The FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 is almost here, as it will begin on August 25 and run until September 10. A total of 32 teams will be participating in this tournament, which is hosted by three countries:Philippines, Japan, and Indonesia. The Three venues in Mahila will host four preliminary round groups, two second rounds, and the final tournament stage, while Okinawa and Jakarta will host two preliminary round groups and one second round group each.
Every team will be playing to win the World Cup, but one more thing is at stake in the World Cup: the qualification of teams for the Olympic Games in Paris in 2024. The top two finishers from Europe and America, as well as the best teams from Africa, Asia, and Oceania, will join France for next year’s Games.
Players to look out for in the FIBA World Cup 2023:
Luka Doncic (Slovenia)
Doncic is one of those players who has made a splash on the World stage. The Dallas Mavericks superstar led Slovenia to a fourth-place finish in its first ever Men’s Olympic basketball tournament. The team could have reached the finals, but France’s Nicolas Batum blocked them in the last minute. Although they were unable to retain their title at EuroBasket 2022, Doncic was nonetheless able to underline his brilliance with 47 points against France. This was the second-most in tournament history. With other star players like Klemen Prepelic, Ziga Samar, and Mike Toby, Slovenia will be a tough competitor in the contest.
Rudy Gobert (France)
Rudy will be returning to France’s lineup for this year’s FIBA World Cup. With the three-time Defensive Player of the Year, France will aim to win their maiden World Title. When it comes to international games, The Stifle Tower is known for his exceptional skills as a defender, scorer, and leader. Although Olympic qualification is not a concern for France, They will be seeking the finals and winning the tournament.
Anthony Edwards (USA)
Team USA is without its NBA Superstars for the World Cup, but their roster is loaded with potential, and one of them is Anthony Edwards. He was selected with the first overall pick of the 2020 NBA Draft. Anthony is developing a lethal combination of both power and accuracy in offense and defense. The youngster was acknowledged as the NBA All-Star, and in the last two exhibition games of the USA, he was also the top scorer for the team. Now it is time for him to show his skills in the World Cup.
Rudy Fernandez (Spain)
Fernandez will be playing his last World Cup, as he has already formally announced his intention to retire after Paris 2024. We will see an unforgettable energy around Rudy when the action starts. He is one of the most prominent basketball players in history, with two world titles, four EuroBasket crowns, and three Olympic medals. This time, Fernandez, along with his fellow veteran Sergio and the Hernangomez brothers, will lead Spain in the big tournament.
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