FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023
With the 2023 FIBA World Cup just around the corner, it’s time to have a proper overview of how the biggest event in the basketball calendar is going to pan out over the coming weeks. The competition will take place in the great nations of The Philippines, Japan and Indonesia. So, who, what and where is the question.
The festivities begin on the 23rd of August in the Philippine Arena and Okinawa Arena where Angola takes on Italy and Finland play Australia in a series of first round games to take place across the three host countries throughout the day.
Not only is the chance for a team to become FIBA Basketball World Cup champions up for grabs, but also a chance to book a place at next year’s 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. Obviously as hosts, France already has their place. So, teams from Europe, America and South America will need to be within the top two to get their place. Then we have the African, Asian, and teams from Oceania. They will need to look for a top placing if they are to make the Olympics in 2024. Basically, everyone will need to be on top of their game in this unforgiving competition. But for now, let’s take a look at the teams who could walk away as Champions in September.
Teams to Watch
The 2023 FIBA World Cup Boasts the world’s greatest teams and players in basketball. The battle to secure basketball’s biggest prize is going to be intense as the weeks pass. How do the favourites shape up this time round?
Spain
The big question is, is Spain ready to give up their crown? After winning FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019, the holders continued their winning streak by going on to win the FIBA EuroBasket 2022 – they are the team to beat in 2023. Ranked 2nd at the moment, they are a team that fears no one and welcomes all challenges. Known for their stylish gameplay and running the opposition ragged, Spain surely is a force of nature. They will be looking to make history and win back-to-back World titles this time out.
USA
Team USA are bursting at the seams with talent. As we all know, it is a team filled with NBA superstars from every corner of The States. However, there are questions around whether they are a proper team and not a collection of talented individuals. They are a mixed bag of youth and experience – Head Coach Steve Kerr needs to find the right blend within his squad if he wants them to be successful. Despite all this, the USA is favourites for the tournament.
Canada
Canada is bound to have the USA looking over their shoulders going into this tournament. They show up to the FIBA World Cup with a team that are going to be difficult to beat. Canada currently sit 6th in the Power rankings and are definitely worth a bet. They failed to get off to a good start four years ago because of a tough group. However, they would have learned from that experience this time around and with their strong roster who knows what can happen.
Australia
The Boomers are looking to build on their Olympic Bronze from the Tokyo Olympics. They feel that their team is good enough to take the next step by winning this year’s competition. Brian Goorjian, the Australian coach, has a team that’s been developed around a core of players that play basketball in the NBA. Let’s not forget that Australia reached the Semis in 2019 – this experience is something that could prove to be valuable to this exciting team.
France
France could well be the dark horses of this tournament. They are a team with it all – power, streetwise on the court, bags of talent all across the roster. They have moulded into a proper unit which is hard to break down. Furthermore, they have put their EuroBasket final defeat behind and fully focused on the task ahead of them. Overall, France is a very exciting prospect heading into this tournament, and they are going to be a joy to watch.
Leading Men in the Basketball World Cup
With all the talent on show at the FIBA World Cup 2023, players destined to set the competition alight will be giving it their all. Therefore, here are some of the big names to watch for when the tournament starts at the end of August.
Rudy Fernandez (Spain)
This may be his last World Cup as retirement beckons, and we can be sure that his teammates will want to see him go out with a bang. Fernandez is considered to be one of greats and has the medals to back it up. He will be eager to add to his haul in 2023.
Jamal Murray (Canada)
The guard will be carrying Canada’s hopes and dreams on his shoulders when the tournament begins. An important component within this brilliant Canadian team, Jamal Murray hopes to transfer some of his success with the Denver Nuggets to FIBA World Cup glory.
Rudy Gobert (France)
Rudy Gobert’s inclusion on the French team is all important; he is considered integral to France’s plans going into the Basketball World Cup. He is a versatile player who can mix his game and go from defence to attack in a blink of an eye. Most teams are going to struggle to contain this force of nature.
Anthony Edwards (USA)
USA will not be relying on their usual wealth of NBA superstars as there are many notable absentees. This gives great players such as Antony Edwards the chance to shine on the biggest stage of them all. It’s not going to be plain sailing for the USA, but Edwards has the drive to pull them over the line.
FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 Conclusion
The stage is set for one of the biggest spectacles in basketball. There’s going to be so many outcomes in the weeks ahead. Will Team USA be able to hold it together and prevail despite not having its usual NBA Stars? Can Spain successfully defend their title? Or may this be the breakthrough year for Australia, Canada, or France? Guess we’ll find out very soon.
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