3on3 streetball: Team Serbia and Japan secure RB Half Court World Finals title

The Red Bull Half Court World Finals, the pinnacle of the world’s largest 3on3 streetball competition, concluded with an unforgettable weekend of fast-paced basketball at the iconic Brooklyn Bridge Park.

Over two days, 15 male and 10 female teams from 16 nations brought their creativity, athleticism, and passion for streetball to the court, culminating in the crowning of the 2024 World Champions.

• The event, held on October 19 and 20, saw teams from 16 countries battle it out for the title.
  Fans and basketball lovers alike were treated to thrilling matchups and breathtaking displays of
  skill against the backdrop of New York City’s skyline.
• After winning the World Finals in 2023 on home soil, team Serbia secured their back-to-back win
  in a dramatic final on October 20, beating the team USA on their home turf with a final score of
  14:11.
• In the women’s field, team Japan (World Champions from 2022) emerged victorious,
  defeating team Philippines with a final score of 11:8. Both finals showcased the unique energy
  and intensity of Red Bull Half Court’s fast-paced 3on3 format, leaving fans on the edge of their
  seats until the very last shot.
• Igor Jokić, representing team Serbia and freshly crowned as the male Fila MVP, said: “The feeling
  is unbelievable! The finals against Team USA were tough. It’s my first time in New York, and it’s
  been incredibly exciting to play here in front of this skyline. Winning makes it even better.”
• Wakana Yagami, representing team Japan and newly awarded as the female Fila MVP,
  expressed her joy saying, “We are incredibly happy about the victory. Winning the Red Bull Half
  Court World Finals for the second time is an amazing feeling, and we’ll definitely be back for
  more.”
• This year’s competition saw the best streetball players from Australia, Belgium, Egypt, Italy,
  Japan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Maldives, Mauritius, Moldova, North Macedonia, Philippines, Serbia,
  UAE, Ukraine and the USA. Each team earned their place in the World Finals after months of
  fierce national qualifiers, featuring over 6,500 players worldwide.
• One of the highlights of the event was the court itself, designed by Carolina “C” De La Cruz
  Rodriguez, winner of the Your Court Legacy contest. Their vibrant design transformed the court
  into a celebration of streetball culture, merging basketball with art, community, and inclusion.
  From Puerto Rico to Brooklyn, C’s court design reflected the spirit of Red Bull Half Court and
  created a stage worthy of the world’s top players.
• “Drawing from my deep connection to both my Puerto Rican heritage and the basketball culture
  of New York City, I wanted to design a space that goes beyond just looking good,” said De La
  Cruz. “My aim was to create a court that reflects the city’s energy and diversity, bringing people
  together to celebrate the game and the sense of community it inspires.”
• The Red Bull Half Court World Finals are based on a fast-paced, high-energy format that sets it
  apart from other streetball events. Each game is capped at 10 minutes or 21 points, with an
  innovative twist, a 3-point shot from two special circles located behind the arc.
• If a team was tied at the 10-minute mark, the game was decided by the first team to score two points.
• This format not only adds drama to every possession but also pushes teams to play with speed
  and precision, keeping the audience engaged from start to finish.
• Basketball legends like NBA shooting coach Chris “Lethal Shooter” Matthews, Serbian 3on3
  champion Dusan Bulut and Polish dunk pro Piotr “Grabo” Grabowski were on-site throughout
  the tournament sharing their love of the game with fans and players alike.
• Dusan Bulut remarked on the thrilling finals, stating, “The atmosphere at the fourth Red Bull
  Half Court World Finals was incredible. The women’s winning team, Japan, is among the
  most experienced teams at the World Finals. The Serbian men’s team also trained
  exceptionally well and rightfully earned their title over Team USA. Both finals were fantastic.
  Young players come here to compete and win the tournament, which boosts their selfconfidence and encourages them to continue their careers—perhaps even inspiring them
  to become professionals one day.”
• Chris “Lethal Shooter” Matthews said, “It was absolutely insane. Serbia was playing great
  team basketball; they did a great job of subbing in between plays, and the energy was high.
  Shout out to Japan as well; those girls are tough! The World Finals show that the game of
  basketball is not just in the U.S.; it is around the world. It connects all the cultures and
  countries to do what we do best: play basketball.”
• Looking ahead, the Red Bull Half Court World Finals 2025 promises to be another extraordinary
  event. Next year the global 3on3 basketball community will gather in UAE, Dubai, for the World
  Finals and another remarkable chapter in the tournament’s history.

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