Top men to watch at FIBA 3x3 Universality Olympic Qualifying Tournament 2 2024

UTSUNOMIYA (Japan) - The best 3x3 players will be dreaming of leading their countries to Paris as they prepare for the all-important FIBA 3x3 Universality Olympic Qualifying Tournament 2 2024. 

On the back of hosting an amazing Utsunomiya Opener, the historical Japanese city will once again be the center of attention on May 3-5. Let's look at the top players you just have to watch. 

Worthy de Jong (Netherlands)

We have to start with a Dutch hoops legend who is absolutely 'Hype Worthy'. We all saw why at the Utsunomiya Opener as de Jong started the World Tour season with a bang as he relentlessly exploded to the rim.

After struggling to nail his outside shot, you just know de Jong will have acclimatized to the conditions by the time of the UOQT2 and that spells trouble for opponents. 

After the Netherlands were so close at the UOQT1 in Hong Kong, de Jong is determined to get a ticket to Paris and this 3x3 showman usually gets what he wants. 

Antonio Ralat (Puerto Rico)

There is another level for this sharpshooting Puerto Rican, who was another star to struggle with his long-range shooting at the Utsunomiya Opener.

But despite those woes, Ralat still had the confidence to call game against Raudondvaris Hoptrans (LTU) with a Maurice Lacroix Buzzer Beater from downtown that sent San Juan (PUR) to Day 2.

Ralat was born for the big stage and his swagger and spirit might just be able to lift a youthful Puerto Rico into the Paris Olympics. 

Lahaou Konate (France)

France have loaded up in a determined bid to qualify for their home Olympics. They've done so by selecting French basketball star Lahaou Konate, who had his first taste on the half-court at a couple of French events earlier this year. 

The UOQT2 will be a step up, but Konate should be able to handle the extra intensity because this dude is an athletic marvel with an explosive first step.

The 6ft.5in (1.97m) dynamo is ready to show off his talents in 3x3 and what better way then leading France into a home Olympic Games. 

Anand Ariunbold (Mongolia)

Anand Ariunbold was unusually off target in Hong Kong as Mongolia was unable to get past pool play in UOQT1. 

But the Mongolians have another chance and you just know Ariunbold will be ready to once again turn into 'The Archer'. He doesn't have to think back too far to remember when he was bullseye after inspiring Mongolia to a bronze medal at the FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup 2024. 

Ariunbold has a habit of being able to do the ridiculous and he's already become a household name in his 3x3 mad country. If he can lead Mongolia to Paris then the 27-year-old will probably have statues built in his honor.

Ryuto Yasuoka (Japan)

The host nation will be inspired by their home fans, who make Utsunomiya such an iconic 3x3 destination. And they will be going crazy every time Ryuto Yasuoka gets going. 

This 29-year-old is deadlier than sake and he is a pure scorer, who set the nets aflame with his constant hot shooting. Yasuoka was memorably part of Japan's irresistible run at the Tokyo Olympics and he's keen to have another taste of the world's biggest sporting event. 

Leonardo Branquinho (Brazil)

This brilliant Brazilian had led his country onto the podium at the past couple of AmeriCups to stamp himself as one of the very best 3x3 players in the Americas. 

But the powerful 27-year-old is ready to take over the world and he'll bring his forceful game to the half-court in Utsunomiya. At 6ft.7in (2.01m) he can make the paint his personal playground, but also has range to make him totally unguardable. 

Branquinho will be relied upon to shoulder the scoring load and it's a responsibility he relishes. 

Ibrahim Hesham (Egypt)

African champs Egypt have long dominated the continent, but they are ready to conquer the world. 

To do that they'll need show-stopping Ibrahim Hesham to steal the show. He showed flashes at the UOQT1, but he'll be better after the experience. 

The 23-year-old is more than capable after thrilling audiences back home with his insane passing a particular highlight.

Hesham is a human highlight reel, but he's also a born winner and that combination makes him one of the most hyped players heading into Utsunomiya. 

Aurelijus Pukelis (Lithuania)

We all know this lethal Lithuanian, who is a professional marksman on the half-court. He was on fire at the Utsunomiya Opener, but his campaign was cut short after Raudondvaris Hoptrans (LTU) failed to progress into the knockouts. 

Pukelis will be the main man for No.1 seed Lithuania, who want to continue their basketball obsessed country's proud Olympic record in hoops. The 6ft. 9in (2.05m) giant has insane mobility for a big fella and that gets him to his spot whenever he wants. 

The problem for defenders is that Pukelis doesn't have a favored spot because he can knock down jumpers from every inch of the half-court.   

FIBA