Eight 3x3 women's players who defined 2022

MIES (Switzerland) - There were plenty of 3x3 wonder women in 2022, so let's celebrate eight of the best. 

Laetitia Guapo

After a tough 2021, where she missed out on an Olympic medal in a heartbreak, Laetitia Guapo was back to her best. She was never better than at the Crelan FIBA 3x3 World Cup 2022, where Guapo led France to glory. 

The 27-year old led Les Bleues in scoring and she was also later part of France's double delight as they claimed the FIBA 3x3 Europe Cup 2022. 

She was a force throughout the FIBA 3x3 Women's Series 2022, where Guapo won the MVP after averaging 6.8 ppg and her all-round talents were on show with the second most triple-fives (4).

Incredibly athletic, the 6ft (1.82m) Frenchwoman is just as effective on defense which is just simply not fair.  

Guapo made a resounding statement in 2022 and issued a reminder that she's one of the very best women players 3x3 has ever seen.

Michelle Plouffe

The No.1 player in the world deserved her top ranking after a mesmerizing season marked by leading Canada to victory in the Women's Series 2022. She led most of the statistical categories and lives in the paint where buckets are almost automatic for her. 

Plouffe wasn't done as she won MVP at the FIBA 3x3 AmeriCup 2022 and led all players in scoring in the title game with 9 points. She was also on the Team of the Tournament at the World Cup 2022 after playing a key role in Canada's silver medal performance. 

The 30-year-old was singing 'Oh Canada!' all year long. 

Kamile Nacickaite

'Special K' was at the forefront of Lithuania's massively successful 3x3 year across all levels. Nacickaite was the leading women's scorer at Crelan World Cup 2022 with an insane 45 points to fuel Lithuania's amazing run, where they just missed the podium. 

The 5ft. 11in (1.81m) walking bucket also produced moments of magic in the Women's Series, including at their triumph in Prague. The lethal Lithuanian was an inside-outside threat to average 6.5 ppg to emerge as one of the very best players in the business. 

Aoi Katsura

The Japanese star was a pioneer as she starred for commercial team Dusseldorf ZOOS on the Women's Series 2022. 

The 30-year-old's best performance was at the Eaubonne Stop, where she was lights out with 29 points and led Dusseldorf to a major upset over Canada in the semi-finals. 

The 6ft (1.82m) athletic marvel can score from anywhere on the half-court and be warned - 2023 might be even better for Aoi Katsura. 

Joana Soeiro

The 27-year-old melted social media with her viral dance videos, but Joana Soeiro also turned heads with her ball wizardry and ability to dish out the nastiest dimes imaginable.

She's just getting started as Soeiro puts Portugal on the 3x3 map. 

Lauren Cox

The most outstanding American player in 2022? It has to be this 6ft. 4in (1.93m) two-way monster who can get it done equally on O and D. 

The 24-year-old can score from anywhere on the half-court, as she proved on the Women's Series 2022 where she averaged 6.4 ppg and finished second overall in blocks. 

Cox's best performance was at the Quebec Stop where she took out the MVP to lead USA to their sole triumph on the Women's Series. There are not many more intimidating players than Cox who is set to build on her remarkable year. 

Myriam Djekoundade

The 24-year-old might be on the cusp of dominating 3x3. She was part of France's Crelan World Cup 2022 triumph but saved her best for last with an MVP performance at the Europe Cup 2022 to steal the show. 

She's aggressive and can drive down the lane faster than a Renault. The 6ft 1in (1.86m) Frenchwoman is just entering her prime years which is a scary thought for opponents. 

ZhiTing Zhang 

The towering Zhang continues to be a formidable presence in the paint to symbolise the might of China in 3x3.

She had an enormously successful year starting with helping China claim bronze at the Crelan World Cup 2022, where she finished as the equal third highest scorer with 42 points.

The 6ft. 5in (1.95m) intimidator was second top scorer to lead China to victory at the FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup 2022. She's arguably the best player in Asia and her impressive collection of silverware means ZhiTang Zhang is inspiring the world's most populous nation. 

FIBA