The Russian women's team finished ninth in the inaugural competition in the Greek capital two years ago, with the United States taking top honours after a tense 17-16 victory over France in the final.

Strong preparations and the backing of the "crazy" Russian fans have given Cherepanova full confidence though, as they look to gain a firm footing in this increasingly popular basketball discipline.

It will be no easy task to please the local crowds, however, with the reigning champions bringing a strong team of highly-skilled college stars, spearheaded by the up-and-coming Jewell Lloyd.

The Czech Republic will also prove a tough test for the hosts, with a number of Olympians called to the squad, including two-time Olympian Michala Hartigova, while Belgium will build a team around basketball legend Ann Wauters.

The 33-year-old is a five-time European player of the year, four-time Euroleague winner and the former number one pick in the Women's National Basketball Association.

Belgium will be a dangerous outfit at this year's 3x3 World Championships with Ann Wauters leading the team in Moscow ©AFP/Getty Images



With the confidence flowing through the women's team, National Basketball Association rising star Timofey Mazgov has given strong support to the men's team during the official news conference ahead of the Championships.

"I know Alexandr Pavlov [as] we used to play on the same team," he said.

"He is big and he can shoot.

"I am also familiar with Ilya Alexandrov who played with my brother.

"He is big and strong and can easily jump and dunk over people."

To the other 34 countries present at the event he added: "Russian fans are crazy.

"You have to know a little bit about the Russian culture to understand them but they are the best fans in the world."

The men's team, who finished fifth in Athens, will have as tough a time in their draw as the women's team with a strong cohort of teams making the trip to Moscow.

Serbia will be back again to defend the title they won two years ago following a 16-13 win over France.

Their leader, Dusan Domovic Bulut, has already warned he is not going back to Serbia if he does not win another gold medal.

Slovenia will likely be a strong medal contender as they see world number one player Blaz Cresnar lead from the front.

The Slovenian will be hoping to add another piece of silverware to his growing list after winning both the 3x3 World Tour and 3x3 All Stars in October and December of last year.

Slovenia will be tough to beat in Moscow as they look to add to last year's 3x3 World Tour and 3x3 All Star victories ©FIBA



The competition itself has seen all 48 teams, 24 men's and 24 women's, split into four pools of six teams for each gender draw.

On the men's side, top ranked side Poland are drawn against Germany, the US, The Netherlands, Czech Republic and Tunisia in Pool A, while hosts Russia face Romania, Lithuania, Venezuela, Argentina and Qatar in Pool B.

Pool C features Brazil, Turkey, Estonia, Uruguay, New Zealand and Puerto Rico, with Slovenia, Serbia, Japan, Croatia, Indonesia and China in Pool D.

The women's competition has the number one ranked Romania in Pool A alongside Switzerland, Uruguay, Belgium, Italy and Syria, while Andorra, France, China, Uganda and Indonesia are set to face hosts Russia in Pool B.

Pool C will pit the Czech Republic against Germany, The Netherlands, Estonia, Thailand and Tunisia, with Spain, Brazil, the US, Hungary, Ukraine and Argentina making up Pool D.

Competition gets underway today inside the Luzhniki Park venue in the Russian capital, with play set to continue until Sunday (June 8).


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