2 Apr 2024
BADALONA (Spain) - Powerhouse Liman (SRB) started the season in style after emerging victorious in the final of the Super Liga Pro 3x3 Espana 2024 on March 31.
Here's what happened.
The winner: Liman (SRB)
Liman have been a consistent 3x3 power for many years and they don't seem to be dropping off any time soon.
The Serbs were brilliant in an unbeaten campaign in Badalona, where they cruised to the semis after recording convincing wins over Hannover (GER), Carolina Casa Pol (PUR) and Timechamber 3x3 (ESP).
But they faced a major battle against a strong Vienna (AUT) in a gripping semi-final that went down to the wire. Led by experienced duo Mihailo Vasic and Stefan Kojic, Liman edged to a thrilling win before silencing the home crowd by beating Barcelona CBS (ESP) in the final.
Liman will look a little bit different in 2024 with star Marko Stevanovic looming as a key recruit and fellow newcomer Andreja Milutinovic also adding clutch shooting.
The team gained valuable chemistry as Liman proved they will remain a force this year.
The runner-up: It's time for hoops powerhouse Spain to rise in 3x3 and we saw several of their teams star on the half-court on home soil.
The best of the lot was Barcelona CBS, who made a statement in pool play by beating Latvia 3x3 (LAT), who boasted gold medalists Edgar Krumins and Agnis Cavars.
But the Spaniards weren't done as they then beat Hannover and Drible Certo Brasil (BRA) in the knockout stage before their eye-catching display ended to Liman.
At just 21, Ferran Llorens Llaurado proved he is one of his country's most exciting prospects with an explosive display. Remember the name!
The Final: Liman 21-Barcelona CBS 16
Ferran Llorens Llaurado attacked the basket early to ignite Barcelona, but Liman went to a reliable source in Mihailo Vasic, who dominated the paint.
Liman's chemistry was excellent as they shared like they cared to run Barcelona's defense ragged. Barcelona hung tough as the teams traded buckets, but a long bomb from Andreja Milutinovic pulled Liman away.
Willed on by their fans, Barcelona would not go away with Jaume Zanca hitting a two-pointer to get them within one as the crowd went into a frenzy.
But Milutinovic answered with a clutch two before Marko Stevanovic closed it out with a pretty layup as Liman made an ominous start to the season.
The reward: Two tickets to the Marseille Masters
Liman and Barcelona CBS qualified for the Marseille Masters on May 31-June 1 as part of the FIBA 3x3 World Tour.
Final Standings:
1. Liman (SRB)
2. Barcelona CBS (ESP)
3. Vienna (AUT)
4. Drible Certo Brasil (BRA)
5. Princeton (USA)
FIBA