Vienna look to shrug off heartbreak at FIBA 3x3 Taipei Challenger 2023

TAIPEI (Taiwan) - After falling agonizingly short in Chengdu, Vienna (AUT) will be seeking a title at the FIBA 3x3 Taipei Challenger on October 28-29.

The Austrians headline a strong 16-team field and there are also three tickets available for the Manama Masters, which is the 16th stop on this season's FIBA 3x3 World Tour.

Let's preview all the action.

The Favorites

We'll start with top seeds Vienna, who were so close to a second Masters title in their last three attempts before Liman Huishan NE (SRB) superstar Stefan Kojic denied them in epic fashion. 

But the Austrians can shrug off that heartbreak by going all the way in Taipei and to do that they'll need bucket getter Quincy Diggs to drip wet. 

 

They might have to get through second seeds Amsterdam HiPRO (NED) at some point with the Dutch Masters having often saved their best form for the pro circuit, where they have won four titles. 

All eyes as usual will be on superstar Worthy de Jong, who is averaging an insane 8.7 ppg on the pro circuit. 

Third seeds Ulaanbaatar MMC Energy (MGL) had perhaps a predictable letdown in Chengdu after their historic triumph in Shanghai. But if legendary sniper Steve Sir heats up in Taipei then the Mongolians might just taste that winning feeling again. 

 

They will face a major test early against Marijampole Mantinga (LTU) in a Pool C blockbuster. The lethal Lithuanians are led by scoring machine Evaldas Dziaugys, who is capable of leading his team to their first title of the season.

The Field 

Pool D has a headliner between Princeton (USA) and Hangzhou (CHN), who really should be annoyed that we didn't put them in the list of contenders. 

Princeton have already tasted success on the pro circuit this season and always arrive with a swagger armed with the knowledge that Henry Caruso can go toe-to-toe with anyone on the half-court. 

He'll be engaged in a shoot-out with Vladimir Trajkovic, who was MVP of Hangzhou's amazing title run at the Constanta Masters. 

 

There are a number of dark horses, including in the six-team qualifying draw with dangerous Saitama ALPHAS EXE (JPN) looming as the standout. 

Pools

Pool A: Vienna, Yokohama BeefmanEXE (JPN), QD
Pool B: Amsterdam HiPRO (NED), Changhua (TPE), QD
Pool C: Ulaanbaatar MMC Energy (MGL), Marijampole Mantinga (LTU), Cijin Jong Shyn (TPE)
Pool D: Princeton (USA), Hangzhou (CHN), Al Wukair EXPO 2023 (QAT)

What's at stake

The top 3 teams in Taipei will qualify for the Manama Masters on November 16-17 as part of the FIBA 3x3 World Tour.

How to watch

The two-day extravaganza is on October 28-29 and you can follow it live on the FIBA 3x3 YouTube page.

FIBA