ULAANBAATAR (Mongolia) - The game's best players are ready to shine at the upcoming FIBA 3x3 World Cup on June 23-29 in the latest edition of the half-court's showpiece event.
But let's take a trip down memory lane and remember the famous basketball players who have played at the World Cup. Real ones will know exactly who we're talking about, but for newer fans get ready to be blown away over the big names who have been part of the event since 2012.
Skylar Diggins (USA, 2012)
The first edition of the World Cup in 2012 in Greece was legitimized by the calibre of players, especially with dynamic Diggins leading the way in USA women's gold medal victory. The then 22-year-old showcased the silky skills that would make her one of the very best players in the WNBA as she helped set the standard at the World Cup.
Jorge Garbajosa (Spain, 2012)
The Spanish basketball great and former NBA player finished off his legendary career at the World Cup 2012 to lend credibility to the first-ever event.
The big fella was not able to inspire Spain to victory as they bowed out in the final 16. There may not have been a fairy-tale ending but it was a privilege for 3x3 to have Garbajosa's last steps playing hoops at the top level to be on the half-court.
Bria Hartley (USA, 2012)
Before embarking on her successful basketball career, which included stints in the WNBA, Hartley combined with her star-studded teammates to help USA win the first ever women's World Cup gold medal.
Her slick skills were so mesmerizing that she was considered an early GOAT of women's 3x3.
Chiney Ogwumike (USA, 2012)
USA made an immediate impact at the first World Cup and loaded up with Ogwumike to become another future All-Star. She helped USA enjoy an unbeaten campaign and her poise was evident at an early age as she calmly helped the Americans enjoy 1-point thrillers against Australia in the semis and France in the decider.
For all her accolades, add Ogwumike's status as a 3x3 pioneer.
Cristina Ouvina (Spain, 2012)
Another OG is this Spanish baller, who has strutted her skills all over Europe. At the World Cup 2012, Ouvina took to the half-court and she was a natural as she represented her beloved Spain with pride. But it wasn't quite enough with Spain falling in the last 16.
Jewell Loyd (USA, 2014)
Before launching her long WNBA career, where she continues to shine, Loyd was part of one of 3x3's most dominant World Cup teams. At World Cup 2014 in Moscow, Loyd teamed up with Tiffany Mitchell and Cierra Burdick as the red, white and blue were barely challenged.
It was little surprise that not long afterwards she was selected No.1 in the WNBA draft as her legend started to grow.
Tiffany Mitchell (USA, 2014)
The 2014 USA team has strong claims of being the most talented women's side to ever grace the half-court. Scoring machine Mitchell was back then in the middle of an amazing college career and she showcased all her electrifying skills in Moscow to ensure Team USA won gold in style.
Alfonzo McKinnie (USA, 2016)
The USA men's team might have fallen short of the triumph in 2016, but that team was the gold standard in entertainment. They were a dunking machine, full of insane highlights especially Alfonzo McKinnie who produced some of the best slams in 3x3 history.
It was little surprise that just a year later he made it into the NBA, where he eventually rubbed shoulders with superstars Steph Curry and Kevin Durant amid the Golden State Warriors' dynasty.
Mai Yamamoto (Japan, 2022)
There hasn't been too many faster players to step on the half-court than the diminutive Yamamoto, who continually fooled taller players through her lightning quickness.
Having starred at the youth 3x3 level, she electrified at the World Cup 2022 and inevitably WNBA teams are now circling her.
Leonie Fiebich (Germany, 2022)
Before she became a WNBA champion, the towering Fiebich made her presence felt for Germany at the World Cup 2022. Her domination of the paint and ability to play bully ball was evident for one of the biggest talents in German women's basketball.
Jimmer Fredette (USA, 2023)
If it wasn't for the Wilson cruelly swirling out of the rim, Fredette would be a World Cup champion and likely MVP. But it was still Jimmer Mania in 2023 as Fredette heated up the half-court like never before.
As a college phenom and long-time NBA vet, Fredette is probably the most famous player to have played at the World Cup and his heroics will never be forgotten.
Cameron Brink (USA, 2023)
The hype was in overdrive in 2023 for Brink - a prodigy at the time who was balling for Stanford. She did not disappoint with one of the best individual World Cup performances in a two-way tour de force to lead USA to the gold medal and also collect the MVP.
Her stock was on the rise and she soon was selected No.2 in the WNBA draft and we can't wait to see her return from injury.
Bonus track: Bas Rozendaal (Netherlands, 2017)
Younger fans might know Bas as the dude with the smooth voice on the FIBA 3x3 broadcasts alongside Kyle Montgomery aka 'The Voice'.
But this man mountain was an absolute beast for one of the best teams in the early years of the international game. He helped the Netherlands go all the way to the final at the 2017 edition in what set the groundwork for the country's eventual success at last year's Olympic Games.
FIBA
