SUKHBAATAR (Mongolia) - With the memorable 3x3 competition at the Paris Olympics over, it's now time to focus on the pro circuit with the FIBA 3x3 Sukhbaatar Challenger taking place on August 10-11.  

Let's take a closer look at the 13th Challenger of 2024. 

The Favorites

Top seed Riffa (BRN) have shrugged off a tough start to the season after confidence boosting titles on the pro circuit in what might just turn around their fortunes in 2024.

Two-way beast Dennis Donkor has been balling all season, but he's started to get more support with big fella Casper Augustijnen slowly getting back to his best after returning from a serious knee injury.

They'll hope their momentum will continue because they could be pitted against Lausanne (SUI) at some point. The Swiss have excelled in 2024 and twice come within an inch of Masters titles.

Third seed Liman (SRB) have maintained their legendary standards with renowned sniper Stefan Kojic continuing to be lights out.

Ulaanbaatar MMC Energy (MGL) have the firepower to go the way with sharpshooter Steve Sir to combine with young gunner Bolor-Erdene Gatsolomon. 

The Field

There are numerous teams capable of pushing past the main contenders.

Lethal Lithuanians Plunge (LTU) should be inspired by their bronze medal winning compatriots in Paris, while Kandava Turiba (LAT) boast Francis Lacis who was a star in Latvia's semi-final Olympic run.

Sansar MMC Energy (MGL) will rely on Anand Ariunbold going on a heater, while Saitama Alphas EXE (JPN) have their own excitement machine in OG Tomyoa Ochiai.

We just can't wait to watch St Pauli (GER), who will get the fans jumping out of their seats when Denzel Agyeman and Fabian Giessmann do something trippy. 

Pools

Pool A: Riffa (BRN), Saitama ALPHAS EXE (JPN), Zavkhan SAINSCORE (MGL)
Pool B: Lausanne (SUI), Kandava Turiba (LAT), St Pauli (GER)
Pool C: Liman (SRB), Sansar MMC Energy (MGL), QD
Pool D: Ulaanbaatar MMC Energy (MGL), Plunge, QD

What's at stake

The top 3 teams in Sukhbaatar will qualify for the Macau Masters on October 19-20, 2024, as part of the FIBA 3x3 World Tour.

How to watch

The two-day extravaganza is on August 10-11 and you can follow it live on the FIBA 3x3 YouTube page.

FIBA