The excitement and anticipation are palpable as 3x3 basketball makes its second Olympic appearance in Paris from July 30 to August 5.

The high-energy and fast-paced sport debuted at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics will once again captivate audiences alongside other trendy sports like skateboarding, breakdancing, and BMX freestyle at the Place de la Concorde.

TOURNAMENT FORMAT

The 3x3 basketball event in Paris will feature a total of eight teams each in men's and women's categories. The tournament will be divided into three stages: the preliminary group stage, the play-in round, and the knockout stages culminating in the medal matches on August 5.

China's Wan Jiyuan (L) dribbles against Australia's Marena Whittle during the FIBA 3X3 World Cup women's 3rd place match in Vienna, Austria, June 4, 2023. (Photo by Georges Schneider/Xinhua)

In the group stage, each team will play against all other teams. The top two teams will advance directly to the semifinals, while the third- to sixth-placed teams will compete in an additional round for the remaining semifinal spots. This structure ensures that every game is critical, adding to the unpredictability of the tournament.

MEN'S TEAMS TO WATCH

The United States: Making their Olympic debut in men's 3x3 basketball, the U.S. team is considered a strong contender for the gold medal. The squad, built around the Miami team from the FIBA 3x3 World Tour, features former NBA player Jimmer Fredette, whose scoring ability has been pivotal in securing significant victories, including a silver medal at the 2023 World Cup and gold at the Pan American Games.

Serbia: As a powerhouse in 3x3 basketball, Serbia is another top contender. Despite a surprising semifinal loss at Tokyo 2020, the team remains formidable, with a roster that includes experienced players like Dejan Majstorovic. Serbia's players have competed in hundreds of FIBA 3x3 games, showcasing their tactical acumen and versatility.

Latvia: The reigning Olympic champions from Tokyo, Latvia will be aiming to defend their title. Known for their cohesive team play and strategic brilliance, Latvia will be a tough opponent for any challenger.

China: After having finished eighth at Tokyo 2020, China's men are looking for a breakthrough performance in Paris. The team has rapidly improved its FIBA ranking, thanks to consistent performances in international tournaments. Key players like Zhang Ning and Zhao Jiaren have been instrumental in their recent successes, making China a team to watch.

WOMEN'S TEAMS TO WATCH

United States: The defending Olympic champions are favorites once again despite some roster changes due to Cameron Brink's knee injury. The team includes WNBA stars like Rhyne Howard and Dearica Hamby, alongside collegiate standout Hailey Van Lith. This mix of experience and youthful talent makes the U.S. a formidable force.

China: After securing a historic bronze medal at Tokyo 2020, China's women are determined to climb higher on the podium in Paris. With a strong lineup including Wang Lili and Zhang Zhiting, China are looking to challenge the top teams. Their unconventional "three bigs and one small" lineup, led by the resilient Wang, adds an intriguing tactical element to their play.

France: As the host nation, France automatically qualified for the tournament. The team, comprising a blend of experienced players and rising stars, aim to leverage their home advantage. France's recent performances in FIBA competitions have shown their potential to compete with the best.