Ub Huishan NE out to end barren run at FIBA 3x3 Doha Challenger 2023

DOHA (Qatar) - Top seeds Ub Huishan NE (SRB) will be determined to get back to their best form at the FIBA 3x3 Doha Challenger on October 10-11. 

The Serbs headline a strong 16-team field and there are also three tickets available for the Abu Dhabi Masters, which is the 14th stop on this season's FIBA 3x3 World Tour.

Let's preview all the action.

The Favorites

Ub Huishan NE have top billing, so let's start with them. We're not going to go crazy, but Ub have had a tough couple of months by their incredibly high standards. 

They've won just one title in their last seven events, including a semi-final exit at the Amsterdam Masters. 

Ub can shrug off that disappointment almost instantly with a quick turnaround here. They will look to top-ranked Strahinja Stojacic to make Doha his personal multiverse after he had a modest showing in Amsterdam. 

Ub aren't the only team hoping to rebound after Amsterdam HiPRO (NED) failed to break a long drought on the World Tour on their half-court. 

The Dutch Masters have been too reliant on excitement machine Worthy de Jong, who again was a walking bucket at home but he'll need more support in Doha if Amsterdam are to get a dub.

 

Amsterdam face an early test against Paris (FRA), who will be keen to regain their swagger after a Day One exit in the Dutch capital. 

Beijing (CHN) are another team who struggled in Amsterdam having lost both their games. You just know that superhero duo Karlis Lasmanis and Nauris Miezis will be putting their capes on to get their team back on track. 

Unlike their rivals, Miami (USA) enter with supreme confidence after getting within an inch of back-to-back Masters titles.

And once again all eyes are on former NBA player Jimmer Fredette, who is in a purple patch as he starts inching towards Stojacic's crown. 

 

The Field

Ulaanbaatar MMC Energy (MGL) have had a pretty solid season, but a title is notably lacking. They've gone nine events without a dub and will be desperate to change that in Doha. 

Leading their charge will be Steve Sir, who is a legendary sniper and his radar has been on target all season long.

So too Anand Ariunbold. Expect anything else from the dude named 'The Archer'? 

His team Sanar MMC Energy (MGL) are absolutely a dark horse but their bid to emerge from Day One might rest with their clash against dangerous Utsunomiya BREX EXE (JPN). 

Saitama ALPHAS EXE (JPN) are another Japanese team capable of a deep run with Petar Sucar a star in the making. 

Two spots are up for grabs in a loaded qualifying draw with Futian (CHN) favored to emerge after the Chinese team recently won the Split Challenger. 

 

Pools

Pool A: Ub Huishan NE (SRB), Sansar MMC Energy (MGL), Utsunomiya BREX EXE (JPN)
Pool B: Amsterdam HiPRO (NED), Paris (FRA), Saitama ALPHAS EXE (JPN)
Pool C: Beijing (CHN), Ulaanbaatar MMC Energy (MGL), Doha Expo (QAT)
Pool D: Miami (USA), Qualifier, Qualifier

What's at stake

The top 3 teams in Doha will qualify for the Abu Dhabi Masters on October 28-29 as part of the FIBA 3x3 World Tour.

How to watch

The two-day extravaganza is on October 10-11 and you can follow it live on the FIBA 3x3 YouTube page.

FIBA