All we learned from FIBA 3x3 World Tour Marseille Masters 2023

MARSEILLE (France) - This crazy FIBA 3x3 World Tour season returned in style at the first-ever Marseille Masters on June 30-July 1. 

Let's look back at an incredible two days of action.

Can Ub Huishan NE win every Masters they play in 2023?

It seems crazy to even ask this question at first glance given the growing depth of talent on the pro circuit. 

But Ub Huishan NE might just be able to do something that is more implausible than anything in Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning Part One and go through the season winning every Masters they play. 

Unstoppable Ub made it three from three when they won in Marseille, but this wasn't easy.

After some indifferent form in the Challengers, Ub suffered their first loss on the World Tour 2023 when they were upset by Jeddah (KS) in their opener. 

You just knew they would bounce back and they did in trademark fashion to win knockout thrillers against Antwerp TOPdesk (BEL), Vienna (AUT) and Amsterdam HiPRO (NED) in the final. 

These Serbs are cooler under pressure than Djokovic on Wimbledon's center court and have developed a sheen of invincibility not seen since the great Novi Sad were literally unbeatable in 2018. 

But Ub started similarly hot last season before suffering a mid-year form slump so they will be looking to avoid that same fate this time around. 

Right now, Ub are on track for claiming every Masters title in their sight. 

 

Big Barac is having a breakout season

Surrounded by three superstars - who have won back-to-back gold for Serbia at the World Cup - Nemanja Barac can be overlooked.

He is seen as a defensive specialist and glue guy - characteristics that helped Ub become such a force in his debut season last year.

But the muscular Barac seems to have undertaken Schwarzenegger's training routine because he looks like a cross between a bodybuilder and a 3x3 player! 

He's physically stronger now with the 6ft. 5in (1.96m) beast adding explosiveness as Barac showed off with several nasty slams at the Utsunomiya Opener. 

After missing Manila due to injury, Barac returned in style with trademark gritty defense and clutch shots, including a Maurice Lacroix buzzer beater in the semis.

Barac took home his first Masters MVP and you just know it won't be his last. 

 

De Jong is most worthy of all the attention.

Worthy de Jong just keeps taking his ridiculous game to new levels.

He was absolutely filthy in Marseille to top almost all the stat categories, including an insane 59 points from 5 games - 27 more than second-placed Strahinja Stojacic!

The high-flyer is probably the recruit of the season so far having absolutely taken hold of Amsterdam HiPRO, who were so close to winning their first Masters title since early 2021. 

De Jong can score from anywhere - inside and out - and loves nothing more than playing above the rim as he showed in Marseille with a leading six dunks. 

In a game of stars against Ub in an unforgettable final, de Jong shone brightest with 14 points to outduel No.1 ranked player Stojacic.

He might just be the one player who can challenge Stojacic's top dog status but de Jong only cares about Ws, so you know he'll keep doing everything he can until Amsterdam ends their title drought. 

 

New-look Jeddah are on the rise

There has been much interest over new-look Jeddah, who added American dynamo Malik Hluchoweckyj and French star Dominique Gentil this season. 

The No.9 seeds made a statement early by stunning Ub in the season's biggest upset then beat Fribourg (SUI) and Haarlem (NED) to storm into the semis.

Gentil was one of the best players in Marseille, while Hluchoweckyj showed glimpses of his silky skills. 

With Ovidijus Varanauskas and Kevin Corre providing the stability, Jeddah have a very dangerous line-up as they showed during a very impressive season debut. 

 

It's Miller Time 

One of the best pro dunkers to ever do it put on a show and claimed another title when Vadim 'Miller' Piddubchenko won the Chooks to Go Dunk contest.

Stop what you're doing and sit back because it's Miller Time. 

 

Marseille is a lit destination

Has there been a more beautiful location in 3x3 history? The pretty port French city is definitely on the short list with an amazing debut event. 

The passionate French fans added to the surroundings and it was a truly memorable two days of action. 

We can't wait to return!

FIBA