DUBAI (United Arab Emirates) – The FIBA 3×3 World Tour makes its long-awaited debut in Dubai on November 6-7, bringing together some of the Pro Circuit’s biggest names and most exciting talents at Festival Bay, Dubai Festival City.

Leading the field is top-ranked individual Strahinja Stojacic, who will spearhead top-seeded Ub’s (SRB) title bid. Olympic champion Worthy de Jong also headlines the lineup, anchoring second-seeded Amsterdam RABOBANK (NED) as they look to build on their recent World Tour success.

But the spotlight will extend well beyond the top two seeds. Liman’s (SRB) long-range threat Andreja Milutinovic, Baskets Bonn’s (GER) versatile Fabian Giessmann and Skyliners’ (GER) sharpshooter Stefan Kojic all have the tools to make a major impact. Meanwhile, World Cup champion Francis Lacis, breakthrough performer Isaac Mayo and Croatian playmaker Roko Spaseski bring plenty of intrigue to an already competitive field.

Here are eight players to watch as the World Tour arrives in Dubai for the first time.

Strahinja Stojacic – Ub

Can ‘Doctor Strange’ lead top-seeded Ub to another World Tour title and continue to establish their dominance in Dubai?

Stojacic remains one of the defining figures of 3×3 basketball and the driving force behind top-seeded Ub. The Serbian star has a remarkable ability to create scoring opportunities seemingly out of nowhere, combining explosive drives, long-range accuracy and elite playmaking.

His influence goes beyond putting points on the board. Stojacic can dictate the tempo, create opportunities for his teammates and deliver in the biggest moments, making him one of the most difficult players to contain on the circuit.

Worthy de Jong – Amsterdam RABOBANK

Worthy de Jong brings Olympic gold medal pedigree to Dubai, having helped the Netherlands capture the men’s 3×3 basketball title at Paris 2024. One of the circuit’s biggest attractions, the Dutch star combines explosive scoring, athleticism and playmaking with the experience of a proven big-game performer.

De Jong arrives with plenty of momentum after earning MVP honors at the FIBA 3×3 World Tour Bucharest 2026. He delivered 46 points, 26 highlights and 20 rebounds, finishing with a circuit-leading 58.4 player value as Amsterdam RABOBANK claimed the title. The Bucharest triumph added to the team’s earlier success in Vienna, further strengthening their position among the leading contenders of 2026.

Andreja Milutinovic – Liman

Can Andreja Milutinovic’s perimeter shooting help Liman conquer Pool C and add another World Tour title to their collection? He is one of the most dangerous perimeter threats in the competition, serving as a key offensive weapon for third-seeded Liman. His ability to knock down shots from beyond the arc makes him a constant threat, capable of changing the complexion of a game with a quick scoring burst.

Liman have established themselves among the circuit’s perennial contenders, with multiple World Tour and Challenger wins already secured in 2026. Their Pool C assignment against DeQing (CHN) and host team Dubai (UAE) will provide an early test, including an intriguing matchup against World Cup champion Francis Lacis.

Fabian Giessmann – Baskets Bonn

Fabian Giessmann has emerged as one of the most imposing all-around players on the circuit in 2026. The Baskets Bonn standout combines size, athleticism, rim protection and scoring versatility, giving the German side a powerful presence on both ends of the court.

Giessmann can overpower defenders inside, finish emphatically at the rim and even stretch the floor with his outside shooting. His defensive impact is equally important, using his length and mobility to protect the paint and disrupt opposing offenses.

Fourth-seeded Baskets Bonn will face fellow German side Skyliners in Pool D, setting up an exciting matchup against another of the tournament’s standout talents, Stefan Kojic.

Stefan Kojic – Skyliners

Speaking of Kojic, he is the man Skyliners will turn to when they need a spark from the perimeter. Known as ‘Chef Koja,’ the German sharpshooter is a dangerous two-point threat whose quick release and scoring instincts can turn a close contest in his team’s favor.

Skyliners have enjoyed a productive run in 2026, highlighted by a runner-up finish at the Utsunomiya Opener and a Challenger title in Hengqin. They will now look to translate that momentum into a breakthrough on the main World Tour stage.

Kojic will have an immediate opportunity to make an impression in Dubai, with fifth-seeded Skyliners drawn against Baskets Bonn in Pool D. Their all-German matchup puts two of the field’s top-five seeds against each other, with both teams looking to secure a place in the Quarter-Finals.

Francis Lacis – DeQing

Francis Lacis arrives in Dubai with one of the biggest credentials in international 3×3 basketball: a World Cup title. The Latvian international brings valuable experience and championship pedigree to DeQing, offering the Chinese side a proven performer capable of delivering under pressure.

Lacis’ versatility and scoring ability make him an important piece of DeQing’s campaign. His experience on the international stage could prove particularly valuable as the team looks to find consistency and challenge some of the circuit’s established contenders.

Isaac Mayo – Fuengirola

Isaac Mayo has become one of the key figures behind Fuengirola’s (ESP) rise on the international 3×3 basketball scene. The Spanish side made history at the FIBA 3×3 World Tour Bucharest 2026, becoming the first team from Spain to reach a World Tour Final.

Mayo played a major role in that memorable run, pacing Fuengirola with eight points in their closely contested 19-17 championship game against Amsterdam RABOBANK. The team also showed their ability to compete with established World Tour sides, recording knockout wins over DeQing and Kaunas VDU (LTU) on the way to the Final.

Now, Mayo and Fuengirola get another opportunity to test themselves against the best. Their Pool B assignment includes a rematch with Amsterdam, giving the Spanish side an immediate chance to challenge the reigning Bucharest champions.

Roko Spaseski – Cibona Ph.Classic

Roko Spaseski is the offensive catalyst for Cibona Ph.Classic (CRO), bringing aggressive scoring and dynamic playmaking. He has already shown his ability to take over games on the Challenger circuit, highlighted by a 13-point performance against Valencia Basket (ESP) at the Caceres Challenger.

Cibona also made an impressive run to the Caceres Challenger Final, picking up victories over Toronto (CAN) and Ulaanbaatar MMC Energy (MGL) along the way. Spaseski’s offensive production in key moments has helped establish the Croatian team as a dangerous opponent capable of challenging higher-seeded sides.

The challenge gets considerably tougher in Dubai, where ninth-seeded Cibona will open in Pool A against top seed Ub and Toronto. Spaseski will need to bring his best playmaking and scoring instincts if the Croatian side hopes to make an early statement.

With Olympic champions, World Cup winners, established World Tour stars and emerging talents all in the mix, Dubai promises plenty of individual storylines. Stojacic and de Jong will naturally command attention, but the likes of Milutinovic, Giessmann, Kojic, Lacis, Mayo and Spaseski could all have a say in how the tournament unfolds.

The first-ever World Tour Dubai title is up for grabs on November 6-7. These eight players will be among those looking to make their mark.

Stay Connected

Follow all the latest action from the FIBA 3×3 World Tour throughout the 2026 season by visiting the official World Tour website, where you can find the latest news, team standings, player statistics and everything you need to follow the Race to the Final. Fans can also keep track of the Event Calendar and the latest FIBA 3×3 Individual and Federation Rankings as teams and players continue their push toward the season finale.

Want to learn more about 3×3 basketball? Explore the official FIBA 3×3 Rules to understand the unique fast-paced format of the game, or discover the FIBA 3×3 Competition Structure to see how the discipline’s global pathway connects grassroots events, professional tours and world-class international competitions.

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