All we learned from FIBA 3x3 Europe Cup 2023

JERUSALEM (Israel) - The FIBA 3x3 Europe Cup 2023 delivered in style on September 5-7, as the continent's best teams fought for the crown. 

Let's reflect on the eighth edition of the continental championship, which was played for the first time in historic Jerusalem.  

Serbia adds to incredible record 

Five in a row. FIVE! That's how many times Serbia have won this insanely difficult event. The last time they didn't win this event was way back in 2017 but it's been all Ws since.

For the second straight year, Serbia have achieved the incredibly difficult World Cup-Europe Cup double. 

They didn't have legendary Dejan Majstorovic but it didn't matter with MVP Strahinja Stojacic proving why he is the best player in the game.

With the outcome of the tournament in his reliable hands, Stojacic hit the Maurice Lacroix buzzer-beating two to defeat Lithuania in a thrilling final. 

 

It wasn't easy for Serbia, who were tested every time they played on the half-court. They didn't win a single game by over three points yet still went 5 of 5.

Since the start, Serbia have set the standard in men's 3x3 and this amazing force keeps raising the bar. 

Netherlands create history 

The Dutchwomen have had a long history of success and came so close 12 months ago when they stormed to the final only to be stopped by France. 

But they were on a mission here to go one better and they did exactly that with Netherlands overcoming former champs Spain in a tight final. 

The Netherlands deserved their title after dominating in Jerusalem, where they were unbeaten. 

Noortje Driessen proved their hero to walk away with the MVP in a starring performance for the towering 24-year-old, who has long been hyped as the next big thing in women's 3x3. 

The Netherlands became the fifth women's team to be honored as European champs and it just might be the start of a golden era for them.

 

Double delight for Lithuania

Proud hoops country Lithuania was the only nation to return with two medals. 

A first gold medal was not forthcoming, but a silver (men's) and bronze (women's) was still a mighty achievement. 

Their men's team was dominant as they had few troubles reaching their second final in three years. 

Once again Serbia broke their hearts in the decider, but Lithuania cemented their status as a European powerhouse with bucket getter Aurelijus Pukelis making the Team of the Tournament. 

Lithuania's women had never medalled before but they created history by beating surprise packets Portugal to grab bronze.

Hot shooting Kamile Nacickaite again showed her liking for the big stage with continual daggers to finish on the Team of the Tournament.

 

Lasmanis puts the cape on

This was a new-look Latvia team without Olympic gold medallists Nauris Miezis, Agnis Cavars and Edgars Krumins. 

But it didn't matter because they had superhero Karlis Lasmanis, who landed Flight KLM in Jerusalem to lead former champs Latvia to the bronze medal. 

Lasmanis was at his brilliant best to finish with a tournament best 41 points as Latvia clinched their fourth medal at the Europe Cup - in the same week as their basketball counterparts shocked the world at the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023. 

No matter the form, Latvia are a hoops powerhouse. 

 

Portugal women's team are a rising force

We knew this Portugal team had killer dance moves. Turns out they also have killer moves on the half-court after Portugal stormed to a fourth-placed finish - the country's best ever result.

Portugal enjoyed maybe their finest ever moment on the half-court when they upset defending champs France in the quarters.

 

They limited the French superstars to just 7 points, but Portugal fell short of a first-ever medal after losses to the Netherlands and Lithuania. 

There is a lot to like about this rising team, especially athletic Emilia Ferreira who was a scoring machine all event.

Historic Jerusalem was an amazing Europe Cup destination

Israel is starting to make an impact in 3x3 on and off the half-court with the historic country hosting several major events in recent times.

This was the biggest of the lot with Jerusalem delivering an amazing event highlighted by a growing number of 3x3 fans in the bleachers. 

It is always truly an honor to visit such a world famous destination and we can't wait to return.

 

FIBA