Everything you need to know about FIBA 3x3 World Tour Chengdu Masters 2023

CHENGDU (China) - After a four-year wait, the FIBA 3x3 World Tour Chengdu Masters returns on October 21-22. 

Here is all the important information you need before the 13th Masters of 2023. 

Where can I watch the Chengdu Masters?

The action runs from October 21-22, and you can follow it live on the FIBA 3x3 YouTube, and Sina Weibo pages.

Who is competing in Chengdu?

This loaded draw has a total of 14 squads: Ub Huishan NE, Vienna, Liman Huishan NE, Beijing, Raudondvaris Hoptrans, Ulaanbaatar MMC Energy, San Juan, Lausanne Sport LS, Sansar MMC Energy, Omaha, Utrecht, Saitama ALPHAS EXE, Al Shamal, Cijin Jong Shyn

What are the pools?

 

Who are the favorites?

Let's start with the reigning champs on the World Tour - Ulaanbaatar MMC Energy (MGL), who created history by becoming the first team from 3x3-crazy Mongolia to win on the big stage. 

 

Their momentum might be unstoppable but they'll need to stop Liman Huishan NE (SRB), who will be out for revenge after losing a classic final. If Ning Zhang can get the Chinese crowd on their feet then Liman will again be in title contention. 

We've buried the lead because Ub Huishan NE (SRB) are always the favorites but they've gone some time since winning on the World Tour after their run for the ages earlier in the season. 

Vienna (AUT) and Raudondvaris Hoptrans (LTU) have already tasted Masters glory this season, but will be extra determined to prove they aren't one hit wonders.

Beijing (CHN) might not have Karlis Lasmanis but they shouldn't worry because superhero Nauris Miezis is ready to dust off his cape. 

San Juan (PUR) have their own sniper in Antonio Ralat and any talk about cold blooded assassins has to warrant mentioning Anand Ariunbold, whose hot hand could lead to Sanar MMC Energy giving Mongolia more success. 

While Lausanne Sport LS (SUI), Omaha (USA), Utrecht (NED) and Saitama ALPHAS EXE (JPN) can absolutely be dark horse contenders. 

Who are the players to watch? 

We'll start with the hottest player on the World Tour right now and that man is Steve Sir. Yessiirrr this Canadian legend is on a heater and if he continues to have the shooter's touch then he might just win a second straight MVP. 

 

But the crown still has to go through Strahinja Stojacic, who is No.1 for a reason and has a trio of MVPs already this season. 

Quincy Diggs and Aurelijus Pukelis are also MVP winners this season and it's easy to see why because they can flat out score from anywhere on the half-court.

Speaking of scoring machines and we just now have to include James Parrott, who might just bring a cyclone to Chengdu as he quickly becomes Omaha's main man. 

If you're scouting the next big thing then keep your eyes on Nesta Agasi, who is something of a 3x3 unicorn. 

 

And if you want some filthy tricks then it's a safe bet to monitor Gilles Martin and Tomoya Ochiai, who are two of the OGs of the half-court. 

FIBA