29 Aug 2023
DEBRECEN (Hungary) - Young stars are ready for the big stage as they fight for global domination at the FIBA 3x3 U18 World Cup 2023 on August 30-September 3.
Let's take a closer look at this major youth event held in a 3x3 favorite destination.
Where can I watch the FIBA 3x3 U18 World Cup?
The action runs from August 30-September 3, and you can follow it live on the FIBA 3x3 YouTube, Facebook, Sina Weibo and Douyin pages.
Who is competing in Debrecen?
There are 20 men's and 20 women's teams competing in Debrecen.
What are the pools?
Men's
Pool A: Germany, Qatar, Tunisia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Mongolia
Pool B: Estonia, Brazil, Slovenia, Serbia, Morocco
Pool C: Thailand, Egypt, France, Japan, Hungary
Pool D: Latvia, Kyrgyzstan, Ukraine, India, Israel
Women's
Pool A: Egypt, China, Latvia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Tunisia
Pool B: Germany, France, Brazil, USA, Hungary
Pool C: Ukraine, Japan, Lithuania, Spain, Morocco
Pool D: Thailand, Poland, Mongolia, Malaysia, Chinese Taipei
Who are the favorites?
In the men's, Germany have top billing so deserve to be mentioned first. Their chances of a first-ever medal look good because excitement machine Fabian Giessmann has plenty of reps on this stage.
Defending champs France will be mad at us for not putting them first with Les Bleus having incredibly medalled at all four events they've been part of.
Serbia and Estonia each won silver in the last two events, but will be eyeing gold here.
In the women's, you know who we will start with. The USA, of course, who have won the title an insane six times, including four in a row.
The red, white and blue will be tough to stop but hoops power Spain also have a formidable record having won six medals, including gold at the first event in 2011.
Asian powerhouse Japan, African heavyweight Egypt and 3x3 obsessed Mongolia are all keen on making statements and loom as medal threats.
Who are the players to watch?
We've already mentioned him, but Giessmann deserves another shout out because this 18-year-old plays above the rim.
Sharpshooter Anatole Humeau will lead France's title defence, while walking bucket Janis Censonis has already shown his liking for the big stage when he lit up FIBA 3x3 U17 Europe Cup 2022, where Latvia finished second.
In the women's, we just have to start with two-time MVP Mikaylah Williams who returns to one of her favorite destinations. And, in bad news for opponents, the 18-year-old is even better than before.
Germany's hopes might rest with 17-year-old Maira Banko, who has dominated major junior competitions already in her brief career.
Mongolia's bucket load of talent will be on display and there are whispers that 16-year-old Nandinkhusel Nyamjav is her country's next big thing.
FIBA
