Eight men to watch at the FIBA 3x3 World Cup Qualifier 2019

SAN JUAN (Puerto Rico) – Some of the best 3x3 players in the world will be showcasing their talents in the all-important FIBA 3x3 World Cup Qualifier 2019 on May 4-5.

There is much to play for as eight teams compete for three tickets to the FIBA 3x3 World Cup 2019 in Amsterdam, Netherlands on June 18-23.

Let’s have a look at the main players to watch out for.

Tom Wright (Australia)

Tom Wright is the creative force behind Australia's success (gold at the FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup last year). Dude always has something up his kangaroo pocket. His crossovers proved lethal on the Asia and Oceania stage. Will they have the same effect on the world stage?

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What an amazing honour to trial for the Australian 3x3 basketball team these last few days. And for my wife to be right there playing on the next court was something pretty special!

A post shared by Tom Wright (@tomwright10) on Mar 29, 2019 at 6:26pm PDT

Michael Linklater (Canada)

He might be almost shorter than Kevin Hart, but Linklater is all heart on the court. And he dazzles with skill. Linklater can cross people up and throw dimes like Steve Nash with braids.

Roman Zachrla (Czech Republic)

The No.1 Czech player knows how to produce a party trick. He can bank in one-handed shots one minute and then yammie it up the next. Zachrla parties harder on court than the dudes in The Hangover.

Anthony Christophe (France)

There’s no way around this. The Frenchman is a dead ringer for Vin Diesel! That’s enough reason to strike fear in opponents. Not only is Christophe fast and furious, he's probably one of the best shutdown defenders on the 3x3 circuit.

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Séance d’étirement et collation en compagnie des coéquipiers @samos05 , @r_wilson8 , @le3x3estanoue et de notre chef de délégation @stephane_kroemer ! La préparation de l’ EDF de @3x3ffbb continue en @ilesguadeloupe ! #🐓🇫🇷

A post shared by Anthony Christophe (@frenchriviera3x3) on Apr 30, 2019 at 3:55pm PDT

Niklas Geske (Germany)

After representing his country in youth basketball categories, the 25-year-old Geske will make his 3x3 debut in Puerto Rico. Germany never had a player so quick, crafty and clutch in the history of 3x3.

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#3x3

A post shared by Niklas Geske (@nikges7) on Apr 29, 2019 at 2:49am PDT

Daniele Sandri (Italy)

Sandri is living his best life. He can score buckets from anywhere. Inside. Outside. It doesn’t matter. He knows how to score off the court too. His wife is a Spanish model!

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Ci siamo quasi 😁😘 @gracia_de_torres @virtusromaofficial #virtusiscoming #kiss #roma #love #wife #couplegoals #danielesandri #graciadetorres #rio12 Ph: @genn_00

A post shared by Daniele Sandri (@riosandri_12) on Apr 15, 2019 at 12:40pm PDT

Luis Hernandez (Puerto Rico)

Be careful when ‘Pelacoco’ is at the rim. This guy has a mean jam and is even nastier on D. He’s stronger than Thor. The 6ft 7in (2.01m), 115kg hulk makes Zion Williamson look like he should stay in school.

Radu Petrescu (Romania)

This 18-year-old sensation has been ranked the top 3x3 junior in the world. It’s time for him to make his mark against the big boys. Want to know what the hype is all about? You’re going to have to watch to find out.

 FIBA