be fresh and raring to go. That spells trouble for opponents because there might not be anyone better when the game is on the line. 

Ralat loves nothing more than dropping Maurice Lacroix Buzzer Beaters, but excitingly he still has growth in his game. He is sometimes streaky from two, but if this Puerto Rican can go on a prolonged heater then San Juan might be able to go all the way. 

 

Vladimir Trajkovic (Hangzhou)

Y'all remember Constanta 2023, right? That was when Trajkovic submitted a legendary performance that can never be forgotten after he he led one of the most memorable triumphs against the odds for Hangzhou (CHN). 

It's when the world was formally introduced to a 3x3 marksman, who just doesn't miss when he's got it going. 

Trajkovic hasn't quite reached those amazing levels, but don't bet against him doing something trippy again. 

 

Enkhsaikhan Bayarsaikhan (Zavkhan SAINSCORE)

This 24-year-old looms as the next big thing from 3x3-crazy Mongolia because Zavkhan SAINSCORE (MGL) are starting to make a splash. 

He has all the attributes highlighted by a dangerous two-way game, where he can score at the rim but also step back beyond the arc and nail a dagger in your face. 

We've already seen him help fuel upsets on the pro circuit, but now it's time for Bayarsaikhan to inspire Zavkhan on a giant-killing run on the World Tour. 

FIBA