Coveted tickets up for grabs at FIBA 3x3 Universality Olympic Qualifying Tournament 1 2024

HONG KONG (China) - Paris Olympic dreams will be on the line at the FIBA 3x3 Olympic Qualifying Tournament 1 on April 12-14, 2024.

With one Olympic spot up for grabs from each gender, the stakes are huge in Hong Kong, China - which has hosted several big 3x3 events in recent years. 

What's at stake? 

The top eight eligible NOCs, including the tournament host, from the FIBA world ranking list, will participate in the first leg of the UOQT with the winner in each gender obtaining a direct spot to Paris 2024.

Who is competing? 

MEN: Hong Kong, Netherlands, Mongolia, Latvia, Austria, Switzerland, Egypt, New Zealand

WOMEN: Hong Kong, Hungary, Netherlands, Azerbaijan, Poland, Egypt, Mongolia, Chile

Who are the favorites? 

These are some of the best teams in the world, but only one will emerge victorious. It's hard to separate them, but in the men's we just have to start with the reigning Olympic gold medalist Latvia. 

They want to go back-to-back in Paris and in Hong Kong they'll bring three Latvian legends who made history in Tokyo. Superheroes Karlis Lasmanis and Nauris Miezis will put on their capes, while Edgar Krumins will be doing all the little things to inspire his team. 

No.1 seed Netherlands are worthy of the hype because they have a Dutch hoops legend who has made the half-court his home. Worthy de Jong is his name - but you knew that already - and he'll be out to lead the Netherlands to an Olympic berth. 

Mongolia showed off their depth of talent at the FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup 2024 with a bronze medal performance. They were superbly led by sniper Anand Ariunbold, who returns for a full-strength Mongolia. 

Austria and Switzerland have a slew of players who dominate the World Tour. None more so than speedsters Nico Kaltenbrunner and Gilles Martin, who are capable of magic tricks with the Wilson as they look to show off their insane skills on the biggest stage in sports. 

In the women's, reigning European champs the Netherlands look formidable and they will bring a lot of size to Hong Kong. There is no more dominant interior presence than Noortje Driessen, who always rises to the challenge. 

No.1 seed Hungary will be out to show why they've got top billing, while Mongolia will arrive in Hong Kong with swagger after an emotional bronze medal victory at the Asia Cup. 

Khulan Onolbaatar is the pride of her nation, but her inspirational deeds are matched by Egypt star Soraya Mohamed who can make opponents look foolish after she taps into her deep bag. 

The Field

As you would expect, there are plenty of dark horses in the men's led by African champs Egypt, who will rely on Ahmed Mohamed for buckets. He will be a brute in the paint and so too New Zealand's Tai Wynyard, who showed off his physical gifts during the Asia Cup. 

Hong Kong, China also can't be discounted and they'll need the support of their passionate fans to get them over the line. 

In the women's, Azerbaijan have shown glimpses of what they're capable of on the Women's Series while Poland just two years ago won bronze at the Europe Cup to prove their big game credentials. 

Chile and Hong Kong, China can't be written off as they will aim to shock the world. 

FIBA