Top men to watch at FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup 2023

SINGAPORE - The best players on the continent are ready to put on a show as the new season launches at the FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup 2023 in Singapore on March 29-April 2. 

Anand Ariunbold (Mongolia) 

It's tough competition but Mongolian rising star Anand Ariunbold might just be the best player in Asia.

He's probably the most entertaining - that's certainly the view from the fans with the 25-year-old Ariunbold voted as the Most Spectacular Player on the FIBA 3x3 World Tour 2022.

This flame thrower is set to take his insane game to new heights starting in Singapore, where he is determined to make his mark after a subdued performance last year as Mongolia crashed to a surprising quarter-final exit. 

Expect a monsoon in Singapore and its name is Cyclone Anand.   

 

Yuanbo Zhu (China) 

The 6ft. 8in (2.03m) Chinese monster is absolutely crazy athletic. He can flat out embarrass defenders with his power and has already shown his chops on the big stage having played well at last year's FIBA 3x3 World Cup 2022. 

China made the podium last year in Singapore but with Zhu in the line-up they should have their sights on a first ever gold in this event. 

And if they do that then you can be sure that Yuanbo Zhu's stock will rise in his homeland. 

Almond Vosotros (Philippines) 

The deadliest man in Singapore might just be Almond Vosotros, who heated up Singapore last year during a magical run to lead hoops-crazy Philippines to a fourth-placed finish. 

He might be diminutive, but Vosotros has a big heart and unwavering confidence as he showed when he knocked out No.1 seed Mongolia with a two-point buzzer beater. 

Memo to teams - don't leave this flaming hot Filipino open from deep. 

 

Fadi Abilmona (Qatar)  

The heart and soul of former World Champs Qatar, Abilmona will be keen for the big stage having not played international competitions for four years. 

He's had a decorated 3x3 career having represented Qatar at World Cups and Asia Cups last decade. The speedy Abilmona will be out to prove in Singapore that he still has all the tricks. 

He has insane handles and loves nothing more than coming up in the clutch as the 37-year-old has proven countless times before. 

 

Andrew Steel (Australia) 

Returning to Singapore should provide pleasant memories for Steel, who was part of Australia's gold medal run last year. 

Like some of the other names on this list, Steel is automatic from two and collects two-pieces for a living. He can make it splash from Marina Bay with Steel often engaged in personal shoot-out contests during games. 

With Steel in the line-up, Australia will feel good about a fourth straight Asia Cup title. 

Tai Wynyard (New Zealand) 

Buckle up because muscular Tai Wynyard will be flexing on the half-court in Singapore. He's simply a tour de force. 

Wynyard was a junior 3x3 star before injuries derailed a promising hoops career that saw him play for NCAA heavyweight Kentucky under legendary coach John Calipari. 

The 6ft 10in (2.08m) made a successful comeback to 3x3 last year to lead underdog New Zealand into the World Cup. 

He's now out to help New Zealand go one step better than last year in Singapore and win gold. 

 

 

Sahaij Sekhon (India) 

If you want crazy on the half-court then this Indian wizard is your man. He can do it all with the Wilson and twists his body in the air like he should be a gymnast in the Olympics. 

There's something special about the 21-year-old, who looms as the breakout player of the competition. 

 

Tomoya Ochiai (Japan)

You know this dude. He's simply born to play 3x3 and endlessly entertain fans.

Tomoya Ochiai aka 'Worm' throws absolutely filthy dimes and he's one of 3x3's OGs in creativity. 

The smooth lefty is the heart and soul of Japan, who missed out on the podium last year but you just know 'Worm' will be slithering around the half-court to inspire his team.

 

FIBA