Top men to watch at FIBA 3x3 Europe Cup 2023

JERUSALEM (Israel) - Get ready for the best men's players on the continent to put on a show at the FIBA 3x3 Europe Cup 2023 on September 5-7.

As we count down to this year's biggest event in Europe, let's look at the top players to watch in the historic city of Jerusalem.

Strahinja Stojacic (Serbia)

2023 has been the year of 'Doctor Strange', who has so far won three Masters MVPs.

And this dude loves reppin' 3x3 power Serbia having shown his passion with an MVP performance at the FIBA 3x3 World Cup 2023. 

Stojacic was part of Serbia's triumph at last year's event and he'll be the driving force behind their quest for an insane fifth straight title. 

You know his game well - this dude is unstoppable when he gets a full head of steam to the rack, but can also be in heat check mode from 2-point land. 

The 3x3 crown is with 'Doctor Strange' and right now it's his multiverse. 

 

Netanel Artzi (Israel) 

We've seen this dunking machine unleashed this season, delivering slams on unsuspecting defenders all over the world. 

The 6ft. 7in (2m) athletic beast is already a fan favorite among his compatriots having delivered for his country time and again - most recently at the FIBA 3x3 World Cup Qualifier 2023 on home soil.

You just know he's going to get the crowd going in Jerusalem, where Artzi aims to continue Israel's rise in 3x3. 

 

Worthy de Jong (Netherlands)

Forget the stats. Let's go straight to the eye test. Who has been the No.1 most entertaining player to watch? If you answered Worthy de Jong then you're correct. 

In his first full 3x3 season, the Dutch hoops legend has been insane with a crazy average of 9.3 ppg from 20 World Tour games. That's like averaging 40 in basketball!

Switch to international competition and this dude is even better with de Jong having averaged 10.6 ppg at the World Cup, where the Netherlands made the quarters. 

He wasn't part of Netherlands' bronze medal team last year, but de Jong's presence might just inspire them to a first-ever gold. 

 

Nauris Miezis (Latvia)

It's been six years since Nauris Miezis and his Latvian teammates shocked Europe by winning the tournament. 

3x3 would never be the same again with the world introduced to the wizardry of Miezis, who has ever since fooled opponents with his insane handles and crushed their souls with his cold-blooded daggers. 

But for all his success, Miezis has not won another Europe Cup and will be determined to go one better than last year, where Latvia finished second and the 6ft. 3in (1.9m) assassin made the Team of the Tournament. 

 

Leopold Cavaliere (France)

There might not be anyone more intimidating in Jerusalem than the 6ft 8in (2.03m) big fella, who has been a cornerstone for Paris' rise on this season's World Tour. 

The 27-year-old is all about the Ws and his presence lifts France as underlined at the FIBA 3x3 World Cup 2022, where Cavaliere was a key in their bronze medal winning team. 

Making his Europe Cup debut, Cavaliere will be eying dominating the paint and if he does that then France might just well win their first gold medal in the event. 

 Denzel Agyeman (Germany)

This 18-year-old is sure busier than most as he arrives in Jerusalem having played at the FIBA 3x3 U18 World Cup.

There might not be a more exciting youngster in Europe with the 6ft.5in (1.95m) high-flyer having posterized plenty in what is already an impressive 3x3 career. 

He's had a taste of the big time at senior level, but his true breakthrough might just be in Jerusalem where a lot of fans are going to quickly learn the name Denzel Agyeman. 

Filip Kramer (Austria)

Talk about dunkers and we just have to mention this Austrian, who plays above the rim. 

He's a safe pick to do something trippy every game because the 6ft. 8in (2.03m) Kramer plays 3x3 like its NBA Jam Session.

This dude takes flight like a pilot on Austrian Airlines and if Kramer gets going then he might just ignite his country to a first-ever medal at the Europe Cup. 

 

 

Thibaut Vervoort (Belgium)

'Must See TV' has taken his hit show to China, where he now stars for emerging power Futian on the pro circuit. 

But this walking bucket remains mighty passionate about his country and will enjoy putting on the Belgian colors once again. 

Vervoort has had a bit of a mixed bag this season, but you just know he'll be firing on all cylinders as he tries to lead Belgium to a historic first medal at the Europe Cup. 

 

FIBA