France look to continue home dominance at FIBA 3x3 Women's Series Orleans Stop 2023

ORLEANS (France) - Powerhouse France will be aiming for back-to-back home titles on the FIBA 3x3 Women's Series 2023 at a loaded Orleans Stop on June 23-24. 

Let's take a closer look at the sixth stop on this season's schedule.

 The Favorites

There are several heavyweights in the draw, but we'll start with hosts France who claimed bronze at the FIBA 3x3 World Cup 2023. 

They love playing in front of their home fans with France having won in Clermont-Ferrand in their only appearance on the Women's Series 2023 to date. 

The No.2 seeds will be led by superstar Laetitia Guapo and silky-smooth Marie Paget, who is building quite the resume. 

 

France will get a run for their money from numerous contenders in a tough draw comprising North American heavyweights Canada and USA. 

No.1 seeds Canada are making their debuts on this season's Women's Series and will be determined to rebound after a heart-breaking quarter-final defeat to France at the World Cup. 

Their chances of singing 'O Canada' look good with the Canadians bringing their A-Team to Orleans led by the irresistible Plouffe sisters. 

 

Only sharpshooter Linae Harper remains from USA's World Cup triumph, but they still boast a star-studded line-up to remain a legit title threat. 

European powerhouses Spain and Netherlands just have to be put in this bracket having both impressed in their sole appearances on the Women's Series this season. 

Sandra Ygueravide will once again be Spain's heart and soul, while towering Natalie van den Adel is one of the best two-way forces in the business. 

 The Field

This is a deep field and our apologies extend to Sc. Yuanda (CHN), who really are genuine contenders.

The Chinese commercial team have been spectacular so far to sit second on the overall standings and most recently finished runners-up at the Baoding Stop. 

Maud Stervinou was on fire there and she'll be looking to continue her hot form back in her home country. 

Another team to watch is Neftchi (AZE), who became the first commercial team to go all the way when they claimed the Shusha Stop.

MVP Arica Carter will be out to prove she's the real deal, but Nefthci have a tough task in Pool A where their clash with Italy might determine whether they progress to Day Two. 

 

Former World Cup champs Italy are always a chance of being a dark horse and you just can't write off a team that has legendary Raelin D'Alie, who you well know as 'Rae Rae'. 

USA's Next Gen are out to make a statement with the U24 American team stacked with talent, including Kayla Wells who last year starred at the FIBA 3x3 Nations League. 

While Gyor (Hungary), Azerbaijan and Portugal will be looking to go on giant-killing runs. 

Pools

Pool A: Canada, Italy,  Neftchi (AZE)
Pool B: France, Gyor (HUN), USA U24
Pool C: USA, Sc. Yuanda (CHN), Azerbaijan
Pool D: Spain, Netherlands, Portugal

How to watch

The two-day extravaganza is on June 23-24 and you can follow it live on the FIBA 3x3 YouTube and Facebook pages.

FIBA