Top 10 players to watch at FIBA 3x3 World Tour Debrecen Masters 2023

DEBRECEN (Hungary) - There's no time for a breather because the fan favorite Debrecen Masters returns on August 26-27 with some of 3x3's best players ready to put on a show. 

Let's look at 10 players you just have to watch.

Denzel Agyeman (Hannover)

Buckle up because a 3x3 prodigy is about to land on the World Tour. His name is Denzel Agyeman and this 18-year-old has already lit up junior and senior competitions.

The 6ft. 5in (1.95m) high-flyer lives above the rim and delivered three slams in just four games on the biggest stage of all - the FIBA 3x3 World Cup 2023. 

The future of 3x3 is in good hands with excitement machine Agyeman, so you better jump on board the bandwagon before it's too late!

 

Vladimir Trajkovic & Goran Vidovic (Hangzhou)

The 3x3 talent pool keeps getting deeper and this season we've welcomed rises from several teams, including Hangzhou (CHN). 

They announced themselves by taking out the Poitiers Challenger, where  Vladimir Trajkovic and Goran Vidovic delivered a deadly one-two punch  in their debuts for the Chinese team. 

The spectacular Serbs are averaging 11.5 ppg on the pro circuit and if they fire then Hangzhou might just be able to emerge from the qualifying draw and beyond.

Marko Milakovic (Utsunomiya BREX EXE) 

We haven't seen the Japanese team on the World Tour since Manila, but this sizzling Serb has not cooled down in the meantime. 

The 27-year-old has gone up a level averaging 7.3 ppg on the pro circuit this season. 

He was unstoppable at the recent Fribourg Challenger to lead Utsunomiya to a runners-up finish with an insane 45 points and a cold-blooded buzzer beater to knock out Partizan in the quarters.

Milakovic just needs a breakout Masters to cement his rise into the top tier of 3x3 players. 

 

Gilles Martin (Lausanne)

He might be barely taller than Kevin Hart, but speedy Gilles Martin is all heart on the half-court as he continues to be the beat of fan favorite Lausanne's tune. 

He played a big part in Lausanne's spectacular runners-up finish at their home Masters, but the Swiss are hoping to translate that form abroad. 

If Martin can ignite them with his wizardry with the Wilson then Lausanne's strong form should continue. 

 

Franck Seguela (Paris)

The Frenchman is the midst of a purple patch and is coming off a devastating performance at the FIBA 3x3 Quebec Challenger, where he finished second in points (36) and player-value (40.3) to again show off his deadly inside-outside game.

It feels like perhaps Seguela doesn't always get the love compared to other stars and perhaps that's to do with Paris (FRA) having struggled on the World Tour this season. 

The 26-year-old averages 5.5 ppg on the World Tour - compared to 7 ppg on the pro circuit where he won MVP at the FIBA 3x3 Bordeaux Challenger - but we're tipping him to deliver in spades at this Masters.  

 

Kareem Maddox (Miami)

The legendary American has flown the 3x3 flag for his country proudly for years and his passion remains stronger than ever.

Inspired by adding a new chapter to his remarkable career, Maddox has been the big man in the middle for new kids on the block Miami (USA) who are inching closer to a first title. 

The Mad Man has not slowed down to average 5.4 ppg on the pro circuit and delivered 15 dunks in 21 games to prove he can still jump over defenders. 

 

Jonas Foerts (Antwerp TOPdesk)

The 26-year-old has enjoyed his return to Antwerp this season and enters Debrecen with a swagger after taking home the MVP in Lausanne after a lights out display where he top-scored with 43 points and finished No.1 in player value (46.1).

Foerts has proven to be a breakout star after averaging 6.8 ppg on the World Tour and cemented himself as one of the best pure shooters with 37% from deep. 

If he cooks up a storm in Debrecen then Foerts might just walk off with a second straight MVP.

 

Worthy de Jong (Amsterdam HiPRO)

We've gushed about this dude all season and with good reason because Worthy de Jong has been one of the very best players in 2023 and maybe No.1 in entertainment value. 

The 6ft. 4in (1.93m) athletic beast deservedly won the MVP in Quebec after pouring in a leading 45 points and finishing No.1 in player-value (40.9) plus triple-fives in the quarters and semis.

Don't blink otherwise you'll miss de Jong do something trippy.

 

Strahinja Stojacic (Ub Huishan NE)

You really thought we forgot this dude? Of course not, we've just left the best to last because 'Doctor Strange' remains No.1 for a reason.

And you just know he'll be in revenge mode after Ub Huishan NE's (SRB) perfect season ended when they fell in the quarters in Lausanne.

Stojacic was also a little down on his best, averaging 5.3 ppg compared to an overall mark of 6.8 ppg, but we'll allow the rare blemish. Because we just know he'll make up for that with a sublime performance next time around. 

Just wait and see!

 

FIBA