ULAANBAATAR (Mongolia) - There is no time for a breather with the much anticipated Ulaanbaatar Masters set to continue this compelling start to the FIBA 3x3 World Tour 2024. 

And we've loaded up with some of 3x3's biggest stars, who you just have to watch. 

Strahinja Stojacic (Ub Huishan NE)

Look out! Because a rested and refreshed 'Doctor Strange' is ready to reclaim the half-court as his multiverse. 

And you just know Stojacic will be extra motivated because it has been a tough start for Ub Huishan NE (SRB), who usually jump out of the blocks faster than Usain Bolt. 

Stojacic is also facing the greatest challenge to his crown in years. His rivals Jimmer Fredette and Worthy de Jong have already had moments of magic this year, while a new breed of 3x3 stars are coming. 

That should all just lit a fire under Strahinja Stojacic, who will be feeling in high spirits playing alongside his older brother Stefan for the first time on the World Tour. 

 

Jimmer Fredette (Miami) 

A break might not always be best. Just ask Jimmer Fredette, who was unusually off target in Marseille after a month earlier clinching the MVP in Utsunomiya. 

But if we apply the law of averages then we know this former NBA player will return to being Jimmer Buckets.

Himmer Fredette will be in revenge mode and jacking up twos like he's on a mission. 

 

Worthy de Jong (Amsterdam)

Amsterdam may have fallen short, but Worthy de Jong did everything he possibly could in one of his favorite places in the world - Marseille. 

The Dutch hoops legend is averaging a ridiculous 9 ppg - just fractionally short of his historic landmark last season.

As we all know de Jong is unstoppable with his insane array of moves and the passionate Mongolian fans might just inspire him to even new heights. 

 

Modestas Kumpys (Raudondvaris Hoptrans) 

Welcome, the latest addition to the MVP club! Modestas Kumpys activated 'Flight Mode' in Marseille to produce his greatest individual performance and lead the Lithuanians to the title. 

The high-flyer proved he's not just all about the dunks because he's also a nasty defender, who loves throwing a block party. 

Kumpys is a two-way force and back-to-back MVPs is well in play. 

 

Delgernyam Davaasambuu (Ulaanbaatar MMC Energy)

Mongolia's favorite son is sure to ignite his 3x3-loving compatriots. No one symbolises powerhouse Mongolia quite like this big fella, who always gives everything he has on the half-court. 

He inspires like no other and remains the heart and soul of Ulaanbaatar MMC Energy (MGL),  who created history last year by becoming the first Mongolian team to win a Masters. 

If they do that at home then it will be like New Year's Eve in Ulaanbaatar and a statue might be made of their hometown hero. 

 

Anand Ariunbold (Sansar)

Speaking of crowd favorites - Anand Ariunbold might just be the most popular player in Mongolia. 

You just know 'The Archer' will be on target as he is willed on by the loud fans in the bleachers.

Ariunbold knows how to perform miracles on the half-court - just watch Asia Cup 2024 - and he's hoping his next one will be igniting Sansar on a giant-killing run in Ulaanbaatar. 

 

Francis Lacis (Kandava Turiba)

The New Gen of Latvian 3x3 are ready to step up and their newest, brightest star is hugely talented Francis Lacis, who is out for a statement in Ulaanbaatar. 

The dunking machine showed glimpses last year when he teamed up with Latvian legend Karlis Lasmanis to help his country claim bronze at FIBA 3x3 Europe Cup 2023.

The 6ft. 7in (2m) athletic marvel has only gotten better having helped Latvia clinch an Olympic ticket and he showcased his deadly inside-outside game at the recent Penang Challenger. 

Get used to his name because Francis Lacis is the next big thing.

 

Malik Hluchoweckyj (Lausanne)

The American is proving the recruit of the season so far with Lausanne looking mighty formidable. He's had instant chemistry with his new teammates and been deadly in the clutch. 

And along the way he's tapped into his deep bag of tricks as he will again during what promises to be scene stealing performances in Ulaanbaatar. 

 

Enkhsaikhan Bayarsaikhan (Zavkhan SAINSCORE)

This Mongolian is a walking  bucket, who is capable of flicking the switch whenever he wants to. 

He loves the two-ball and with good reason because he's splashing at 34% so far this season on the pro circuit. The 24-year-old was on fire at the Zhijiang Challenger to inspire Zavkhan to a semi-final run. 

If he gets crazy hot again then Zavkhan might just cause some upsets. 

 

FIBA