From Local Courts to the World Stage:

Japan’s 3×3.EXE Squads Gear Up for Utsunomiya World Tour Opener

As the FIBA 3×3 World Tour 2025 season kicks off, the spotlight turns to Utsunomiya, Japan—a city renowned for its rich basketball culture and history of hosting both the FIBA World Tour Opener and 3×3.EXE Premier events. From April 25 to 27, the Utsunomiya Opener will feature 14 elite teams, including the top 10 from last year’s World Tour rankings, battling it out in a high-stakes competition that sets the tone for the season ahead. ​

Among the international powerhouses are Serbia’s Ub, aiming to reclaim their crown after a narrow loss in last year’s final, and Miami (USA), the reigning champions known for their dynamic play. France’s Toulouse, formerly Paris, brings a rebranded yet formidable squad, while Amsterdam (NED) enters as the reigning World Tour Final champs, led by superstar Worthy de Jong. Other notable contenders include Vienna (AUT), Raudondvaris Hoptrans (LTU), Riffa (BRN), Liman (SRB), Partizan (SRB), and London (USA), each bringing their unique style and strategy to the court. ​

For Japanese fans, the excitement is twofold. Not only does the tournament bring world-class basketball to home soil, but it also features four local 3×3.EXE teams—Sagamihara (HIU ZEROCKETS.EXE), Tennoz (SHINAGAWA CC WILDCATS.EXE), Hiratsuka (SHONAN SEASIDE.EXE), and Utsunomiya Brex (Utsunomiya Brex.EXE) —providing a unique opportunity to rally behind homegrown talent as they compete against the world’s best.

Introducing your Japanese Teams

Qualifying Draw: The Battle for Main Draw Entry

Three Japanese teams will vie for a coveted spot in the main draw through the Qualifying Draw (QD), a round-robin format where only the top team advances.

HIU ZEROCKETS.EXE (World Tour name: Sagamihara HIU EXE )

Players: Kenya Igo, Uroš Kanić, Yuta Kusano, Nikola Pavlovic

Sagamihara boasts a blend of experience and chemistry. Kenya Igo brings national team experience, while Nikola Pavlovic, a former 3×3.EXE MVP, adds veteran leadership. Yuta Kusano, ranked 12th among Japanese players, and Uroš Kanić round out a team that’s been honing their synergy in recent 3×3.EXE tournaments.

SHINAGAWA CC WILDCATS.EXE (World Tour name: Tennoz SCC )

Players: Naoto Ito, Yuto Maita, Shinji Naruse, Hiroto Takeda

Tennoz is known for its quick, fluid playstyle, emphasizing ball movement and speed. With a roster that has consistently performed at a high level in recent seasons, they’re poised to make a significant impact in the qualifiers.​

SHONAN SEASIDE.EXE (World Tour name: Hiratsuka SEASIDE )

Players: Hiroki Furuhashi, Tomoyuki Kato, Ryota, Iwata, Yves Niyokwizera

Hiratsuka combines veteran savvy with youthful energy. Iwata provides leadership, Ryota offers agility and creativity in the guard position, and Yves Niyokwizera brings strength and experience in the paint, making them a well-rounded contender.​

Qualifying Draw Schedule:
  • Game 1 (12.00): Sagamihara vs Hiratsuka
  • Game 2 (12.40): Tennoz v Hiratsuka
  • Game 3 (13.20): Sagamihara v Tennoz

Winner will advance:

Main Draw: Utsunomiya Brex Represents the Host City

UTSUNOMIYA BREX (World Tour name: Utsunomiya BREX.EXE )

Players: Yuki Nakanishi, Yasuo Iijima, Souleymane Coulibaly, Griffin Biwer

As the host city’s team, Utsunomiya Brex enters the main draw with high expectations. Veterans Yuki Nakanishi and Yasuo Iijima provide stability, while newcomers Souleymane Coulibaly, a skilled guard from SIMON.EXE, and Griffin Biwer, an athletic Australian talent recognized in the 3×3.EXE Super Premier team, add fresh dynamism to the squad.​

UTSUNOMIYA Schedule

Tournament Schedule

April 25 (Friday):

  • 18:00–19:00: Opening Ceremony

April 26 (Saturday):

  • Session 1 (12:00–16:10):
    • Qualifying Draw Matches
    • Main Draw Matches 1–4
  • Session 2 (16:30–20:20):
    • Main Draw Matches 5–12

April 27 (Sunday):

  • Session 1 (13:00–15:00):
    • Quarterfinals
  • Session 2 (15:20–18:10):
    • Shootout Contest
    • Dunk Contest
    • Semifinals and Final

https://worldtour.fiba3x3.com/2025/utsunomiya/games

Note: All times are local (JST). Schedule subject to change.

Beyond the Local Teams: Must-Watch International Matchups

While Japanese teams bring local flavour and pride to the Utsunomiya Opener, the tournament also features high-stakes clashes between global powerhouses. Here are some marquee matchups on Day 1 that fans won’t want to miss:​

Ub (SRB) vs. Miami (USA): A rematch of last year’s thrilling final, where Miami edged out Ub to claim the title. Expect a fierce battle as Ub seeks redemption against the reigning champions.​

Toulouse (FRA) vs. Amsterdam (NED): Two European giants collide in a game that promises high skill and intensity. Toulouse, formerly known as Paris, faces off against the reigning World Tour Final champions, Amsterdam.

Vienna (AUT) vs. Partizan (SRB): A clash between Vienna’s cohesive unit and Partizan’s dynamic squad, featuring rising star Vuk Borovicanin. This game could set the tone for both teams’ tournament trajectories.​

Raudondvaris Hoptrans (LTU) vs. Riffa (BRN): Raudondvaris aims to bounce back from a winless campaign in Utsunomiya last year, while Riffa looks to build on their semifinal appearance. A game of redemption and ambition.

Liman (SRB) vs. London (USA): Liman, eager to reclaim past glory, faces London, the rebranded team formerly known as Princeton. A matchup blending experience and fresh identity.​

These games showcase the global talent and competitive spirit that define the FIBA 3×3 World Tour. Fans are encouraged to tune in and witness basketball at its finest.​

Follow Your Favorite 3×3 Players on Instagram

HIU ZEROCKETS.EXE (World Tour name: Sagamihara)

SHINAGAWA CC WILDCATS.EXE (World Tour name: Tennoz)

SHONAN SEASIDE.EXE (World Tour name: Hiratsuka)

UTSUNOMIYA BREX (World Tour name: Utsunomiya Brex)

Note: Some players may not have public Instagram profiles available. The provided links are based on the most accurate information currently accessible.

More information available at:

More information available at:

https://worldtour.fiba3x3.com/2025/utsunomiya

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