21 Sept 2023
HERAKLION (Greece) - Young but ready for the big stage, the next wave of 3x3 talent will be fighting for continental supremacy at the FIBA 3x3 U17 Europe Cup 2023 in the famous Greek island of Crete.
Let's take a closer look at this major youth event that we are hyped for.
Where can I watch the FIBA 3x3 U17 Europe Cup?
The action runs from September 22-24, and you can follow it live on the FIBA 3x3 YouTube and Facebook pages.
Who is competing in Crete?
There are 12 men's and 12 women's teams competing in Crete.
What are the pools?
Men's
Pool A: Germany, Spain and Croatia
Pool B: Latvia, Poland and Greece
Pool C: Slovenia, Romania and Ireland
Pool D: France, Serbia and Israel
Women's
Pool A: Germany, Poland and Great Britain
Pool B: Ukraine, Netherlands and Greece
Pool C: Poland, Spain and Croatia
Pool D: France, Latvia and Bulgaria
Who are the favorites?
In the men's, we just have to start with top seeds and defending champs Germany who will unleash new hot talent.
Germany beat Latvia in an absolute thriller in last year's epic final as these two countries start building a hoops rivalry.
No.2 seeds Latvia will be aiming to go one better, while 3x3 power France have incredibly medalled at five of the seven previous events so you would be brave to bet against them.
In the women's, much like their male counterparts, France have a rich history in this competition and enter as the reigning champs. A new-look team will be aiming to go back-to-back but it won't be easy.
Spain have medalled in the last three events and their chances of extending the streak might hinge on towering Lucía Lopez, who is touted as the next big thing.
No.1 seeds Germany will be determined to bounce back after failing to medal last year.
Who are the players to watch?
In the men's, it's a tough act to follow excitement machine Fabian Giessmann, but German prodigy Tom Stoiber seems well equipped for the challenge.
The 6ft. 6in (1.98m) scoring machine has dominated on his home half-court, but it's time for him to unleash on the big stage.
Solidly built Krisjanis Petersons has been tearing it up for years in the famous Ghetto Basket, where he has honed his outrageous skills as he strives to become the next great Latvian 3x3 player.
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Serbia has a ridiculous production line of talent and we're hearing whispers that Jovan Savic is something of a unicorn, so keep an eye out for him.
In the women's, age is just a number for German Luise Linke who is just 15 but her game is mature. She'll partner up with dynamic Lisanne Rawer, who was part of Germany's team at the recent FIBA 3x3 U18 World Cup.
Celaine Ricco is all buckets for France and she might just heat up Crete, while Lucja Grządziela is hoping to be the Pole who stole the show.
FIBA