29 Nov 2023
SAN JUAN (Puerto Rico) - For the first time, the FIBA 3x3 AmeriCup will be played in 3x3 pioneer country Puerto Rico with continental bragging rights up for grabs.
After memorable first two editions in Miami, the event in San Juan is set to be non-stop entertainment and here are the key details.
Where can I watch?
The action runs from November 30-December 3, and you can follow it live on the FIBA 3x3 YouTube page
Who is competing?
There are a whopping 34 teams – 19 in the men's and 15 in the women's – journeying to San Juan.
What are the pools?
Men's
Pool A: USA, Argentina, QD
Pool B: Canada, QD, QD
Pool C: Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, QD
Pool D: Chile, Brazil, QD
Women's
Pool A: USA, Dominican Republic, Uruguay
Pool B: Canada, Brazil, QD
Pool C: Chile, Argentina, QD
Pool D: Puerto Rico, QD, QD
Who are the favorites?
In the men's, we just have to start with powerhouse USA, who are gunning for a three-peat. But they will look a little different to what we're used to though they will be led by speedster Trey Bardsley, who was part of USA's title-winning team in 2021.
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But don't expect USA to just walk away with the gold because other teams are coming for their crown.
Host Puerto Rico are an OG in 3x3 and have had a resurgence with a bunch of young dudes lighting up the FIBA 3x3 World Tour 2023.
Canada have surprisingly missed out on medalling so far, but you just know this proud 3x3 nation will be out to break their drought.
Brazil are looking to medal for the third straight event and their chances look good if Leonardo Branquinho can recapture his heroics from last year when he finished on the Team of the Tournament.
In the women's, North American powerhouses Team USA and Canada appear the standouts having split the golds between them.
The friendly neighbors boast 3x3 wonder women and a gold medal decider would be mouth-watering, but let's not get ahead of ourselves just yet.
We have to pay our respects to Brazil, who have medalled at both events previously while host Puerto Rico and Chile also are contenders for the podium.
Who are the players to watch?
G-league players Bryce Wills and Devin Cannady bring a different flavor to mighty Team USA, who start favorites in their bid for a historic three-peat.
They won't be the only dudes putting on a show with Bikramjit Gill - better known by his popular nickname 'the Bearded King' - from Canada having posterized many sorry defenders over the years.
If you want a stone cold assassin then it has to be Antonio Ralat, who will be the fan favorite in his hometown event.
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If you haven't seen Jefferson Socas on the half-court then you'll soon find out why he's a Brazilian 3x3 legend.
Camille Zimmerman will lead USA in the women's and this is her pet event having made the Team of the Tournament last year.
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Canada might be without the Plouffe sisters, but they still have the championship DNA with stars Kacie Bosch and Paige Crozon wanting to win another gold medal.
Luana de Souza and Vitoria Marcelino are the heart and soul of Brazil and their dynamic games mean Brazil are a strong chance of once again returning to the podium.
FIBA