Top 10 players to watch at FIBA 3x3 Macau Masters presented by Wynn

MACAU - Some of the top 3x3 players can't wait to put on a show for a new audience at the first-ever FIBA 3x3 Macau Masters on July 8-9. 

Let's look at the top 10 to watch at the fourth stop on this season's schedule.

Strahinja Stojacic (Ub Huishan NE) 

We just have to start with the world's No.1 ranked player.

This dude has been the best player on the planet for the past couple of years and this season already bagged two Masters MVPs along with the MVP at the FIBA 3x3 World Cup 2023.

He's simply getting better and will have to reach even higher levels with partner-in-crime Dejan Majstorovic to miss Macau.

But he has a new sidekick in muscular Nemanja Barac who stormed off with the MVP in Marseille as unstoppable Ub look more formidable than ever

Stojacic, however, continues to be the team's brightest star and he can't wait to prove why he's the No.1 3x3 player to a brand new audience.

 

Modestas Kumpys (Raudondvaris Hoptrans)

You want a dunk machine? Then this leaping Lithuanian is your guy. Don't stand in his way if you want to avoid being a meme because Kumpys is unguardable when he's in attack mode. 

He plays above the rim - as underlined by slamming 10 dunks so far on this season's pro circuit - but the 6ft. 4in (1.94m) athletic beast is far more than a high-flyer. 

He also has a wet J and can drain buckets from all over the half-court. It's just unfair!

 

Miroslav Pasajlic (Riga) 

You know who has the best one-point % on this year's pro circuit?

It's this 6ft. 2in (1.88m) bulldozer who might not be particularly tall, but he's so quick and strong that this Serb doesn't miss from close range - as proven by his tour best 85% from one-point. 

Without superheroes Karlis Lasmanis and Nauris Miezis, Riga are taking time kick-starting their new era but will be determined to make a statement in Macau. 

The former Masters and Europe Cup MVP Pasajlic will be their main hope of a deep run. 

 

Nauris Miezis (Beijing)

Different jersey, same assassin. Nauris Miezis' season debut with Beijing has started spectacularly as he continues to combine brilliantly with partner-in-crime Karlis Lasmanis. 

The legendary Latvian remains cold-blooded in the clutch and his handles still cause plenty of ankle-breaks. But Miezis struggled by his high standards in his World Tour debut for Beijing in Manila. 

You just know Miezis will hit back hard because all he wants is more title success on the World Tour. 

 

Delgernyam Davaasambuu (Ulaanbaatar MMC Energy)

The heart and soul of the Mongolians, Davaasambuu is a fighter and his presence helps inspire them - as he proved during Mongolia's epic FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup 2023 triumph in Singapore. 

The 6ft. 4in (1.93m) Davaasambuu loves to play bully ball and he will test his strength against anyone who dares challenge him in Macau. 

One thing missing on his 3x3 resume is a Masters title and Ulaanbaatar MMC Energy will have to do it the hard way through qualification. 

But just know he'll leave his blood, sweat and tears out on the half-court doing all he can for his team. 

 

Dimeo van der Horst (Futian)

'Dimes' has enjoyed a change of jersey having been one of the players of 2023 so far in his debut season for Futian (CHN). 

The Dutch Master has combined brilliantly with new sidekick Thibaut Vervoort and the superstars have made each other better. 

Van der Horst is averaging 6.9 ppg on the pro circuit, but in Manila he jumped up to 8.4 ppg to almost lead Futian to glory first up. 

'Dimes' has been in attack mode all season and expect him to be ultra aggressive in Macau leading him to unleash his signature celebration of playing the air guitar. 

 

 

Jimmer Fredette (Miami)

The former NBA player and College standout didn't disappoint at the World Cup, where he shot the lights out with a leading 59 points. 

His attempted game-winner in the final against Serbia agonizingly missed in heart-break for Team USA, but Fredette more than lived up to the hype. 

The bandwagon will be full when Fredette makes his World Tour debut as new kids on the block Miami finally step on the big stage. 

We're tipping 'Jimmer Mania' sweeps into glitzy Macau as this fan favorite reels in even more fans. 

 

Mihailo Vasic (Liman Huishan NE)

The big fella is ready to make the paint in Macau his personal playground.

Vasic has already enjoyed a memorable year having been part of Serbia's title defence at the World Cup. 

He continues to be a major interior presence for powerhouse Liman Huishan NE (SRB), who have been a consistent threat on the pro circuit.

But they've been waiting patiently to get back on the big stage and their time has arrived in Macau.

If the brute force of Vasic overwhelms opponents then Liman have a good chance of claiming a title first up. 

 

Almond Vosotros (Pasig TNT)

Don't discount Pasig TNT going on a giant-killing run as a qualifier. That's because the Filipinos are led by Almond Vosotros, who has defied the odds in the past.

He might be diminutive, but Vosotros has a big heart and unwavering confidence as he memorably showed at the FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup 2022 when he led Philippines to a fourth-placed finish. 

Memo to teams - don't leave this sniper from deep open.

 

 

Lorenzo Thirouard-Samson (Marseille)

You want a breakout player? It might just be this 22-year-old French prodigy who in his World Tour debut helped Marseille make the quarters in their home Masters. 

He showed glimpses of his crazy talent having dominated youth events previously - notably winning  MVP at the FIBA 3x3 Nations League Final 2022 after leading France in points and finishing third overall in the scoring charts.

Having had a taste of the big time, we're sure Thirouard-Samson is going to be better second up and that spells trouble for opponents. 

 

FIBA