By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Expanding the playing field to six teams and switching from February to September, the FIBA Intercontinental Cup is back with the 33rd edition of the tournament.
Basketball Champions League champion Telekom Baskets Bonn, NBA G League Ignite, Zhejiang Golden Bulls, Basketball Africa League champion Al Ahly, Basketball Champions League Americas champion Sesi Franca, and West Asia Super League champion Al Manama will compete for the trophy between Thursday and Sunday in Singapore.
2023 FIBA Intercontinental Cup
Group A
Sesi Franca (Brazil)
NBA G League Ignite (United States)
Al Ahly (Egypt)
Group B
Zhejiang Golden Bulls (China)
Al Manama (Bahrain)
Telekom Baskets Bonn (Germany)
After Cairo broke the Africa barrier in 2022, the Intercontinental Cup will be held in Asia for the first time. The six participants were drawn into two equal groups to play in a round-robin schedule. The top seeds will then battle for the trophy, the second seeds for third place, and the third seeds for fifth place.
Schedule
Thursday
Telekom Baskets Bonn – Al Manama (9:00 am CET)
NBA G League Ignite – Al Ahly (1:00 pm CET)
Friday
Sesi Franca Basquete – Al Ahly (9:00 am CET)
Zhejiang Golden Bulls – Al Manama (1:00 pm CET)
Saturday
NBA G League Ignite – Sesi Franca Basquete (9:00 am CET)
Zhejiang Golden Bulls – Telekom Baskets Bonn (1:00 pm CET)
Sunday
5th place game (6:00 am CET)
3rd place game (9:00 am CET)
1st place game (1:00 pm CET)
Teams
Representing Europe after winning the BCL Final Four in Malaga, the new-look Bonn carries very few connections to the 2022-23 squad. Roel Moors taking over the head-coaching duties was among the numerous summer signings stretching to rebuilding the roster with Glynn Watson Jr., Brian Fobbs, Savion Flagg, Christian Sengfelder, and more.
The G League Ignite, established in 2020, will feature a combination of experienced players and youngsters driving on the new avenue toward the NBA draft. 2005-born Ron Holland is the most exciting prospect on the 2023-24 squad. Spanish forward Izan Almansa is on the roster as well.
More Spain through Al Ahly and head coach Augusti Julbe. Since taking over in 2021, he captured numerous domestic titles in Egypt, besides his second individual BAL championship. Two-time NBA champion Norris Cole highlights his roster.
The Golden Bulls emerged as the first team from the Chinese Basketball Association, CBA, to compete in the Intercontinental Cup. A solid squad, including Malik Newman more than capable of contending for the title in Singapore.
Runner-ups in the 1975 and 1980 editions of the Intercontinental Cup, Sesi Franca returns as the BCLA champion. Directly from the 2023 FIBA World Cup, Lucas Dias stands out from the roster.
Bahrain giant Al Manama won the inaugural season of the West Asia Super League. Sir’Dominic Pointer and Latavious Williams surface as the biggest threats to the opponents.
Photo Credit: FIBA.BASKETBALL