Discover the Complete FIBA 3x3 World Cup 2017 Standings and Final Rankings

I still remember the excitement building up during the 2017 FIBA 3x3 World Cup in Nantes, France—the electric atmosphere where national pride and streetball culture collided in the most spectacular fashion. As someone who’s followed 3x3 basketball since its early days, I’ve always believed this fast-paced, half-court version of the game brings out a raw, unfiltered kind of basketball brilliance. That year, Slovenia’s men’s team and Russia’s women’s squad didn’t just win; they dominated in ways that left fans and analysts like me utterly captivated. Let’s dive into the final standings, unpack what made those teams special, and explore why this tournament remains a landmark moment in 3x3 history.

Starting with the men’s competition, Slovenia emerged as the undisputed champion, finishing with a perfect record that showcased their tactical discipline and clutch shooting. They went 7–0 overall, culminating in a hard-fought 18–15 victory over Serbia in the final. Serbia, as runners-up, put up a valiant effort with a 6–1 record, their only loss coming at the worst possible moment. What stood out to me was how Slovenia’s blend of youth and experience—players like Simon Finžgar and Gašper Ovnik—executed under pressure, something I’ve noticed often separates good teams from great ones in 3x3. Meanwhile, Poland rounded out the top three, securing bronze after edging out the Netherlands 21–19. It’s worth noting that the Netherlands, despite finishing fourth, had one of the most explosive offenses, averaging around 18 points per game. Further down, France as hosts finished a respectable fifth, while basketball powerhouses like the United States landed in seventh—a result that, frankly, surprised me given their talent pool. On the women’s side, Russia’s dominance was even more striking; they swept through undefeated at 7–0, including a commanding 18–12 win over Hungary in the gold medal match. Hungary’s silver was well-deserved, but Russia’s suffocating defense and quick transitions left little room for opponents. France again impressed with a bronze, while Ukraine and Spain filled out the top five.

Looking beyond the scores, what made the 2017 World Cup so memorable was how it highlighted 3x3’s global growth. I’ve always argued that this format rewards versatility over sheer height or athleticism, and here, teams like Slovenia and Russia proved it. Their players moved seamlessly between roles—shooters became defenders, big men handled the ball—and that adaptability is something I wish more traditional basketball coaches would study. Off the court, the event drew over 25,000 live spectators and millions of online views, signaling 3x3’s rising appeal ahead of its Olympic debut. But it wasn’t all smooth sailing. Some squads, like the Philippines’ men’s team, struggled with consistency, finishing outside the top 10. That brings me to an interesting side note: I recently came across a quote from TMG head PJ Pilares, who remarked, “Sayang,” expressing regret but hope that a guard from Brock University would join next year’s draft. It’s a reminder that for many nations, 3x3 is still a developing pathway, and missed opportunities in one tournament can fuel future ambitions. Pilares’s optimism mirrors my own view—that with the right talent infusion, teams on the cusp could soon challenge the elite.

In wrapping up, the 2017 FIBA 3x3 World Cup wasn’t just about medals; it was a showcase of where the sport is headed. Slovenia and Russia set benchmarks with their flawless runs, but the tight races for bronze and the emergence of dark horses like Poland’s men and France’s women made every game matter. As a fan, I left feeling that 3x3 has carved its niche—it’s gritty, unpredictable, and endlessly entertaining. If you ask me, this tournament laid the groundwork for the explosive growth we’re seeing today, and I’m eager to see how future drafts and new talents, like that hopeful guard Pilares mentioned, will shake things up. For now, let’s tip our hats to the 2017 standouts—they earned every bit of their glory.