Top 10 players to watch at FIBA 3x3 Manila Masters 2022

26 May 2022

MANILA (Philippines) - Our beloved top 3x3 stars have done the impossible: - they are even better in 2022 and ready to showcase their talents at the Manila Masters on May 28-29 in the second stop on this season's FIBA 3x3 World Tour.

Let's get hyped for the World Tour's return to the Philippines.

Strahinja Stojacic (Ub)

You thought this spectacular Serb was done improving after his breakout 2021? Think again.

The 29-year-old is No.1 for a reason and he showed why with an incredible MVP performance to lead Ub to a first up triumph at the Utsunomiya Opener.

As he memorably showed last year, Stojacic dunked all over opponents - he's meaner and nastier than before - and continued to be one-man entertainer as he finished top in highlights.

The 6ft. 6in (1.98m) Stojacic is at the peak of his powers but that doesn't mean he can't get better.

He shot just 25% from deep in Utsunomiya, but if the new No.1 player in the world can find his radar in Manila then look out!

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Thibaut Vervoort (Antwerp)

'Must See TV' proved in Utsunomiya that his second season is going to be better than his first.

Move over Stranger Things season four, Vervoort is the hottest thing on television as he led a three-man Antwerp to the semis after topping the scoring charts with an insane 10ppg.

The 24-year-old wants it all and he might just get his way in Manila.


Stefan Kojic (Liman Huishan NE)

The sharpshooter was on target in Utsunomiya, nailing 42% of his twos, and this Liman legend just keeps on keeping on.

He might not be the dude with the monster hops or the dope nickname but Kojic just gets the job done time after time.

The Serb will be extra determined after Liman's heartbreaking loss to Ub in the quarters in Utsunomiya but that just heightens the chances of a famous heat check coming his way in Manila.


Dulguun Enkhbat (Ulaanbaatar MMC Energy)

There might not be anyone in Manila - heck, anywhere - who can lock down better than this Mongolian who is a maniac on D. 

He's all energy and hustle and loves nothing more than embarrassing walking buckets. 

But he's not just a one-trick pony. He can get the Wilson in the hole when needed - from inside and outside - and is the emotional heart of an Ulaanbaatar team confident of breaking their Masters drought.

Oh, and we thought we wouldn't mention his perfect hair? Please stop underestimating us.

 

Gan-Erdene  Gantsolmon (Zaisan MMC Energy)

For those heading to Manila, be careful! There is a typhoon on the way and it is called Hurricane Gantsolmon, who is about to light a fuse under the World Tour.

The speedy 6ft (1.84m) Mongolian was on video game mode during Super Quests in Manila and Ulaanbaatar to signal the arrival of a new 3x3 superstar.

The 22-year-old was unconscious and seemingly invented new ways to score buckets with his insane finishing ability.

He may not be widely known yet, but Gantsolmon is box office. A 3x3 star has been born.

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Przemyslaw  Zamojski (Warsaw Lotto)

We've seen this dude dominate before. Remember last year's FIBA 3x3 Europe Cup where he powered Poland to bronze with a performance for the ages?

Well that wasn't a fluke with Zamojski taking the baton from Poland 3x3 legend Michael Hicks and becoming his country's new half court superhero.

With Poland's players having turned pro recently, Zamojski now lives and breathes 3x3 and an unstoppable force has been created so far on the pro circuit this season.

We can't wait to see what he has in store for the World Tour.

 

Anand Ariunbold (Sansar MMC Energy)

He's been hyped for years but then unfortunately wasn't sighted on the World Tour the last two years with the Covid-19 pandemic intervening.

But the 25-year-old has clearly been spending his time wisely and gone up a level since we last saw him in the big time, capable of scoring from anywhere on the half court. 

At 6ft. 5in (1.96m), Ariunbold has all the tools to become a legit star. And he's been living up to top billing so far on the pro circuit as he makes a case to being Mongolia's best player.

In fact, if he can light up Manila, then he might start climbing the ladder worldwide.

 

Mark Tallo (Cebu Chooks)

The No.1 player in the Philippines is a household name in a country that worships hoops. 

And he loves playing in front of the Filipino fans having led Cebu to the title at the Asia Pacific Super Quest, where he formed a deadly one-two punch with big fella Mike Harry. 

Tallo doesn't quick live up to his name - he's not tall at 6ft (1.83m) - but what he lacks in height he makes up with speed, talent and determination. 

And he might just walk the tallest in his happy hunting ground of Manila. 

Inderbir Gill (Gurugram 3BL)

This ball wizard can make the Wilson do magic tricks as he mesmerises defenders who are constantly in danger of ending up on their backside after Gill crosses them up.

Inderbir has a duo of brilliant big men - Bikramjit Gill and prized recruit Blaz Cresnar aka 'Birdman' - to dish out sweet dimes, but when a W is in sight, Gill can take over on his own.

We haven't seen him on the World Tour since 2018, so he's going to make up for lost time. Welcome back!

 

Henry Iloka (Manila Chooks)

Who is the most intimidating player in Manila? It might just be the hometown hero who can stuff the rim on O and have a personal block party on D. 

At 6ft. 10in (2.08m), the 25-year-old is a force of nature in the paint and his filthy dunks make him Manila's hype man.

Strong like Shaq, dynamic like Shakira. If you hear a roar this weekend, odds are Iloka made the crowd 'loca, loca, loca'.

 

FIBA