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

CEBU (Philippines) - The FIBA 3x3 World Tour 2023 returns to hoops crazy Philippines with a bang at the Cebu Masters on September 23-24 and the passionate Filipino fans can't wait to see some of the world's best players fighting for the crown. 

Here are the players you just have to watch.

Mac Tallo (Manila Chooks)

We're in Spidaa's web so we just have to start off with Mac Tallo, who is ready to again perform magic with the Wilson.

The Filipino star always puts on a show for his compatriots, who are louder than fans at a Taylor Swift concert when Tallo crosses up defenders like he's in church.

The 29-year-old will be on his half-court with the hometown hero ready to add some extra sauce to his every move.

 

Antonio Ralat (San Juan)

This sniper will love touching down in the Philippines because it's the country where he announced himself as a star. 

If you've somehow forgotten, Ralat stole the show at the Manila Masters after his ridiculous Maurice Lacroix Buzzer Beater downed Riga. 

And the 26-year-old has gone from strength to strength, leading youthful San Juan to the final of the Edmonton Masters.

With ice in his veins, Ralat has become one of the deadliest shooters on the circuit and he's ready to create a typhoon in Cebu. 

 

Anand Ariunbold (Sansar MMC Energy)

The World Tour is back in Asia and that means this 26-year-old is ready to prove he's the best player on the continent. 

The man they call 'The Archer' had an amazing start to the season after hitting the clincher to deliver Mongolia the FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup 2023 title and lights out performances in Utsunomiya and Manila.  

We haven't seen him on the World Tour since and you just know he's itching to produce one of his famous heat checks. 

 

Franck Seguela (Paris)

The Frenchman has been one of the standout performers this season and the main reason behind Paris' consistency in 2023. 

He's already won an MVP - a dazzling performance at the FIBA 3x3 Bordeaux Challenger - and averages 7.3 ppg on the pro circuit. Only superstars Worthy de Jong, Stefan Kojic and Karlis Lasmanis average more for those who have played at least 30 games. 

Seguela's average had slumped on the World Tour before he was in attack mode in Debrecen, where he poured in 26 points from 3 games. 

If he can produce another scoring binge in Cebu then Seguela might just be able to deliver Paris their first Masters title. 

 

Thibaut Vervoort (Futian)

It's not been the easiest transition for Vervoort to his new team Futian, so too developing chemistry with fellow superstar Dimeo van der Horst. 

The numbers look fine with the brilliant Belgian averaging 6 ppg on the pro circuit. But he hasn't quite been the player who was 'Must See TV' the last couple of years, where Vervoort had claims to being one of the very best players on the planet. 

Vervoort has only played in two Masters this season, averaging 5,4 ppg, but we're tipping him to get back to the dude who deserved a show on Netflix. Look out, Cebu!

Jimmer Fredette (Miami)

For the first time, 'Jimmer Mania' will sweep the Philippines and you just know the diehard fans will be watching his every move. 

The former NBA player has been unbelievable in his debut 3x3 season, averaging 7.6 ppg on the World Tour and 44% from 2s. 

But much-hyped Miami are still yet to taste a title, which would be frustrating Fredette who has put everything on the line so far.

We don't know if he'll finally be able to celebrate a dub, but one thing is almost for certain.

Apart from Tallo, this dude will surely be the most popular player in Cebu.

 

Filip Kramer (Vienna)

Buckle up, because Austrian Airlines is about to land in Cebu and that means a lot of trouble for defenders. 

Because the 6ft. 8in (2.03m) Filip Kramer plays above the rim and loves nothing more than putting defenders in body bags. Get ready to report multiple crimes in Cebu!

If he can get going then it might just spark struggling Vienna, who have won just 2 of their last 5 games on the World Tour. 

 Worthy de Jong (Amsterdam HiPRO)

You thought we really forgot about this dude? So many words have deservedly been written about this flying Dutchman - but nothing can quite capture how insane he has been in his first full season on the half-court.

His ridiculous stats paint a picture - a leading 9.2 ppg - and so do the eye test having witnessed de Jong do so many incredible things in one of the greatest individual seasons we've ever seen.

Only a Masters title is missing for de Jong, who will be doing everything he can to break what is becoming a hoodoo for Amsterdam. 

 

Strahinja Stojacic (Ub Huishan NE)

Last but not least - never has a saying been so true. Because Stojacic is No.1 in the half-court, but you knew this already. 

And you know opponents are nervous because Stojacic returned to top form at the Samobor Challenger, where he won MVP - and threw down numerous thunderous reverse slams - as Ub ended a mini slump. 

Having come up short in their last two Masters, Ub are determined to regain their crown and - with Stojacic entering hotter than the Cebu weather - their chances look very bright of winning a seventh title on the World Tour.

 

FIBA