FIBA 3×3 Universality Olympic Qualifying Tournament 1: Top teams to watch
In the men’s event, the competition is stacked with 3×3 talent all hungry to bid for an Olympic title.
Leading the way is reigning Olympic champions Latvia, who are hunting the opportunity to be the first-ever back-to-back 3×3 gold medallists following their triumph in Tokyo.
But the task won’t be easy for Nauris Miezis, Karlis Lasmanis, Edgar Krumins and Zigmar Raimo.
No.1 seed Netherlands, fronted by Dutch basketball legend Worthy de Jong, will be among those trying to thwart the Latvians with Switzerland and Austria in tow. Recent FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup bronze medallists Mongolia will also be in with a shout with Anand Ariunbold, who put down 15 points in the medal game, in the fold.
In the women’s competition, Netherlands again look set to be a force to be reckoned with. The reigning European champions have an average height of 1.82m across their team – and overcoming them will be just as tall an order.
No.1 seed Hungary, Egypt and newly minted 3×3 Asia Cup bronze medallists Mongolia all have strong half-court credentials while Azerbaijan will be a dark horse worth keeping an eye out for as the event unfolds.
