Mongolia's Ulaanbaatar MMC Energy in action against Fuengirola (Photo FIBA)
The race for FIBA 3×3 World Tour spots continues in Spain as the first-ever FIBA 3×3 Madrid Challenger brings a loaded field to the Pabellon Amaya Valdemoro in Alcobendas, Madrid, starting today, with three coveted FIBA 3×3 World Tour Manama tickets on the line.
As the 26th Challenger of the season, Madrid marks another crucial opportunity for some of the Pro Circuit’s leading teams to turn Challenger success into a place on the World Tour.
The Madrid field features a collection of established 3×3 basketball powerhouses, led by top-seeded Ub of Serbia and second-ranked country-side Liman. Liman arrive with serious momentum after claiming their third Challenger win of the season at Mataró, adding another banner to a campaign that has also already included two FIBA 3×3 World Tour victories.
Baskets Bonn of Germany, currently fourth overall in the FIBA 3×3 World Tour standings, have also enjoyed a standout campaign with three FIBA 3×3 World Tour stop wins and three Challenger victories to their name. They will face strong competition from fellow Germany side Skyliners, Ulaanbaatar MMC Energy of Mongolia and DeQing of Chin, all of whom have already captured Challenger banners this season.
The Spanish contingent adds another layer to the tournament, with – 15th-ranked Fuengirola and 19th-ranked Barcelona looking to make the most of home-court conditions. Barcelona have already won a Challenger this season, while Bordeaux of France complete the list of big name contenders.
Madrid will also feature a host of established 3×3 basketball stars. Ub’s Strahinja Stojacic headlines the players list, with the Serbian star set to lead one of the tournament’s most favored teams. Liman will counter with Stefan Milivojevic, while Baskets Bonn can call on the athletic Fabian Giessmann.
Stefan Kojic brings experience and perimeter scoring ability to Skyliners, while Ulaanbaatar MMC Energy will have veteran playmaker and FIBA 3×3 World Cup champion Nauris Miezis in their ranks. DeQing will look to another World Cup winner, Francis Lacis, with Fuengirola relying on Isaac Mayo and Barcelona on Jordi Juanola. Bordeaux will also have a proven performer in Alex Vialaret, giving the French side another weapon in a field where individual matchups could prove decisive.
Full Seeding List
1. Ub (SRB); 2. Liman (SRB); 3. Baskets Bonn (GER); 4. Skyliners (GER); 5. Ulaanbaatar MMC Energy (MGL); 6. DeQing (CHN); 7. Fuengirola (ESP); 8. Taipei WanBao (TPE); 9. Barcelona (ESP); 10. Bordeaux (FRA); 11. Liberec DEKSTONE (CZE); 12. Warsaw (POL); 13. Alexandria (EGY); 14. Diadema (BRA); 15. San Salvador (ESA); 16. Dubai (UAE)
Qualifying Draw
Qualifying Draw A: Ulaanbaatar MMC Energy (MGL), Warsaw (POL), Alexandria (EGY)
Qualifying Draw B: Barcelona (ESP), Bordeaux (FRA), San Salvador (ESA)
Main Draw
Pool A: Ub (SRB), Liberec DEKSTONE (CZE), Diadema (BRA)
Pool B: Liman (SRB), Taipei WanBao (TPE), Dubai (UAE)
Pool C: Baskets Bonn (GER), Fuengirola (ESP), QD A
Pool D: Skyliners (GER), DeQing (CHN), QD B
