Last spots for FIBA 3x3 Europe Cup 2023 up for grabs at Limassol Qualifier

LIMASSOL (Cyprus) - Desperate teams will fight for the last tickets to the FIBA 3x3 Europe Cup 2023 during the Limassol Qualifier on June 17-18. 

The Qualifier will see the final men's and women's spots secured for the eighth edition of the continent's biggest event, which will be held in Israel's capital of Jerusalem on September 5-7.

Let's preview the action.

The Favorites

There is just one ticket available per gender, so this will be on like Donkey Kong. 

In the men's, Azerbaijan will have a lot of expectations as they were successful last year.

They are led by sharpshooter Akbarov Jabrayil, who played at Europe Cup 2022 and he's keen to guide Azerbaijan back to the big stage. 

No.2 seeds Andorra haven't made the Europe Cup since the first edition in 2014, but this could be their best chance to end that drought.

Veteran Oriol Fernandez has been the heart and soul of his side for a long time and will be doing everything he can to lead Andorra through the Qualifier. 

Ireland are desperate to qualify for Europe's biggest event and they have one of the brightest stars in Limassol - 23-year-old Cian Heaphy. Remember the name!

In the women's, No.1 seeds Azerbaijan should feel comfortable in their home surroundings and are out to prove they belong in the Europe Cup. 

They arrive with a swagger after Alexandra Mollenhauer and Dina Ulyanova were part of commercial team Neftchi's historic victory at the FIBA 3x3 Women's Series 2023 Shusha Stop

No commercial team had ever won a Women's Series Stop and Azerbaijan will be looking to continue the momentum in Limassol. 

 

There are other teams looking to spoil the party, including No.2 seeds Andorra and No.3 Cyprus who are looking to qualify for the Europe Cup in successive years. 

The Field

There are numerous teams who should be aiming to surprise and win their way to the grand stage. 

In the men's, Cyprus will lean on veteran  Marios Georgiou who has loads of international experience as well as having played on the pro circuit. 

Luxembourg looms as a threat with sharpshooter Christophe Laures having dominated back home for years and now he wants to prove his skills under international pressure. 

Malta, Albania and Kosovo also can't be counted out on going on a fairy-tale run. 

In the women's, Ireland's hopes of success might just rest with towering Grainne Dwyer who can make the paint her personal playground. 

Malta will need a starring role from walking bucket Stephanie De Martino, who can go toe-to-toe with anyone. 

Luxembourg and Kosovo are considered outsiders but don't be stunned if they shock the world. 

Pools

Men Pool A: Azerbaijan, Cyprus, Luxembourg, Malta 
Men Pool B : Andorra, Ireland, Albania, Kosovo

Women Pool A: Azerbaijan, Ireland, Malta
Women Pool B: Andorra, Cyprus, Luxembourg, Kosovo

What's at stake

Both categories will be played with a round-robin consisting of two pools followed by direct elimination. 

The pool winners will advance directly to the semi-finals, while the second and third-placed teams will play an additional play-in game to the semi-finals.

The winners of each category will qualify to the Europe Cup. 

How to watch

You can follow it live on the FIBA 3x3 YouTube and Facebook pages.

FIBA