Swiss star Jurkovitz returns to 3x3 with brand new Fribourg team

FRIBOURG (Switzerland) - He's back! After a lengthy absence from 3x3, Swiss star Natan Jurkovitz will make his much anticipated return after creating his own team named after the Swiss city of Fribourg.

Known for his insane leap, where he seemingly can jump over the Swiss Alps, Jurkovitz is a fan favorite having lit up the FIBA 3x3 World Tour previously for Lausanne and he has also represented Switzerland at international events. 

Such his popularity, Jurkovitz was granted the much-loved nickname 'Swiss Khalifa' (a reference to the high-flying rapper Wiz Khalifa) and he helped reel in fans to the games of Lausanne.

Jurkovitz is part of new Swiss team Fribourg along with his brother Thomas Jurkovitz, Arnaud Cotture, Paul Gravet, Jonathan Kazadi and Jonathan Dubas.

Fribourg have big dreams and hope their players can compete on the biggest stage in sports.  "Our goal is simple, we want to participate to the Olympics games in Paris 2024," the team wrote on social media. "For that, we have plenty of adventures in front of us and we are hoping for a lot of success."

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The team's fortunes seem to rest with Jurkovitz, who has proven he can be the front man when he's healthy. He most memorably led Lausanne to the final of the Lausanne Masters 2017 and a seventh-place finish at the World Tour Final later that season to stamp himself as one of the best players in 3x3. 

The 26-year-old was last sighted at the FIBA 3x3 Europe Cup 2019 having only just a week earlier brought his home fans to their feet at the Lausanne Masters, where he wound back the clock with a series of blocks and monster dunks.

 

The 6ft. 8in (2.02m) star is ready to get back on the Enlio court and recapture his past brilliance.  

He will have a keen eye towards the Paris Olympics with his father, Jean-Marc Jurkovitz, having represented France in volleyball at the 1988 Olympics in Seoul.

The return of the Swiss highlight reel makes Fribourg a must watch team this season. 

FIBA