Ulaanbaatar MMC Energy desperate to end title drought at FIBA 3x3 Hongcheon Challenger

HONGCHEON (Korea) - After falling short several times this season, Ulaanbaatar MMC Energy (MGL) will be out to snap a title drought at the FIBA 3x3 Hongcheon Challenger 2023 on October 2-3.

The Mongolians are part of a strong 16-team field and there are also three tickets available for the first-ever Wuxi Masters, which is the 15th stop on this season's FIBA 3x3 World Tour.

Let's preview all the action.

The Favorites

Let's start with Ulaanbaatar MMC Energy, who have been ultra consistent in 2023 but frustratingly remain titleless. 

They have finished runner's up twice, but are aiming to go one step better in Hongcheon. Their chances appear strong with sniper Steve Sir's radar as accurate as ever, while Delgernyam Davaasambuu might be the strongest player at the event. 

 

A first title of the season won't be easy with top seeds Beijing (CHN) having won four times since recruiting superhero duo Nauris Miezis and Karlis Lasmanis. 

But Raudondvaris Hoptrans (LTU) are the only Masters winners in the draw although they've fallen back to earth just a little since their domination of Debrecen. 

 

Marijus Uzupis and Aurelijus Pukelis will again form a deadly duo for the lethal Lithuanians, who might at some stage have to square off against Paris (FRA). 

The Frenchmen have been racking up the miles having played in 15 events already in 2023.

Magician Franck Seguela will be tapping into his bag of tricks in a bid to lead Paris to a second title of the season. 

The Field

Don't be shocked if the title winning team isn't among the favorites. 

There are several dangerous teams, including Wuxi (CHN) who have already tasted title success in 2023 and are led by legendary walking bucket Stefan Stojacic. 

Saitama ALPHAS EXE (JPN) can't be written off because they have a 3x3 miracle worker. Tomoya Ochiai is his name, but real ones probably know him better as 'The Worm'. 

 

There are six Korean teams in the draw and the support from their passionate fans might just inspire a giant-killing run. 

Last but not least is Riga (LAT), who will have to do it the long way from the qualifying draw. 

But Olympic gold medalists Edgars Krumins and Agnis Cavars have conquered the toughest challenges in 3x3, so you just can't underestimate these legendary Latvians.  

Pools

Pool A: Beijing (CHN), Seongnam (KOR), Tubingen (GER)
Pool B: Raudondvaris Hoptrans (LTU), Saitama ALPHAS EXE (JPN), Inje (KOR)
Pool C: Ulaanbaatar MMC Energy (MGL), Wuxi (CHN), Qualifier 
Pool D: Paris (FRA), Hongcheon (KOR), Qualifier 

What's at stake

The top 3 teams in Hongcheon will qualify for the Wuxi Masters on November 4-5 2023, as part of the FIBA 3x3 World Tour.

How to watch

The two-day extravaganza is on October 2-3 and you can follow it live on the FIBA 3x3 YouTube page.

FIBA