Everything you need to know before FIBA 3x3 World Cup Qualifier 2023

EILAT (Israel) - The last tickets for the FIBA 3x3 World Cup 2023 are up for grabs in Eilat on May 6-7, as 12 desperate teams fight to qualify for this year's showpiece in Vienna.

They will have their dreams on the line during the two-day FIBA 3x3 World Cup Qualifier 2023 with six tickets - three per gender - available for the 3x3 World Cup on May 30-June 4.

Let's take a closer look at the action in Eilat, which has hosted major 3x3 events in the past.

Where can I watch the World Cup Qualifier?

The action starts on May 6 and you can follow it live on the FIBA 3x3 YouTube and Facebook pages.

Who is competing in Eilat?

Men: Israel (host), China, Slovenia, Rwanda, New Zealand, Hungary 

Women: Israel (host), Czech Republic, Switzerland, Australia, Madagascar, Colombia 

What are the pools ?

 

Who are the favorites?

This is a tough field with all 12 teams sure to put everything on the line being so close to their World Cup dreams. 

In the men's, FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup 2023 bronze medallists New Zealand should feel confident and boast deadly shooters Richard Rodger and Christopher McIntosh, who were part of the Tall Blacks' campaign in Singapore. 

New Zealand also should have confidence against China if they meet at some stage after beating them in the Asia Cup bronze medal game. 

Hosts Israel are the No.1 seeds for a reason and will have the crowd behind them, while Hungary and Slovenia are 3x3 OGs and always competitive. 

It's a similar story in the women's where it will be loaded but we're starting with Asia Cup champs Australia after dynamic duo Marena Whittle and Alex Wilson were unstoppable in Singapore. 

 

Australia are keen to extend their dominance beyond Asia, but there are other contenders, including hosts Israel and emerging European powers Czech Republic and Switzerland. 

Who are the players to watch?

Get ready for a dunking exhibition from high-flyer Netanel Artzi, who is sure to be the local favorite. 

This dude is big time and should feel inspired to rise to the occasion in front of his loud home fans. 

He's not the only human highlight reel in Eilat with Ning Zhang from China and Hungary's Attila Demeter able to also perform crazy feats above the rim. 

New Zealand big fella Zach Easthope is a regular on the World Tour and he can swat away defenders in the paint like they are flies.

He might have to fight for the crown of strongest player with former Novi Sad legend Tamas Ivosev determined to prove he's still a 3x3 master. 

 

In the women's, there are a number of emerging stars ready to show the world they mean business.

Madagascar's Harisoa Hajanirina and Carolina Lopez of Colombia have already delivered in continental championships, but it's time for them to show off their spectacular skills to a new audience. 

Israel's Hadar Hadad represents the local hope and the support of her fans might just take her to new heights.

Oh and you've probably heard of Australia's Marena Whittle, who will enter with more confidence than Margot Robbie in Barbie after her MVP at the Asia Cup.

Whittle still has unfinished business as she aims to continue all-conquering Australia's amazing start to 2023. 

 

FIBA