Everything you need to know before FIBA 3x3 Africa Cup 2023

CAIRO (Egypt) - Continental bragging rights are on the line at the FIBA 3x3 Africa Cup 2023 in Egypt's historical capital of Cairo. 

Here is all the info ahead of the fifth edition of the most prestigious 3x3 event in Africa. 

Where can I watch?

The action runs from December 1-3, and you can follow it live on the FIBA 3x3 YouTube page

Who is competing?

There are 20 teams – 10 in the men's and 10 in the women's – journeying to Cairo.

What are the pools?

Men's
Pool A: Egypt, Algeria, Uganda, Nigeria, Senegal 
Pool B: Benin, Kenya, Madagascar, Morocco, Mali  

Women's
Pool A: Egypt, Uganda, Algeria, Mali, Senegal
Pool B: Benin, Kenya, Madagascar, Morocco, Nigeria  

Who are the favorites?

Defending champs Madagascar are favorites to go back-to-back in the men's and they want to again prove why they are an emerging 3x3 force with Antananarivo having done well on the World Tour. 

They vanquished Egypt in last year's final with the hosts determined to get back to their winning ways having triumphed in 2019. 

 

Second seed Benin and former champs Nigeria are also rated contenders to go all the way. 

Egypt are hot favorites for a three-peat in the women's and they will have their passionate fans further inspiring them.

But don't just crown them just yet because Madagascar again loom as a threat in what might be another blockbuster final between these powerhouse African nations. 

Who are the players to watch? 

We just have to start with scoring machine Elly Randriamampionona, who wants to defend his crown and win a second straight MVP. 

 

He might be the best player in Africa, but he'll have to be at his best with walking bucket Ahmed Mohamed having starred for Egypt at major events before. 

The 6ft. 7in (2.01m) stud can flat out hoop and he looms as a major drawcard in Cairo.

You just know who we're going to start off with in the women's, right? It's Egyptian superstar Soraya Mohamed, who flat out owns this event with party tricks. She's the Queen of Africa, after all. 

 

There are others who can do unbelievable things with the Wilson in hand.

Most notably, speedy Harisoa Hajanirina was part of Madagascar's silver medal winning team, but if she plays to an MVP level then her country might just win gold. 

FIBA