Young talent aiming for a China bounce back at FIBA 3x3 Women's Series Baoding Stop

BAODING (China) - Top seeds China will  be relying on their young talent to bounce back into form at the FIBA 3x3 Women's Series Baoding Stop on June 16-17. 

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

The Favorites 

Hosts China deserve top billing after an incredible start to 2023, where they won consecutive titles to start the season. 

But China fell back to earth in Clermont Ferrand with a quarter-final exit and they have a new-look team here. 

Although real ones will well know young gun Mingling Chen, who starred last year in U23 competitions and is her country's next big thing. 

She'll need to be in top form as other contenders look to spoil the party for China.

No.2 seeds Germany remain without superstar Sonja Greinacher and have yet to win a title this season.

But they should feel encouraged after a semi-final run in Shusha with impressive 22-year-old Marie Reichert draining buckets easily and she'll lead Germany's charge in Baoding. 

Asian powers Japan are always formidable and this team should be no exception with the No.3 seeds boasting 25-year-old Moe Nagata, who has been a mainstay for her country in major events. 

Sc. Yuanda (CHN) deserve to be in this category having been a consistent performer this season and they currently sit second on the overall standings. 

Song Kexin has been a walking bucket and if she gets rolling then the 24-year-old will be an instant crowd pleaser. 

The Field

Romania can feel rightfully annoyed that they are not in the above category having reached the quarters in Shusha. They will have the same line-up here, including  Anca Sipos who is cold-blooded from deep. 

Mongolia are always passionately followed and they bring a strong side to Baoding. Their hopes will rest with star Khulan Onolbaatar, who can go toe-to-toe with anyone. 

While Czech Republic and Malaysia can't be discounted on going on giant-killing runs. 

Pools

Pool A: China, Sc. Yuanda (CHN), Mongolia, Czech Republic
Pool B: Germany, Japan, Romania, Malaysia, 

How to watch

The two-day extravaganza is on June 16-17 and you can follow it live on the FIBA 3x3 YouTube and Facebook pages.

FIBA