UTSUNOMIYA (Japan) - It's time for the FIBA 3x3 World Tour to explode to life as the Utsunomiya Opener ignites season 13 on April 27-28. 

Here is all the important information you need before we get 2024 rolling in style.

Where can I watch the Utsunomiya Opener?

The action runs from April 27-28, and you can follow it live on the FIBA 3x3 YouTube, Facebook and Sina Weibo pages.

Who is competing in Utsunomiya?

The top 10 teams in the rankings and a total of 14 squads: Ub Huishan NE, Miami, Amsterdam, Vienna, Riffa, Partizan, Raudondvaris Hoptrans, Lausanne, Ulaanbaatar MMC Energy, San Juan Church's, Utsunomiya BREX EXE, Saitama ALPHAS EXE, Shinagawa CC EXE, Hiratsuka SEASIDEEXE

What are the pools?

Who are the favorites?

As has become tradition for the season launch, this is an absolutely loaded field with the top 10 teams on the FIBA 3x3 rankings in Utsunomiya. 

It's tough narrowing down the favorites because all these teams can go all the way. But one team deserves special status because they've dominated the past two seasons like no other and arrive in Utsunomiya as the two-time defending champs. 

That's right we're talking about Ub Huishan NE (SRB), who are playing for immortality this season. They have a love affair in Utsunomiya, especially legendary Dejan Majstorovic who does nothing but collect titles in Japan. 

But they have a target on their back with a long line of contenders aiming to grab their crown. Miami (USA) enjoyed an incredible debut season and got stronger as the year wore on.

They developed chemistry in an ominous sign for a team likely to represent Team USA at the Paris Olympics. 

Europe has a long line of powerful teams including Amsterdam (NED), Vienna (AUT) and Raudondvaris Hoptrans (LTU).

While Lausanne (SUI) carried over their late season momentum from last year into a strong start on the pro circuit. 

The Swiss Maestros will be eyeing a first-ever triumph on the World Tour, while Partizan (SRB) are no longer living in the shadow of legendary Serb teams Ub and Liman after winning a Masters title last year. 

Ulaanbaatar MMC Energy (MGL) also created history on the World Tour last year and they'll have the strength of Delgernyam Davaasambuu, who is something of a Mongolian warrior on the half-court. 

The New Gen of Puerto Rican 3x3 added some spice last season with San Juan (PUR) making an immediate mark. But these young guns have matured quickly and are ready to start racking up titles. 

While there is a lot of familiarity from these top teams, Riffa (BRN) adds a new name into the mix.

But you'll know their superstar players with Riffa boasting plenty of firepower with Thibaut Vervoort, Dennis Donkor and Jonas Foerts capable of heating up Utsunomiya. 

Who are the players to watch?

There are no surprises here. We have to start with Strahinja Stojacic, who is aiming for a third straight MVP in Utsunomiya. 'Doctor Strange' always starts the season strong testament to the mountain of work he puts into the off-season. 

He's won almost everything in recent seasons to deservedly wear the crown, but this spectacular Serb knows he will have to keep pushing the limits because there are plenty of other superstars breathing down his neck. 

As we well know, Worthy de Jong is the best scorer in the game and an early season MVP will start mounting his case over being the greatest player alive. Whatever happens, he's most certainly 'Hype Worthy' and you can't take your eyes off him. 

The GOAT debate might soon include Jimmer Fredette, who is already on track to be the greatest ever shooter as this 3x3 assassin just doesn't miss from downtown. He'll be splashing from Tokyo during the Utsunomiya Opener. 

Stefan Milivojevic and Antonio Ralat are coming off breakout seasons, where they stole the show with their swagger and clutch shooting, and these two bad dudes are ready to take the next step. 

There are plenty of 3x3 entertainers with Modestas Kumpys set to have dunk offs with fellow slammer jammers Luis Cuascut and OG Kareem Maddox. 

And for those who love dudes who can do the ridiculous then look no further than Swiss magician Gilles Martin, speedy Yosuke Saito and Japanese legend Tomoya Ochiai, who can make fans go wild like they're Swifties. 

FIBA