Young players to watch this weekend

The world’s biggest stars won’t be playing in the Shanghai Masters tournament. This opens up opportunities for young players. Today, we’re highlighting a few of them with the most potential.

The absences are understandable. With the World Cup in Warsaw just a week away, some teams doesn’t want to risk players getting injured. Another, like Amsterdam, Toulouse, Spanish teams and Toronto are playing in Europe - in very interesting Hamburg Challenger. We decided to take a look at the most promising prospects who could really make their mark in China. These six young players (all 20-23) represent the next wave in 3x3:

Fabian Giessmann (20 years old)

The German Next-Gen Unicorn. One of Germany's most electric young prospects. Standing at 207 cm (6'9"), he brings modern length and ball skills that completely break typical half-court defensive coverage. Unlike traditional big men who specialize late, Giessmann’s early 3x3 mileage has given him advanced perimeter comfort. He has delivered MVP performances and gold medals at the FIBA 3x3 U18 World Cup 2023 and U23 World Cup 2024, powering Germany to historic youth titles.

Denzel Agyeman (21)

The Versatile Plug-and-Play Weapon. At 195 cm (6'5"), Agyeman plays significantly bigger than his listed height due to exceptional lower-body strength and lateral agility. Athletic, energetic, and competitive on both ends. He contributed to Germany’s U23 World Cup success alongside Giessmann and has already delivered MVP-level performances in World Tour and Challenger events.

Vuk Vukićević (22)

The Serbian Academy Graduate. At 192cm (6'4"), he is a tactical Swiss Army knife who recently represented the powerhouse Serbian U23 National Team, taking home a silver medal at the FIBA 3x3 U23 World Cup. Vukićević boasts the classic physical fundamentals—tight shooting mechanics, precise footwork, and a masterclass orientation on the court. In October 2025, Vukićević hit the ultimate developmental milestone by suiting up with world #1 team Ub to win the Shenzhen Masters.

Miloš Cvrkota (22)

The Board Cleaner. A towering 200 cm (6’7”) forward possesses the physical frame of an old-school European forward matched with the modern perimeter defensive traits. Physical presence and competitiveness translate to plenty of offensive rebounds. Part of Serbia’s coordinated 3x3 development group alongside peers like Vukićević. His 5x5 background is already impressive.

Dulguun Gankhuyag (23)

The Mongolian Frontcourt Pioneer. Standing at 201 cm(6'7"), he routinely represents Mongolia on the greatest stages, bringing size and athleticism inside. Played in American college and Mongolian 5x5 national team. Strong defender capable to neutralize larger opponents.

Rokas Jocys (22)

The Lithuanian Elite Sniper. Standing 196 cm(6'5"), he is a pure offensive mastermind. He has delivered clutch performances, including game-winning shots for Lithuania in youth World Cups. Sharp shooting and poise under pressure. Spent some time in NCAA, where he honed his perimeter defense against elite American athletic profiles.

It would be pretty cool to see those six players face off in a 3-on-3 game, don’t you think?

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