UTSUNOMIYA (Japan) - We're back in the historical Japanese city of Utsunomiya and the stakes are even higher with valuable Paris 2024 tickets up for grabs at the FIBA 3x3 Universality Olympic Qualifying Tournament 2 2024. 

Where can I watch?

The action runs from May 3-5, and you can follow it live on TV and on social media on the FIBA 3x3 YouTube Channel.

Who is competing and what is at stake?

There are 16 teams - eight in each gender - competing in Utsunomiya. There is just one Olympic ticket per gender up for grabs.

What are the pools?

Men's

Pool A: Lithuania, Netherlands, Puerto Rico, Brazil 
Pool B: France, Mongolia, Japan, Egypt

Women's

Pool A: Germany, Japan, Austria, Brazil 
Pool B: Canada, Netherlands, Australia, Kenya 

Who are the favorites?

Let's be honest, every team in Utsunomiya deserves a ticket to the Olympics. They wouldn't be here otherwise, with every team having done something outstanding to be on the cusp of a berth to Paris. 

But there are several countries who stand out among the pack. In the men's, there will be an early blockbuster between European powers Lithuania and Netherlands, with the winner to gain a mental edge ahead of the knockouts. 

Puerto Rico's chiefs made the brave decision over a year ago to back their best and brightest youngsters and the gamble has paid dividends.

They've developed important chemistry over the past year and unleashed sniper Antonio Ralat, who has proven that he has ice in his veins when the game is on the line. 

Mongolia have been a major 3x3 success story - both on-and-off the half-court - and their mighty men's team are determined to add another chapter to this fairy-tale. 

France, host Japan, African champs Egypt and Brazil have every reason to be annoyed and might end up putting eggs on our faces. 

In the women's, we just have to start with Canada who have won almost every title in the women's game in recent years. It would not feel the same if Canada didn't make the Olympics, but there are a whole list of rivals breathing down their necks. 

European heavyweights Netherlands and Germany boast the height and athleticism that make them formidable 3x3 teams, while Asia Cup champs Australia might look a little bit different but still loom as a legit contender with superstars Marena Whittle and Alex Wilson steering the ship.

Japan and Kenya have shown that they can punch above their weight, while Brazil always bring it to the big stage. We've seen Anja Fuchs-Robetin make the half-court wet plenty of times before and that makes Austria a dark horse contender. 

Who are the players to watch? 

There will be more stars in Utsunomiya than in reviews for The Fall Guy. We've just got to start with the dude with the most apt nickname - 'Hype Worthy'. 

That's right, Netherlands superstar Worthy de Jong always delivers on the expectations and produces the most unreal plays imaginable as he aims to shake off double disappointment at the UOQT1 and Utsunomiya Opener.  

He's not the only player who can go viral on social media with French duo Paul Djoko and Lahaou Konate capable of turning defenders into memes.  

While Tomoya Ochiai is an OG trickster and a legend in Japan, where he rules the half-court. 

The forecast in Utsunomiya predicts a heatwave because walking buckets Anand Ariunbold and Aurelijus Pukelis can get cookin' within seconds. 

In the women's, Canada have the formidable Plouffe sisters who were born to destroy opponents on the half-court. If one doesn't get you, the other will.

Athletic marvels Sonja Greinacher and Noortje Driessen can fill up the box score, while some of the most talented youngsters on the planet will be showcasing their skills in Utsunomiya. 

Madina Okot and Nana Santa are set to take 3x3 by storm, so remember their names! 

And don't sleep on Luana de Souza, who is a flat out two-way force, whose energetic plays ignite an always competitive Brazil. 

FIBA