By Utkan Sahin/ info@eurohoops.net
The 2023 FIBA World Cup is almost upon us. The flagship FIBA tournament is scheduled to be held from 25 August to 10 September in the Philippines, Japan, and Indonesia.
Eurohoops once again is bringing you all the action, starting from the preparation period for all 32 teams which will compete for the title. All the news, prep games scores and more are included in this post and will be updated daily.
Bookmark our team-by-team files to follow the path of every country toward the ultimate goal.
Watch the upcoming World Cup on the official streaming service of FIBA! Join Courtside 1891 and never miss a second of the action!
FIBA World Cup groups of the preliminary round
Group A – Bulacan and Quezon City, Philippines
Angola
Dominican Republic
Philippines
Italy
Group B – Quezon City, Philippines
China
South Sudan
Puerto Rico
Serbia
Group C – Pasay, Philippines
Group D – Pasay, Philippines
Montenegro
Lithuania
Mexico
Egypt
Group E – Okinawa City, Japan
Germany
Australia
Finland
Japan
Group F – Okinawa City, Japan
Georgia
Slovenia
Venezuela
Cape Verde
Group G – Jakarta, Indonesia
Group H – Jakarta, Indonesia
NOTE: All you need to do is to click on a country’s name in order to visualize the national team.
NOTE -2: You can see game stats by clicking on *.
NOTE – 3: Players’ new teams are not taken into consideration.
Angola – Roster (12 Players) – Group A
Childe Dundao (Petro de Luanda – PG) 8 games, 10.6 points, 2.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists
Gerson Domingos (Petro de Luanda – PG) 8 games, 3.5 points, 0.7 rebounds, 1.1 assists
Dimitri Maconda (Alianca Sangalhos – PG ) 25 games, 10.9 points, 2.0 rebounds, 4.7 assists
Gerson Gonçalves (Petro de Luanda – G) 8 games, 9.1 points, 3.8 rebounds, 3.4 assists
Leonel Paulo (Sangalhos – SF) 15 games, 9.5 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.1 assists
Eduardo Francisco (Benfica – F) 9 games, 3.0 points, 2.3 rebounds, 0.3 assist
Antonio Monteiro (Porto – PF) 47 games, 4.8 points, 3.1 rebounds, 0.5 assist
Kevin Kokila (JL Bourg – PF/C) 53 games, 4.3 points, 2.7 rebounds, 0.5 block
Bruno Fernando (Atlanta Hawks – C) 39 games, 3.9 points, 3.5 rebounds, 0.8 assist
Silvio De Sousa (Roanne – C) 33 games, 8.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, 0.7 assist
Joao Fernandes (Sporting – C) 49 games, 4.1 points, 2.8 rebounds, 0.8 assist
Jilson Bango (Braunschweig – C) 25 games, 9.4 points, 6.6 rebounds, 0.8 block
Note: Stats in World Cup Qualifiers
Head coach: Josep Clarós – In charge since 2021 –
- Five players of the FIBA AfroBasket 2021 squad and three players of the FIBA World Cup 2019 are on the roster.
Average age: 26.3 years
Players under 20 years: 1 player
Players aged 20-25: 5 players
Players aged 25-30: 3 players
Players over 30 years: 3 players
The youngest player in the squad: Eduardo Francisco – 19 years old
The oldest player in the squad: Leonel Paulo – 37 years old
Average height: 196.1 cm
Players shorter than 1.90 m: 3 players
Players between 1.90 m and 2.00 m: 2 players
Players taller than 2.00 m: 7 players
Shortest players: Childe Dundao – 1.72 m
Tallest player: Jilson Bango – 2.08 m
Players by leagues and competitions
LPB (Portugal Basketball League): 5 players
ABL (Angola Basketball League): 3 players
LNB Pro A (France Basketball League): 2 players
NBA: 1 player
BBL (Germany Basketball League): 1 player
BAL (Basketball Africa League): 2 players
FIBA Europe Cup: 2 players
EuroCup: 1 player
Preparation games schedule (1-4)
30 July Angola – Venezuela: 66-61 (Jilson Bango 15 points, Childe Dundao 12 points)
04 August Angola – Mexico: 76-78 (Bruno Fernando 18 points, Orlando Mendez 17 points) *
05 August Angola – Jordan: 56-70 (Childe Dundão 18 points, Freddy İbrahim 15 points) *
07 August Angola – Portugal: 67-72 (Eduardo Francisco 17 points, Childe Dundao 11 points)
12 August Angola – Japan: 68-72 (Jilson Bango 14 points)
15 August Angola – Japan: 65-75 (Childe Dundão 18 points, Keisei Tominaga 20 points) *
Team Lineup
PG : Childe Dundao – Gerson Domingos
SG : Gerson Gonçalves – Dimitri Maconda
SF : Eduardo Francisco – Leonel Paulo
PF : Bruno Fernando – Kevin Kokila – Antonio Monterio
C : Jilson Bango – Silvio Sousa – Joao Fernandes
Who is missing this tournament?
Yanick Moreira, one of the prominent figures of Angola basketball, is absent from the tournament due to a problem with the federation. Similarly, Carlos Morais, another name from the national team, did not receive an invitation. Aldemiro Joao and Aboubakar Gakou, the experienced names of the team, cannot come to the cup.
News
- Angola started its preparations for the World Cup on July 15th.
- Bruno Fernando and Silvio Sousa did not join the camp, but they are expected to join the team in the camp in Spain.
- After Angola finished 4th in the preparatory tournament in Jordan, the federation said in a statement that players should be aware of their responsibilities.
- Coach Josep Carlos cut Aboubakar Gakou, Aldemiro Joao, Clesio Castro, Wilscon Ambrosio, Marco Bala, Jeronimo Luis, Milton Valente, Helder Neto,
- Danilson Francisco and Aginaldo Neto from the roster.
- Joao Fernandes is expected to be the last name to leave the squad in Angola.
- Coach Josep Carlos cut Teotonio Do from the roster.
10 Simple Facts
Team Star: Bruno Fernando
Young Talent: Eduardo Francisco
Player to Shine: Jilson Bango
First-time World Cup Participants: Childe Dundao, Dimitri Maconda, Antonio Monterio, Eduardo Francisco, Bruno Fernando, Silvio Sousa, Joao Fernandes, Jilson Bango, and Kevin Kokila are participating for the first time.
Most Experienced Player in the World Cup: Leonel Paulo is going for the 3rd time.
Performance in FIBA World Cup 2019: They finished 27th.
Goal: Dominica and the Philippines eliminated them from the training, and this is the first time since Japan 2006 that they failed to advance from the group stage.
Biggest achievement: Angola became the most successful team in African basketball by winning the AfroBasket 11 times. Their best performance in the World Cup was finishing 9th in 2006.
Qualifying Rounds: Competing in Group E of the Africa qualifiers, Angola finished 2nd with eight wins and two losses and secured a spot in the World Cup.
Number of Appearances: This is their 9th time overall, with six consecutive appearances (1986, 1990, 1994, 2002, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2019).
Dominican Republic – Roster (12 Players) – Group A
Andres Feliz (Joventut – PG) 64 games, 10.4 points, 3.3 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 4.3 assists
Gelvis Solano (Cocodrilos – PG) 33 games, 11.7 points, 3.9 rebound, 5.2 assists
Victor Liz (Arecibo – G ) 40 games, 11.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, 2.4 assists
Jean Montero (Real Betis – G) 16 games, 17.6 points, 2.4 rebounds, 3.2 assists
Lester Quinones (SC Warriors – SG) 31 games, 21.8 points, 7.0 rebounds, 4.6 assists
Rigoberto Mendoza (La Guiara – SG) 28 games, 19.7 points, 6.4 rebounds, 2.9 assists
Gerardo Suero (Osos – SG) 5 games, 12.2 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.8 assists
L.J Figueroa (Humacao – SF) 16 games, 17.7 points, 4.7 rebounds, 2.0 assists
Antonio Pena (Maracaibo – PF) 18 games, 15.9 points, 5.5 rebounds, 1.6 assists
Karl Anthony Towns (Minnesota TW – PF/C) 29 games, 20.8 points, 8.1 rebounds, 4.8 assists
Angel Delgado (Pınar Karşıyaka – C) 46 games, 11.5 points, 8.3 rebounds, 1.5 assists
Eloy Vargas (Aguada – C) 24 games, 16.2 points, 11.9 rebounds, 2.0 assists
Head coach: Nestor Garcia – In charge since 2022 –
- Two players of the FIBA AmeriCup 2022 squad and four players of the FIBA World Cup 2019 are on the roster.
Average age: 29.2 years
Players under 20 years: 0 player
Players aged 20-25: 2 players
Players aged 25-30: 5 players
Players over 30 years: 5 players
The youngest player in the squad: Jean Montero – 20 years old
The oldest player in the squad: Victor Liz – 37 years old
Average height: 196.0 cm
Players shorter than 1.90 m: 4 players
Players between 1.90 m and 2.00 m: 6 players
Players taller than 2.00 m: 4 players
Shortest players: Andres Feliz – 1.83 m
Tallest player: Karl Anthony Towns – 2.11 m
Players by leagues and competitions
BSN (Puerto Rico League): 3 players
ACB (Spain League): 2 players
V-SLB (Venezuela League): 2 players
LNB (Dominican Republic League): 1 player
NBA: 1 player
G-League: 1 player
BSL (Türkiye League): 1 player
LUB (Uruguay League): 1 player
FIBA Champions League: 1 player
EuroCup: 1 player
Preparation games schedule (2-3)
2 August Dominican Republic – Memphis University: 91-84 (Lester Quinones 30 points)
4 August Dominican Republic – Puerto Rico: 84-93 (Victor Liz 20 points, George Conditt 22 points)
12 August Dominican Republic – Latvia: 69-74 (Elay Vargas 12 points, Dairis Bertans 11 points) *
18 August Dominican Republic – Canada: 94-88 (Karl Anthony Towns 20 points, Lue Dort 13 points) *
19 August Dominican Republic – Spain: 77-86 (Karl Anthony Towns 20 points, Juan Nunez 16 points) *
Team Lineup
PG : Andres Feliz – Jean Montero – Gelvis Solano
SG : Victor Liz – Rigoberto Mendoza – Gerardo Suero
SF : Lester Quinones – LJ Figuero
PF : Karl Anthony Towns – Anthonio Pena
C : Angel Delgado – Eloy Vargas
Who is missing this tournament?
Dominican Republic’s NBA players Al Horford and Chris Duarte decided not to join the national team, even though they were called up to the provisional squad. Former EuroLeague player James Feldeine was also not called up to the national team. Justin Minaya, Jassel Perez, who play in the G-League, and Sadiel Rojas, one of the experienced names of the team, are also absent from the World Cup.
News
- Karl-Anthony Towns has firmly declared he is to play for the Dominican Republic at the FIBA Basketball World Cup.
- Chris Duarte, who plays for the Indiana Pacers, announced that he would rest this summer and will not play in the World Cup.
- Al Horford, although called up to the provisional squad, will not play in the World Cup.
- Team captain Victor Liz said that it is necessary not to criticize Al Horford for not joining the national team.
- Dominic Republic cut Joel Soriano, David Jones, Yaxel Lenderborg, Eddy Polanco, Anyeuri Castillo, Miguel Dicent, Brandone Francis, Sadiel Rojas, Jonathan Araujo, Juan Guerrero, Richard Bautista, Juan Suero, Luis Montero, Justin Minaya and Jassel Perez from the roster.
- Coach Nestor Garcia cut Angel Nunez and Luis Santos from the roster.
10 Simple Facts
Team Star: Karl Anthony Towns
Young Talent: Jean Montero, who made an impressive performance in Spain!
Player to Shine: Lester Quinones trying to make a name for himself in the NBA!
First-time World Cup Participants: Andres Feliz, Jean Montero, L.J Figueroa, Lester Quinones, Gerardo Suero, Angel Delgado, Karl Anthony Towns, Juan Guerrero and Antonio Pena are participating for the first time.
Most experienced players in the World Cup: Victor Liz and Eloy Vargas will be participating for the 3rd time.
Performance in FIBA World Cup 2019: They finished 16th.
Goal: To advance from the first-round group.
Biggest achievement: Dominican Republic won the bronze medal at the FIBA AmeriCup 2011. In the World Cup, their best performance was finishing 12th in 1978.
Qualifying Rounds: Competing in Group E of the Americas qualifiers, the Dominican Republic finished 2nd with nine wins and three losses, securing a spot in the World Cup.
Number of Appearances: This is their 4th time participating (1978, 2014, 2019).
Philippines – Roster (12 Players) – Group A
Kiefer Ravena (Shiga Lakes – PG) 49 games, 10.5 points, 2.6 rebounds, 4.0 assists
Dwight Ramos (Levanga Hokkaido – G) 41 games, 9.5 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.8 assists
Jordan Clarkson (Utah Jazz – G) 61 games, 20.8 points, 4.0 rebounds, 4.4 assists
Scottie Thompson (Barangay SM – G) 60 games, 13.9 points, 7.7 rebounds, 6.0 assists
CJ Perez (San Miguel Beermen – SG) 59 games, 18.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, 4.2 assists
Roger Pogoy (TNT Tropang – SG/F) 55 games, 18.3 points, 4.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists
Rhenz Abando (Anyang KGC – SG/F) 50 games, 8.5 points, 2.7 rebounds, 1.0 assist
Jamie Malonzo (Barangay SM – F) 56 games, 15.1 points, 7.5 rebounds, 2.4 assists
Japeth Aguilar (Barangay SM – PF/C) 45 games, 11.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, 0.9 assist
AJ Edu (Toledo – PF/C) 35 games, 2.8 points, 2.9 rebounds, 0.4 assist
June Mar Fajardo (San Miguel Beermen – C) 46 games, 17.7 points, 13.5 rebounds, 2.9 assists
Kai Sotto (Hiroshima Dragonflies – C) 54 games, 7.5 points, 5.1 rebounds, 0.8 assist
Head coach: Chot Reyes – In charge since 2022 –
- Two players of the FIBA Asia Cup 2022 squad and four players of the FIBA World Cup 2019 are on the roster.
Average age: 28.0 years
Players under 20 years: 0 player
Players aged 20-25: 3 players
Players aged 25-30: 5 players
Players over 30 years: 4 players
The youngest player in the squad: Kai Sotto – 21 years old
The oldest player in the squad: Japeth Aguilar – 36 years old
Average height: 197.1 cm
Players shorter than 1.90 m: 5 players
Players between 1.90 m and 2.00 m: 2 players
Players taller than 2.00 m: 5 players
Shortest players: Kiefer Ravena – 1.85 m
Tallest player: Kai Sotto – 2.18 m
Players by leagues and competitions
PBA (Philippines League): 6 players
B League (Japan League): 4 players
NBA: 1 player
KGC (South Korea League): 1 player
Preparation games schedule (7-6)
27 June Philippines – Estonia University Team: 71-81 (Dwight Ramos 16 points, Carlos Jügens 20 points) *
28 June Philippines – Finland University Team: 85-89 (Dwight Ramos 15 points, Mro Little 19 points) *
1 July Philippines – Ukraine U20 National Team: 70-61
2 July Philippines – Ukraine U20 National Team: 84-74 (Justin Brownlee 21 points, CJ Perez 14 points) *
4 July Philippines – Lithuania University Team: 80-90 (Justin Brownlee 20 points, Jamie Malonzo 14 points) *
8 July Philippines – Lithuania University Team: 125-122 (Junemar Fajordo 28 points, Justin Brownlee 24 points) *
3 August Philippines – Iran: 76-65 (Jaime Malonzo 11 points, Amirhossein Yazarlo 9 points) *
4 August Philippines – Senegal: 64-72 (Junemar Fajordo 14 points, Dwight Ramos 11 points) *
6 August Philippines – Senegal: 75-63 (CJ Perez 14 points, AJ Edu 13 points) *
7 August Philippines – Iran B: 63-48 (Dwight Ramos 17 points, Amirhossein Yazarloo 9 points) *
18 August Philippines – Ivory Coast: 85-62 (Jordan Clarkson 13 points, Maxence Dadiet 12 points) *
20 August Philippines – Montenegro: 87-102 (Jordan Clarkson 27 points, Nikola Vucevic 18 points) *
21 August Philippines – Mexico: 77-84 (Scottie Thompson 14 points, Pako Cruz 18 points) *
Team Lineup
PG : Dwight Ramos – Kiefer Ravena
SG : Jordan Clarkson – Scottie Thompson – CJ Perez
SF : Rhenz Abando – Rogor Pogoy
PF : Japeth Aguilar – AJ Edu – Jaime Malonzo
C : Kai Sotto – June Fajardo
Who is missing this tournament?
Andray Blatche, who was the star of the team in 2019, is no longer in the national team as he retired from basketball. Christian Standhardinger has also retired from the national team. Robert Bolick did not receive an invitation to the national team. Filipinos’ naturalized players Justin Brownlee and Ange Kouame will also not be in the tournament.
Poy Erram will miss the tournament due to injury. The veterans of the national team, Bobby Ray Parks and Chris Newsome, are not going to the World Cup.
News
- On June 1, the Philippines started its preparation period and arrived in Europe on June 24. They will stay in Europe until August, during which they will have preparation games in Estonia and Lithuania. After their time in Asia, the team will proceed to China to participate in a tournament.
- Two key players of the team, Jordan Clarkson and Kai Sotto, did not join the national team. Clarkson’s situation remains uncertain as he will become a free agent in the NBA this summer. Sotto, who is pursuing his NBA dream, chose to participate in the NBA Summer League instead of joining the national team. Both players have expressed their desire to play for the national team, but it is still unclear whether they will participate in the tournament.
- Carl Tamayo, who was part of the roster for the 2022 FIBA Asia Cup, has been removed from the national team due to an injury.
- In the Philippines, Jordan Clarkson, Justin Brownlee, and Ange Kouame are classified as naturalized players. According to the rules, the Philippines can include a maximum of one naturalized player in the roster for the World Cup. The Philippine Basketball Federation has made an application stating that Clarkson is not considered a naturalized player, but it is not expected to receive a response to this application before the tournament begins.
- Justin Brownlee, who played a significant role in the Philippines’ victory in the Southeast Asian Games, joined the European camp late due to an injury. Similarly, Rogor Popoy, Jordan Heading, and Calvin Oftana also joined the national team late due to injuries.
- Due to the Philippines’ preference for Jordan Clarkson as a naturalized player, Ange Kouame, who was also eligible for the same status, will not be able to participate in the tournament. Ange Kouame will leave the national team on August 1st. Coach Reyes expressed his gratitude to Kouame, stating that he made a significant contribution to the team, especially in helping June Mar Fajardo prepare well for the tournament.
- Kai Sotto, who is competing in the NBA Summer League, joined the national team camp on July 18th, but due to a back injury, he could not continue with the training sessions. It is still unknown whether the young star will be able to participate in the tournament. His availability for the World Cup remains uncertain until further updates on his injury and recovery status.
- Coach Reyes announced that he had chosen Jordan Clarkson as the naturalized player, and he also acknowledged that Justin Brownlee, who is also dealing with an injury, has left the national team camp. This means that Justin Brownlee will not be able to participate in the tournament due to his injury.
- Scottie Thompson, who suffered an injury, was not included in the roster for the preparation tournament in China. His injury has prevented him from participating in the tournament.
- Jordan Clarkson and Kai Sotto did not join the national team for the tournament in China.
- Jordan Clarkson came to the Philippines to join the national team.
- Poy Erram was removed from the national team due to a knee injury.
- Chot Reyes cut Bobby Ray Parks, Calvin Oftana, Thirdy Ravena, Jordan Heading and Chris Newsome from the roster.
10 Simple Facts
Team Star: Jordan Clarkson
Young Talent: Kai Sotto
Player to Shine: AJ Edu
First-time World Cup Participants: Dwight Ramos, Rhenz Abando, Scottie Thompson, Rogor Poy, Jamie Malonzo, Kai Sotto, AJ Edu and Jordan Clarkson are participating for the first time.
Most Experienced Player in the World Cup: Japeth Aguilar and June Mar Fajardo will be participating for the 3rd time.
Performance in FIBA World Cup 2019: They finished 32nd.
Goal: To advance from the first-round group or at least secure one victory.
Biggest achievement: Philippines won the bronze medal at the FIBA World Cup in 1954.
Qualifying Rounds: Despite being the host nation, the Philippines still participated in the qualifiers. In the Asia qualifiers, they finished 4th in Group E with six wins and four losses.
Number of Appearances: This is their 7th time participating (1954, 1959, 1974, 1978, 2014, 2019).
Italy – Roster (12 Players) – Group A
Marco Spissu (Umana Venezia – PG) 47 games, 9.6 points, 2.5 rebounds, 4.4 assists
Matteo Spagnolo (Dolomiti Trento – PG) 42 games, 12.2 points, 3.7 rebounds, 3.4 assists
Alessandro Pajola (Virtus Bologna – PG) 65 games, 3.2 points, 1.8 rebounds, 2.8 assists
Stefano Tonut (EA7 Milano – SG) 62 games, 4.0 points, 1.9 rebounds, 0.9 assist
Simone Fontecchio (Utah Jazz – SF) 52 games, 6.3 points, 1.6 rebounds, 0.8 assist
Gabriele Procida (ALBA Berlin – SF) 55 games, 6.2 points, 2.2 rebounds, 0.6 assist
Luigi Datome (EA7 Milano – F) 36 games, 5.9 points, 1.4 rebounds, 0.3 assist
Achille Polonara (Zalgiris Kaunas – PF) 60 games, 4.9 points, 4.5 rebounds, 1.3 assists
Giampaolo Ricci (EA7 Milano – PF) 73 games, 3.2 points, 2.2 rebounds, 0.5 assist
Luca Severini (Derthona – PF) 39 games, 6.7 points, 4.3 rebounds, 0.8 assist
Nicolo Melli (EA7 Milano – PF/C) 75 games, 8.5 points, 6.1 rebounds, 1.4 assists
Mouhamet Diouf (Reggio Emilia – C) 33 games, 5.4 points, 2.8 rebounds, 0.7 block
Head coach: Gianmarco Pozzecco – In charge since 2022 –
- Eight players of the FIBA EuroBasket 2022 squad and one player of the FIBA World Cup 2019 are on the roster.
Average age: 27.1 years
Players under 20 years: 0 player
Players aged 20-25: 4 players
Players aged 25-30: 4 players
Players over 30 years: 4 players
The youngest player in the squad: Matteo Spagnolo – 20 years old
The oldest player in the squad: Luigi Datome – 35 years old
Average height: 199.6 cm
Players shorter than 1.90 m: 1 player
Players between 1.90 m and 2.00 m: 3 players
Players taller than 2.00 m: 8 players
Shortest players: Marco Spissu – 1.85 m
Tallest player: Mouhamet Diouf – 2.06 m
Players by leagues and competitions
Legabasket (Italy League): 9 players
NBA: 1 player
BBL (Germany League): 1 player
LKL (Lithuania League): 1 player
EuroLeague: 7 players
EuroCup: 2 players
FIBA Champions League: 1 player
Preparation games schedule (7-0)
4 August Italy – Turkey: 90-89 (Simone Fontechhio 21 points, Ömer Faruk Yurtseven 23 points) *
5 August Italy – China: 79-61 (Matteo Spagnolo 13 points, Zhou Qi 12 points) *
9 August Italy – Serbia: 89-88 (Simone Fontecchio 13 points, Nikola Jovic 18 points) *
10 August Italy – Greece: 74-70 (Simone Fontecchio 17 points, Nik Rogkavopoulos 12 points) *
13 August Italy – Puerto Rico: 98-65 (Simone Fontecchio 16 points, Ethan Thompson 14 points) *
20 August Italy – Brazil: 93-87 (Simone Fontecchio 26 points, Lucas Dias 18 points) *
21 August Italy – New Zealand: 88-81 (Matteo Spagnolo 14 points, Finn Delany 13 points) *
Team Lineup
PG : Marco Spissu – Matteo Spagnolo
SG : Stefano Tonut – Alessandro Pajola
SF : Simone Fontecchio – Gabriel Procida – Luigi Datome
PF : Achille Polonara – Giampaolo Ricci – Luca Severini
C : Nicolo Melli – Mouhamet Diouf
Who is missing this tournament?
Italian star player Danilo Gallinari is absent due to rehabilitation work. Experienced national team players Marco Belinelli and Daniel Hackett are not on the roster as they have retired from the national team. Darius Thompson is also not in the provisional squad, as his citizenship process has not been completed yet.
News
- Italy started its preparations for the World Cup on July 24th.
- Darius Thompson will not be able to participate in the national team as he has not yet obtained an Italian passport, and his wife is pregnant
- Italian basketball legend Luigi Datome has announced that he will retire from basketball after the World Cup.
- Italy’s efforts to include Paolo Banchero in the national team were not successful, as he has chosen to represent the United States instead.
- Danilo Gallinari, who suffered an injury while with the national team last summer, was not called up to the squad this time due to his ongoing rehabilitation process.
- Nicolo Mannion, who was called up to the provisional squad, has been removed from the roster as he expressed his desire to rest this summer.
- Captain Gigi Datome stated that Nicolo Melli and Simone Fontechhio are the leaders of the team.
- Riccardo Visconti was cut from the candidate squad.
- Simone Fontecchio: “I don’t want to talk about goals. We want to do our best and play well. Also, we need a bit of luck.”
- Gigi Datome after his last game in Italy: “It’s a beautiful summer”
- Tomas Woldetensae and Guglielmo Caruso were cut from the candidate squad.
- Gianmarco Pozzecco on Italy: “This is a loved and respected team”
- Fontecchio, Datome, and Melli spoke before Italy’s debut in the World Cup
10 Simple Facts
Team Star: Nicolo Melli
Young Talent: Matteo Spagnolo
Player to Shine: Simone Fontecchio, who had a good performance in EuroBasket, can also showcase his skills in this tournament.
First–time World Cup Participants: Except for Luigi Datome, all players will be making their debut in the World Cup.
Most Experienced Player in the World Cup: Luigi Datome, participating for the 2nd time.
Performance in FIBA World Cup 2019: Italy finished 10th.
Goal: To reach the quarter-finals without making mistakes and then push for a chance at a medal.
Biggest Achievements: Won silver medals at the 1980 and 2004 Olympic Games. Secured gold medals in EuroBasket in 1983 and 1999. Their best performance in the World Cup was finishing 4th in 1970 and 1978.
Qualifying Rounds: Italy finished 2nd in Group L of the European Qualifiers with eight wins and two losses, earning a spot in the World Cup.
Number of Appearances: Italy is participating for the 10th time in the FIBA World Cup (1963, 1967, 1970, 1978, 1986, 1990, 1998, 2006, 2019).
China – Roster (12 Players) – Group B
Zhao Jiwei (Liaoning Dinosaurs – PG) 50 games, 12.8 points, 3.3 rebounds, 8.6 assists
Hu Mingxuan (Guangdong Dongguan – G) 43 games, 10.5 points, 2.7 rebounds, 3.7 assists
Zhao Rui (Guangdong Dongguan – SG) 36 games, 11.1 points, 3.6 rebounds, 5.7 assists
Cui Yongxi (Guangzhou Lions – SG) 43 games, 12.0 points, 5.7 rebounds, 2.7 assists
Zhang Zhenlin (Liaoning Dinosaurs – SF) 40 games, 15.5 points, 6.2 rebounds, 3.2 assists
Zhu Junlong (Zhejiang Chouzhou – SF) 50 games, 9.5 points, 6.9 rebounds, 2.2 assists
Kyle Anderson (Minnesota Timberwolves – SF) 73 games, 9.3 points, 5.2 rebounds, 4.7 assists
Zhou Peng (Shenzhen – PF) 40 games, 6.7 points, 2.8 rebounds, 1.7 assists
Fu Hao (Liaoning Dinosaurs – PF) 50 games, 10.04 points, 5.1 rebounds, 1.1 assists
Zhou Qi (Shout East Melbourne – C) 9 games, 6.2 points, 4.4 rebounds, 0.2 assist
Wang Zhelin (Shanghai Dongfang – C) 43 games, 22.1 points, 11.6 rebounds, 2.6 assists
Hu Jinqiu (Zhejiang Chouzhou – C) 34 games, 20.2 points, 11.0 rebounds, 1.1 assists
Head coach: Aleksandar Djordjevic – In charge since 2022 –
- Six players of the FIBA Asia Cup 2022 squad and five players of the FIBA World Cup 2019 are on the roster.
Average age: 26.3 years
Players under 20 years: 0 player
Players aged 20-25: 3 players
Players aged 25-30: 8 players
Players over 30 years: 1 player
The youngest player in the squad: Chui Yongxi – 20 years old
The oldest player in the squad: Zhou Peng – 33 years old
Average height: 202.2 m
Players shorter than 1.90 m: 1 player
Players between 1.90 m and 2.00 m: 4 players
Players taller than 2.00 m: 7 players
Shortest players: Zhao Jiwei – 1.85 cm
Tallest player: Zhou Qui – 2.12 cm
Players by leagues and competitions
CBA (China League): 10 players
NBL (Australia League): 1 player
NBA: 1 player
Preparation games schedule (3-6)
14 July China – Croatia: 64-82
17 July China – Croatia: 61-75 (Zhang Zhenlin 20 points, Zhou Qui 13 points) *
25 July China – Slovenia: 73-75 (Zhou Qi 16 points, Klemen Prepelic 20 points) *
28 July China – Egypt: 80-69 (Fang Shuo 14 points, Ehab Amin 13 points) *
4 August China – Cape Verde: 86-66 (Cui Yongxi 18 points, Ivan Almedia 20 points) *
5 August China – Italy: 61-79 (Zhou Qi 12 points, Matteo Spagnolo 13 points) *
12 August China – Germany: 57-108 (Kyle Anderson 10 points, Franz Wagner 20 points) *
13 August China – New Zealand: 69-68 (Kyle Anderson 18 points, Flynn Cameron 12 points) *
20 August China – Serbia: 64-87 (Hu Mingxuan 14 points, Bogdan Bogdanovic 19 points)
Team Lineup
PG: Zhao Rui – Zhao Jiwei
SG: Cui Yongxi – Hu Mingxuan
SF: Zhang Zhenlin – Zhu Junlong
PF: Kyle Anderson – Zhou Peng – Fu Hao
C : Zhou Qi – Wang Zhelin – Hu Jinqui
Who is missing this tournament?
Jianlian Yi, the leader of the team in 2019, was not invited to the national team. Likewise, Ailun Guo, one of the experienced names on the national team, was not called due to his injury. Fang Shuo and Sun Minghui, who were in the squad at the FIBA World Cup 2019, are not in the squad.
News
- China began preparations for the World Cup on June 23.
- Coach Sasha Djordjevic said that only Zhou Qi and Wang Zhelin’s place in the national team is guaranteed, while other players will be selected based on their performance in the preparation period.
- Coach Sasha Djordjevic said that their priority is to improve the defense.
- Chinese sources claimed that if Ailun Guo regains his health, he will be called up to the national team.
- Kyle Anderson, whose grandmother is Chinese, will wear the Chinese jersey as a naturalized player in the World Cup. Allegedly, Anderson will earn $1 million for it.
- Kyle Anderson will play his first game with the Chinese jersey at the tournament to be held in China on August 20.
- Zeng Fanbo is undergoing treatment for a back injury.
- Coach Sasha Djordjevic cut Yu Jiahao, He Xining and Zeng Fanbo from the roster.
- Coach Sasha Djordjevic finally removed Fang Shuo, Cheng Shuaigen, Du Runwang and Sun Minghui from the roster and decided to the 12-man final.
10 Simple Facts
Team Star: Kyle Anderson
Young Talent: Cui Yongxi
Player to Shine: Zhang Zhenlin
First-time World Cup Participants: Kyle Anderson, Zhang Zhenlin, Fu Hao, Zhu Junlong, Hu Jinqiu, Zhou Peng, Zhao Rui, Hu Mingxuan and Cui Yongxi are participating for the first time.
Most Experienced Players in the World Cup: Zhao Jiwei, Wang Zhelin and Zhu Qi are going for the 2nd time.
Performance in FIBA World Cup 2019: They finished 24th.
Goal: To advance from the first-round group.
Biggest achievement: China has won the Asia Cup 16 times. In the World Cup, their best performance was finishing 8th in 1994.
Qualifying Rounds: Competing in Group F of the Asia qualifiers, China finished 2nd with ten wins and two losses and secured a spot in the World Cup.
Number of Appearances: China is participating for the 10th time in the FIBA World Cup (1978, 1982, 1986, 1990, 1994, 2002, 2006, 2010, 2019)
South Sudan – Roster (12 Players) – Group B
Carlik Jones (Chicago Bulls – PG) 7 games 2.8 points, 0.7 rebound, 0.8 assist
Sunday Dech (Adelaide – PG) 31 games 7.0 points, 2.6 rebounds, 2.2 assists
Marial Shayok (Maine Celtics – SG) 21 games 19.7 points, 4.7 rebounds, 4.3 assists
Peter Jok (Nantes – SG/F) 8 games 7.2 points, 3.1 rebounds, 0.7 assist
Emmanuel Akot (Western Kentucky – SG/F) 31 games 10.0 points, 3.7rebounds, 2.3 assists
Kuany Kuany (Karhu – SF) 11 games 7.7 points, 2.1 rebounds, 1.3 assists
Nuni Omot (Lakeland Magic – F) 24 games 8.5 points, 3.1 rebounds, 1.6 assists
Majok Deng (Cairns – PF) 32 games 6.4 points, 3.9 rebounds, 0.4 assist
Wenyen Gabriel (LA Lakers – PF/C) 68 games 5.5 points, 4.2 rebounds, 0.5 assist
Mangok Mathiang (Hapoel Eilat – C) 11 games 11.1 points, 13.9 rebounds, 1.9 blocks
Khaman Maluach (AS Douanes – C) 10 games 5.4 points, 5.7 rebounds, 1.2 blocks
Deng Acuoth (Adelaide – C) 16 games 0.2 points, 0.7 rebounds, 0.1 block
Head coach: Royal Ivey – In charge since 2023 –
- South Sudan has two players from FIBA Afrobasket 2021 on the roster. South Sudan were unable to compete in the FIBA World Cup 2019 as they failed to qualify.
Average age: 26.7 years old
Players under 20 years: 1 player
Players aged 20-25: 1 players
Players aged 25-30: 8 players
Players over 30 years: 2 players
The youngest player in the squad: Khaman Maluach – 16 years old
The oldest player in the squad: Mangok Mathiang – 30 years old
Average height: 202.0 cm
Players shorter than 1.90 m: 1 player
Players between 1.90 m and 2.00 m: 4 players
Players taller than 2.00 m: 7 players
Shortest players: Carlik Jones – 1.83 m
Tallest player: Khaman Maluach – 2.13 m
Players by leagues and competitions
NBL (Australia League): 3 players
NBA: 2 players
G-League: 2 players
NCAA: 1 player
IBSL (Israel League): 1 player
Basketligaen (Denmark League): 1 player
Nationale 1 (Senegal League): 1 player
LNB B (France 2. League): 1 player
Preparation games schedule (3-2)
14 August South Sudan – Brazil: 75-85 (Wenyen Gabriel 17 points, Tim Soares 15 points) *
16 August South Sudan – Venezuela: 80-61 (Carlik Jones 14 points, Nestor Colmenares 19 points) *
17 August South Sudan – Australia: 67-88 (Marial Shayok 15 points, Matisse Thybulle 17 points) *
20 August South Sudan – Iran: 77-71
22 August South Sudan – Jordan: 91-82
Team Lineup
PG : Carlik Jones – Sunday Dech
SG : Marial Shayok – Peter Jok
SF : Nuni Omot – Kuany Kuany – Emmanuel Akot
PF : Wenyen Gabriel – Majok Deng
C : Mangok Mathiang -Khaman Maluach – Deng Acuoth
Who is missing this tournament?
Bul Kuol, Padiet Wang, Anyiarbany Makoi and Dut Kacuol, who are in the World Cup Qualifiers, are not in the squad.
News
- Royal Ivey, assistant coach of the Houston Rockets, replaced Luol Deng, who coached the team in the World Cup Qualifiers.
- Koch Bar, Mathiang Muo and Mareng Gatkouth, who were in the squad in FIBA Afrobasket 2021, are absent from the World Cup.
- Coach Royal Ivey removed Koch Bar, Gob Gabriel, Mathiang Muo, Deng Dut, Junior Madut and Mareng Gatkouth and determined the 12-man roster.
10 Simple Facts
Team Star: Wenyen Gabriel
Young Talent: Khaman Maluach
Player to Shine: Carlik Jones
First-time World Cup Participants: The whole team is participating in the tournament for the first time.
Most Experienced Player in the World Cup: None of the players on the roster have played in World Cup.
Performance in FIBA World Cup 2019: Could not join
Goal: To surprise the group against Puerto Rico and China
Biggest achievement: South Sudan finished 7th in Afrobasket 2021
Qualifying Rounds: Competing in Group F of the Africa qualifiers, South Sudan finished leader with eleven wins and one loss and secured a spot in the World Cup.
Number of Appearances: First time
Puerto Rico – Roster (12 Players) – Group B
Tremont Waters (Levallois – PG) 23 games, 18.2 points, 2.7 rebounds, 4.9 assists
Jordan Howard (Napoli – PG) 29 games, 13.4 points, 1.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists
Stephen Thompson (Bnei Herzelia – SG) 8 games, 5.3 points, 1.2 rebounds, 0.7 assist
Ethan Thompson (Windy City Bulls – SG) 30 games, 16.9 points, 5.1 rebounds, 3.6 assists
Justin Reyes (Varese – SF) 18 games, 9.6 points, 4.8 rebounds, 0.7 assist
Aleem Ford (Lakeland Magic – SF) 15 games, 12.0 points, 2.7 rebounds, 1.4 assists
John Holland (Crvena Zvezda – SF) 37 games, 3.9 points, 0.8 rebounds, 0.6 assists
George Conditt IV (Promitheas – PF) 42 games, 9.8 points, 6.2 rebounds, 0.7 assist
Christopher Ortiz (Osos – PF) 33 games, 18.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, 2.0 assists
Isaiah Pineiro (Pirates de Quebradillas – PF) 20 games, 7.5 points, 3.7 rebounds, 1.7 assists
Arnaldo Toro (Zwolle – PF) 20 games, 13.2 points, 10.4 rebounds, 1.2 assists
Ismael Romero (Bayamon – C) 59 games, 13.4 points, 7.5 rebounds, 1.7 assists
Head coach: Nelson Colon – In charge since 2021 –
- Seven players of the FIBA AmeriCup 2022 squad and one player of the FIBA World Cup 2019 are on the roster.
Average age: 27.2 years
Players under 20 years: 0 player
Players aged 20-25: 2 players
Players aged 25-30: 7 players
Players over 30 years: 3 players
The youngest player in the squad: George Conditt IV – 22 years old
The oldest player in the squad: John Holland – 34 years old
Average height: 196.3 m
Players shorter than 1.90 m: 2 players
Players between 1.90 m and 2.00 m: 4 players
Players taller than 2.00 m: 6 players
Shortest players: Tremont Waters – 1.78 cm
Tallest player: George Conditt IV – 2.08 cm
Players by leagues and competitions
BSN (Puerto Rico League): 3 players
G-League: 2 players
Lega Basket (Italy League): 2 players
LNB Pro A (France League): 1 player
IBSL (Israel League): 1 player
HEBA A1 (Greece League): 1 player
BNXT (Belgium&Holland League): 1 player
EuroCup: 1 player
EuroLeague: 1 player
FIBA Basketball Champions League: 1 player
ABA Liga: 1 player
Preparation games schedule (1-5)
4 August Puerto Rico – Dominican Republic: 93-84 (George Conditt 22 points, Victor Liz 20 points)
7 August Puerto Rico – USA: 74-117 (Tremont Waters 17 points, Anthony Edwards 15 points) *
13 August Puerto Rico – Italy: 65-98 (Ethan Thompson 14 points, Simone Fontecchio 16 points) *
16 August Puerto Rico – Serbia: 75-110 (Tremont Waters 11 points, Ognjen Dobric 23 points) *
19 August Puerto Rico – Lithuania: 80-93 (Jordan Howard 18 points, Jonas Valanciunas 20 points) *
20 August Puerto Rico – Latvia: 72-84
Team Lineup
PG : Tremont Waters – Jordan Howard
SG : Ethan Thompson – Stephen Thompson
SF : John Holland – Aleem Ford – Justin Reyes
PF : Christopher Ortiz – Isaiah Pineiro – Arnaldo Toro
C : George Conditt IV – Ismael Romero
Who is missing this tournament?
Puerto Rico’s NBA player Jose Alvarado was not called up to the roster as his right leg injury did not heal on time. National team veterans Gian Clavell, Timajh Parker and Gary Browne, are also absent due to their injuries.
News
- While the domestic league ended at the end of July in Puerto Rico, the national team was therefore able to assemble as a whole team on July 28.
- Requesting money to participate in the World Cup in 2019, John Holland was invited to the national team for the first time after a 4-year hiatus.
- Puerto Rico General Manager Carlos Arroyo said that Jose Alvarado wanted to join the national team, but the New Orleans Pelicans did not allow him because his injury did not fully heal after last week’s MR.
- John Holland said he did not think about what happened in 2019 and said he is excited to play for the national team.
- General Manager Carlos Arroyo said Holland was the first name that came to mind after Gian Clavell’s injury.
- Timajh Parker was cut from the roster.
- John Holland: “Puerto Rico young and talented, we want to win”
- Coach Nelson Colon cut Phillip Wheeler from the roster.
10 Simple Facts
Team Star: Tremont Waters
Young Talent: George Conditt IV
Player to Shine: George Conditt IV
First-time World Cup Participants: Except for Isaiah Pinero, all players will be making their debut in the World Cup.
Most Experienced Player in the World Cup: Isaiah Pinero is going for the 2nd time.
Performance in FIBA World Cup 2019: They finished 15th.
Goal: To advance from the first-round group.
Biggest achievement: Puerto Rico won the gold medal at the FIBA AmeriCup 1980, 1989 and 1995. In the World Cup, their best performance was finishing 4th in 1990.
Qualifying Rounds: Competing in Group F of the America qualifiers, Puerto Rico finished 2nd with eight wins and four losses and secured a spot in the World Cup.
Number of Appearances: Puerto Rico is participating for the 15th time in the FIBA World Cup
Serbia – Roster (12 Players) – Group B
Aleksa Avramovic (Partizan – PG) 42 games, 7.2 points, 1.9 rebounds, 2.4 assists
Stefan Jovic (Zaragoza – PG) 20 games, 8.7 points, 3.0 rebounds, 4.1 assists
Bogdan Bogdanovic (Atlanta Hawks – SG) 54 games, 14.0 points, 3.1 rebounds, 2.8 assists
Vanja Marinkovic (Baskonia – SG) 65 games, 9.2 points, 1.5 rebounds, 1.1 assists
Marko Guduric (Fenerbahçe – SG/F) 59 games, 11.8 points, 2.7 rebounds, 3.4 assists
Ognjen Dobric (Crvena Zvezda– SF) 68 games, 10.1 points, 2.6 rebounds, 1.5 assists
Dejan Davidovac (CSKA – F) 50 games, 6.9 points, 3.5 rebounds, 1.0 assist
Nikola Jovic (Miami Heat – PF) 15 games, 5.5 points, 2.1 rebounds, 0.7 assists
Filip Petrusev (Crvena Zvezda – PF) 72 games, 11.0 points, 4.9 rebounds, 1.2 assists
Borisa Simanic (Zaragoza – PF/C) 33 games, 6.9 points, 3.5 rebounds, 0.3 assist
Nikola Milutinov (CSKA – C) 43 games, 14.7 points, 8.3 rebounds, 1.6 assists
Dusan Ristic (Galatasaray – C) 38 games, 10.9 points, 5.7 rebounds, 0.8 assist
Head coach: Svetislav Pesic – In charge since 2021 –
- Four players of the FIBA EuroBasket 2022 squad and four players of the FIBA World Cup 2019 are on the roster.
Average age: 27.0 years
Players under 20 years: 0 player
Players aged 20-25: 2 players
Players aged 25-30: 8 players
Players over 30 years: 2 players
The youngest player in the squad: Nikola Jovic – 20 years old
The oldest player in the squad: Stefan Jovic – 32 years old
Average height: 202.8 m
Players shorter than 1.90 m: 0 player
Players between 1.90 m and 2.00 m: 5 players
Players taller than 2.00 m: 7 players
Shortest players: Aleksa Avramovic – 1.92 cm
Tallest players: Nikola Milutinov and Dusan Ristic – 2.13 cm
Players by leagues and competitions
ACB (Spain League): 3 players
KLS (Serbia League): 2 players
NBA: 2 players
BSL (Turkey League): 2 players
VTB: 2 players
EuroLeague: 5 players
ABA Liga: 3 players
FIBA Basketball Champions League: 1 player
Preparation games schedule (5-1)
3 August Serbia – Poland: 81-66
8 August Serbia – Greece: 71-64 (Bogdan Bogdanovic 15 points, Nik Rogkavopoulos 19 points) *
9 August Serbia – Italy: 88-89 (Nikola Jovic 18 points, Simone Fontecchio 13 points) *
16 August Serbia – Puerto Rico: 110-75 (Ognjen Dobric 23 points, Tremont Waters 11 points) *
20 August Serbia – China: 87-64 (Bogdan Bogdanovic 19 points, Filip Petrusev 13 points) *
21 August Serbia – Brazil: 89-85 (Filip Petrusev 17 points, Vitor Benite 17 points) *
Team Lineup
PG : leksa Avramovic – Stefan Jovic
SG : Bogdan Bogdanovic – Vanja Marinkovic
SF : Marko Guduric – Ognjen Dobric
PF : Nikola Jovic – Filip Petrusev – Dejan Davidovac
C : Nikola Milutinov – Dusan Ristic – Borisa Simanic
Who is missing this tournament?
Serbia’s pillars, Nikola Jokic and Vasilije Micic are missing. Apart from this duo, important names such as Boban Marjanovic, Nemanja Bjelica, Nikola Kalinic, and Vladimir Lucic are not coming to the World Cup. Nemanja Nedovic is out of the extended squad.
News
- Serbia started its World Cup preparations on 28 July.
- Coach Pesic said that he will decide on the final 12-man squad on August 24.
- Coach Pesic said it is not clear whether Stefan Jovic will attend the training camp due to a health condition in his family. Ognjen Jaramaz also could not attend the camp due to his injury.
- Coach Pesic said the following about Jokic’s absence from the national team: “We had a few conversations with Jokic. These talks went very well. We did our best, but at the moment he is not physically and mentally ready to take responsibility as expected.”
- Coach Pesic explained that Vasilije Micic and Luka Mitrovic did not join the national team to prepare for the new season, while Nikola Kalinic was not ready to join the national team mentally. Vladimir Lucic, who had surgery, was not called up to the squad as his injury continued.
- Nemanja Nedovic said of Vasilije Micic’s absence: “It’s okay for me. I play wherever I want to play. Playing quarterback is not a problem. This season, I also played a quarterback in Red Star a few times. The same goes for Guduric. We have options, we’ll handle it. They say, ‘Serbia has no players to pass the ball’. It’s like the players here don’t know how to pass. We will handle it.”
- Marko Guduric does not agree with the statements that there may be difficulties in setting up the game in the team: “We will handle it. There’s Nedovic, there’s Avramovic, I played a lot of point guard last season. We’ll see when we start training. I will find out what he thinks, his ideas in our discussions with the coach.”
- Coach Pesic said of the recruited players: “There is no need for recruits in the national team at the moment. One day the Serbian National Team will use recruited players, but it will definitely not be under my coaching.”
- Aleksej Pokusevki, who was called up to the candidate squad, will not be able to play in the World Cup as his injury will not heal until the end of August. Ognjen Jaramaz was also removed from the squad due to injury.
- He missed the first week of the preparation period due to the injuries of Uros Trifonovic and Alen Smailagic.
- Coach Pesic said of Bogdan Bogdanovic: “Bogdan Bogdanovic has tremendous talent and proves at every opportunity that he is the leader of this team”
- Coach Pesic removed Alen Smailagic, Dusan Beslac, Nikola Topic and Uros Trifonovic, reducing the candidate squad to 14 people.
- Bogdan Bogdanovic: “Given that it’s a relatively young team, we’ve managed well. Preparations have proceeded smoothly, without significant injuries, which is of paramount importance. We’re prepared to compete and continue our preparations for the World Cup. We play a fast and attractive style of basketball; I can assert that beforehand and hope for the best, as always.”
- Nikola Milutinov: “I would be more happy if Jokic was here”
- Serbia’s Nemanja Nedovic reportedly out of World Cup
- Nemanja Nedovic will officially miss the 2023 FIBA World Cup.
- Coach Svetislav Pesic has announced that they will not call young talent Nikola Topic to the squad after Nedovic’s departure.
- Coach Svetislav Pesic cut Aleksa Radanov from the roster.
- Bogdan Bogdanovic’s sheer excitement in Serbian NT
10 Simple Facts
Team Star: Bogdan Bogdanovic
Young Talent: Nikola Jovic
Player to Shine: Nemanja Nedovic
First-time World Cup Participants: Aleksa Avramovic, Dusan Beslac, Dejan Davidovac, Ognjen Dobric, Nikola Jovic, Vanja Marinkovic, Nemanja Nedovic, Filip Petrusev, Aleksej Pokusevski, Dusan Ristic, Borisa Simanic, Nikola Topic and Uros Trifonovic are participating for the first time.
Most Experienced Player in the World Cup: Bogdan Bogdanovic and Stefan Jovic are going for the 3rd time.
Performance in FIBA World Cup 2019: They finished 5th.
Goal: To qualify as the group leader and get the medals
Biggest achievement: Serbia won the gold medal at the FIBA World Cup in 1998 and 2022. They won the gold medal in EuroBasket 1995, 1997, and 2021.
Qualifying Rounds: Competing in Group I of the Europe qualifiers, Serbia finished 2nd with six wins and four losses and secured a spot in the World Cup.
Number of Appearances: Serbia is participating for the 6th time in the FIBA World Cup.
USA – Roster (12 Players) – Group C
Jalen Brunson (New York Knicks – PG) 68 games, 24.0 points, 3.5 rebounds, 6.2 assists
Tyrese Haliburton (Indiana Pacers – PG) 56 games, 20.7 points, 3.7 rebounds, 10.4 assists
Austin Reaves (LA Lakers – PG) 64 games, 13.0 points, 3.0 rebounds, 3.4 assists
Anthony Edwards (Minnesota Timberwolves – SG) 79 games, 24.6 points, 5.8 rebounds, 4.4 assists
Josh Hart (NY Knicks – SG) 76 games, 9.8 points, 7.8 rebounds, 3.8 assists
Mikal Bridges (Brooklyn Nets – SF) 83 games, 20.1 points, 4.4 rebounds, 3.3 assists
Cam Johnson (Brooklyn Nets – SF) 42 games, 15.5 points, 4.4 rebounds, 1.9 assists
Brandon Ingram (NO Pelicans – F) 45 games, 24.7 points, 5.5 rebounds, 5.8 assists
Paolo Banchero (Orlando Magic – PF) 72 games, 19.9 points, 6.9 rebounds, 3.7 assists
Walker Kessler (Utah Jazz – C) 74 games, 9.2 points, 8.4 rebounds, 2.3 blocks
Jaren Jackson Jr. (Memphis Grizzlies – PF/C) 63 games, 18.6 points, 6.8 rebounds, 3.0 blocks
Bobby Portis (Milwaukee Bucks – PF/C) 70 games, 14.1 points, 9.6 rebounds, 1.5 assists
Head coach: Steve Kerr – In charge since 2021 –
- None of the players on the roster have played in a major tournament before.
Average age: 24.4 years
Players under 20 years: 0 player
Players aged 20-25: 5 players
Players aged 25-30: 7 players
Players over 30 years: 0 player
The youngest player in the squad: Paolo Banchero – 20 years old
The oldest player in the squad: Bobby Portis – 28 years old
Average height: 200.8 m
Players shorter than 1.90 m: 1 player
Players between 1.90 m and 2.00 m: 5 players
Players taller than 2.00 m: 6 players
Shortest players: Jalen Brunson – 1.88 cm
Tallest player: Walker Kessler – 2.13 cm
Players by leagues and competitions
NBA: 12 players
Preparation games schedule (5-0)
7 August USA – Puerto Rico 117-74 (Anthony Edwards 15 points, Tremont Waters 17 points) *
12 August USA – Slovenia: 92-62 (Anthony Edwards 15 points, Gregor Glas 14 points) *
13 August USA – Spain: 98-88 (Jalen Brunson 23 points, Santi Aldama 14 points) *
18 August USA – Greece: 108-86 (Anthony Edwards 21 points, Nik Rogkavopoulos 12 points) *
20 August USA – Germany: 99-91 (Anthony Edwards 34 points, Franz Wagner 17 points) *
Team Lineup
PG: Jalen Brunson – Tyrese Haliburton – Austin Reaves
SG: Anthony Edwards – Josh Hart
SF : Mikal Bridges – Cam Johnson
PF : Brandon Ingram – Paulo Banchero
C: Jaren Jackson Jr. – Bobby Portis – Walker Kessler
Who is missing this tournament?
A lot of top NBA players are missing…
News
- The United States started preparations for the World Cup on August 5 in Las Vegas. After Las Vegas, preparatory games will be played in Spain and the United Arab Emirates.
- Paolo Banchero, who has Italian citizenship, and Austin Rivers, who has German roots, decided to wear the United States jersey instead of these countries.
- Paul Banchero explained why he chose America: “The photo of the USA team hung on the ground floor of my room. I saw that photo every day. Playing for the USA national team was one of my biggest dreams when I was a kid.”
- Although the United States tried to bring Joel Embiid to the tournament, they could not convince the player.
- “I stand behind those who will go to the World Cup. I believe they will represent America in the best way and come home with a gold medal,” said NBA star Stephen Curry.
- The United States lost in both friendlies to the Select Squad, which was formed to prepare the team for the World Cup.
- According to The Athletic’s report, USA National players have selected Memphis Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr. as the star of the training camp. The 23-year-old player was the choice of most of his teammates.
- Steve Kerr: “The team is settling into patterns, which can be so valuable in these tight prep windows. Anthony Edwards, who came in as the team’s second-leading scorer, led them with 21 points (three 3-pointers) in just 18 minutes. Mikal Bridges, who came in ridiculously efficient shooting 68% in the first games, was efficient again as he made 3 of 5 shots and scored 10. The other three starters — Jalen Brunson, Brandon Ingram, and Jaren Jackson Jr. — generally showed the good ball and body movement and active defense that has largely been a feature of the past two weeks in these exhibitions”.
- Erik Spoelstra compares Anthony Edwards to Dwyane Wade: “Like I’m going back in time”
- Jalen Brunson on team USA: “Ego is left on the door”
10 Simple Facts
Team Star: Anthony Edwards
Young Talent: Paul Banchero
Player to Shine: Walker Kessler and Austin Reaves
First-time World Cup Participants: The whole team is participating in the tournament for the first time.
Most Experienced Player in the World Cup: None of the players on the roster have played in a major tournament before.
Performance in FIBA World Cup 2019: They finished 7th.
Goal: To qualify as the group leader and get the medals
Biggest achievement: USA has won 16 gold medals in the Olympic games. They won the World Cup six times.
Qualifying Rounds: Competing in Group F of the America qualifiers, USA finished leader with nine wins and three losses and secured a spot in the World Cup.
Number of Appearances: USA is participating for the 19th time in the FIBA World Cup.
Jordan – Roster (12 Players) – Group C
Freddy İbrahim (Orthodox – PG) 20 games, 19.8 points, 5.5 rebounds, 9.2 assists
Malek Kanaan (Al Riyadi – PG) 20 games, 10.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, 6.7 assists
Sami Bzai (Al Ahli – SG) 12 games, 16.3 points, 4.2 rebounds, 4.4 assists
Amin Abu Hawwas (Al Ahli – SG) 21 games, 22.9 points, 4.7 rebounds, 6.0 assists
Ahmad Hammouri (Western Lisesi – SG) – No stats –
Ahmed Alhamarsheh (Al Ahli – SF) 21 games, 13.5 points, 9.2 rebounds, 4.5 assists
Hashem Abbaas (Al Hilal – SF) 8 games, 7.4 points, 3.8 rebounds, 0.9 assists *
Rondae Hollis Jefferson (San German – PF) 22 games, 21.7 points, 9.4 rebounds, 4.8 assists
Zaid Abbas (Orthodox – PF) 9 games, 6.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, 1.1 assists *
Zane Najdawi (Al Ahli – PF/C) 25 games, 19.3 points, 9.6 rebounds, 3.4 assists
Ahmet Düverioğlu (Bursaspor – C) 30 games, 6.2 points, 5.5 rebounds, 0.9 block
Mohammad Hussein (Orthodox – Ürdün) 22 games, 13.5 points, 8.6 rebounds, 2.5 assists
Note: Stats in World Cup Qualifiers
Head coach: Wesam Al-Sous – In charge since 2021 –
- Eight players of the FIBA Asia Cup 2022 squad and six players of the FIBA World Cup 2019 are on the roster.
Average age: 29.1 years
Players under 20 years: 1 player
Players aged 20-25: 1 player
Players aged 25-30: 5 players
Players over 30 years: 5 players
The youngest player in the squad: Ahmad Hammouri – 18 years old
The oldest player in the squad: Zaid Abbas – 39 years old
Average height: 197.8 m
Players shorter than 1.90 m: 1 player
Players between 1.90 m and 2.00 m: 7 players
Players taller than 2.00 m: 4 players
Shortest players: Malek Kanaan – 1.85 cm
Tallest player: Mohammad Hussein – 2.12 cm
Players by leagues and competitions
JPL (Jordan League): 8 players
BSL (Türkiye League): 1 player
BSN (Puerto Rico League): 1 player
SBL (Saudi Arabia League): 1 player
America High School Team: 1 player
EuroCup: 1 player
Preparation games schedule (7-11)
06 July Jordan – Toronto University: 70-59
08 July Jordan – Kanada U-23 Team: 63-83
09 July Jordann – Kanada U-23 Team: 87-91
10 July Jordan – Toronto University: 79-80
11 July Jordan – George Brown University: 110-74
20 July Jordan – Lithuania: 69-107 (Ahmet Düverioğlu 27 points, Deividas Sirvydis 16 points) *
22 July Jordan – Lithuania: 75-93 (Ahmet Düverioğlu 17 points, , Matas Jogela 20 points) *
24 July Jordan – Lithuania: 75-101 (Freddy İbrahim 24 points, Deividas Sirvydis 16 points) *
28 July Jordan – Portugal: 70-75 (Rondae Jefferson 15 points, Ahmet Düverioğlu 14 points) *
29 July Jordan – Ivory Coast: 74-71 (Bzai Sami 21 points, Maxime Dadiet 13 points) *
30 July Jordan – Czech Republic: 79-80 (Freddy İbrahim 19 points, Rondae Jefferson 18 points) *
04 August Jordan – Portugal: 69-61 (Ahmet Düverioğlu 23 points)
05 August Jordan – Angola: 70-56 (Freddy İbrahim 15 points, Childe Dundão 18 points) *
07 August Jordan – Mexico: 86-72 (Ahmet Düverioğlu 22 points, Josh Ibarra 26 points)
12 August Jordan – Georgia: 69-86 (Ahmet Düverioğlu 16 points, Sandro Mamukelashvili 19 points) *
13 August Jordan – Iran: 73-81 (Rondae Jefferson 21 points, Mohammad Amini 29 points) *
20 August Jordan – Venezuela: 89-87 (Ahmet Düverioğlu 21 sayı, Anthony Perez 22 sayı)
22 August Jordan – South Sudan: 82-91
Team Lineup
PG: Freddy İbrahim – Malek Kanaan
SG: Sami Bzai – Amin Abu Hawwas – Ahmad Hammouri
SF: Ahmad Hamersheh – Hashem Abbaas
PF: Rondae Jefferson – Zaid Abbas
C : Ahmet Düverioğlu – Mohammad Hussein – Zane Najdawi
Who is missing this tournament?
Dar Tucker, who was part of the team in the past, will not be available. Ashraf Al-Hindi and Youssef Abu Waznah, who are in the squad in the Asian Cup, are not coming to the FIBA World Cup.
News
- Jordan began preparations for the World Cup at the beginning of June.
- Unable to bring Dar Tucker to the tournament, Jordan recruited former NBA player Rondae Hollis-Jeffersoon for this tournament.
- Ashraf Al-Hindi, who was injured in the preparation camp, is expected to be removed from the candidate squad.
- Coach Wesam Al-Sous cut Ashraf Al-Hindi, Mahmoud Al-Hazaymeh, Youssef Abu Waznah, Fadi Qarmish and Amir Eid from the roster.
10 Simple Facts
Team Star: Ahmet Düverioğlu
Young Talent: Ahmed Al-Hamouri
Player to Shine: Freddy İbrahim
First-time World Cup Participants: Rondae Hollis Jefferson, Sami Bzai, Ahmad Hammouri, Malek Kanaan, Hashem Abbaas and Zane Najdawi are participating for the first time…
Most Experienced Players in the World Cup: Ahmet Düverioğlu, Zaid Abbas, Freddy İbrahim, Amin Abu Hawwas, Ahmad Hamersheh, and Mohammad Hussein are going for the 2nd time.
Performance in FIBA World Cup 2019: They finished 28th.
Goal: At least a victory
Biggest achievement: Jordan won the silver medal at the FIBA Asia Cup 2011. In the World Cup, their best performance was finishing 28th in 2019.
Qualifying Rounds: Competing in Group E of the Asia qualifiers, Jordan finished 2nd with eight wins and four losses and secured a spot in the World Cup.
Number of Appearances: Jordan is participating for the 3rd time in the FIBA World Cup. (2010, 2019)
New Zealand – Roster (12 Players) – Group C
Shea Ili (Melbourne United – PG) 13 games, 8.5 points, 3.2 rebounds, 3.7 assists
Taylor Britt (Canterbury Rams – PG) 14 games, 10.5 points, 2.6 rebounds, 4.5 assists
Flynn Cameron (UC Riverside – PG) 34 games, 13.6 points, 5.4 rebounds, 3.5 assists
Izayah Le’afa (Wellington Saints – PG) 7 games, 14.7 points, 3.0 rebounds, 3.3 assists
Walter Brown (Canterbury Rams – G) 25 games, 6.3 points, 3.4 rebounds, 1.3 assists
Jordan Ngatai (Hawkes – SF) 16 games, 15.2 points, 3.1 rebounds, 3.4 assists
Hyrum Harris (Hawkes – SF) 16 games, 14.1 points, 9.2 rebounds, 3.9 assists
Reuben Te Rangi (Aukland Tuatara – F) 15 games, 5.1 points, 3.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists
Finn Delany (Telekom Bonn – PF) 54 games, 9.0 points, 4.1 rebounds, 1.6 assists
Tohi Smith-Milner (Wellington – PF) 15 games, 13.1 points, 7.6 rebounds, 1.9 assists
Isaac Fotu (Tochigi Brex – PF/C) 58 games, 12.9 points, 6.5 rebounds, 1.7 assists
Yanni Wetzell (ALBA Berlin – C) 64 games, 8.1 points, 3.1 rebounds, 0.9 assist
Head coach: Pero Cameron – In charge since 2021 –
- Four players of the FIBA Asia Cup 2022 squad and three players of the FIBA World Cup 2019 are on the roster.
Average age: 26.7 years
Players under 20 years: 0 players
Players aged 20-25: 2 players
Players aged 25-30: 8 players
Players over 30 years: 2 players
The youngest player in the squad: Walter Brown – 20 years old
The oldest player in the squad: Shea Ili – 30 years old
Average height: 195.6 m
Players shorter than 1.90 m: 3 players
Players between 1.90 m and 2.00 m: 5 players
Players taller than 2.00 m: 4 players
Shortest player: Shea Ili – 1.84 cm
Tallest player: Yanni Wetzell – 2.06 cm
Players by leagues and competitions
NZNBL (New Zealand League): 7 players
BBL (Germany League): 2 players
NBL (Australia League): 1 player
B League (Japan League): 1 player
NCAA: 1 player
FIBA Basketball Champions League: 1 player
EuroLeague: 1 player
Preparation games schedule (2-4)
02 August New Zealand – Japan: 72-79 (Finn Delany 16 points, Keisei Tominaga 13 points) *
04 August New Zealand – Japan: 94-75 (Reuben Te Rangi 20 points, Makota Hiejima 12 points) *
12 August New Zealand – Canada: 76-107 (Finn Delany 13 points, Shai Gilgeous Alexander 26 points) *
13 August New Zealand – China: 68-69 (Flynn Cameron 12 points, Kyle Anderson 18 points) *
18 August New Zealand – Shenzhen Leopards: 77-67 (Izayah Le’afa 20 points, Yanni Wetzell 12 points) *
21 August New Zealand – Italy: 81-88 (Finn Delany 13 points, Matteo Spagnolo 14 points) *
Team Lineup
PG: Shea Ili – Taylor Britt – Izayah Le’afa
SG: Flynn Cameron – Walter Brown
SF: Reuben Te Rangi – Jordan Ngatai – Hyrum Harris
PF: Finn Delany – Tohi Smith-Milner
C : Yanni Wetzell – Isaac Fotu
Who is missing this tournament?
New Zealand’s NBA player Steven Adams is absent. Likewise, Robert Loe and Tom Vodanovich, one of the experienced names of the national team, were not called to the squad. Ethan Rusbatch, Corey Webster and Tai Webster also are not there for the New Zealand squad.
News
- New Zealand began preparations for the World Cup on 25 July.
- Coach Cameron said that he will reduce the roster to 18 people before the Japan games and that he will decide on the final 12-man squad after the tournament in China.
- Coach Cameron announced that NBA player Steven Adams wanted to rest due to a knee injury he had last season and therefore he did not come to the national team.
- Coach Cameron removed Jordan Hunt, Sam Mennenga, Taine Murray, Krus Perrott-Hunt, Ethan Rusbatch, Corey Webster, and Tai Webster from the roster.
- The Webster brothers were removed from the squad due to injury. Ethan Rusbatch is absent due to family reasons, while Julius Halaifona, Charlie Dalton, and Isaac Davidson were added to the training roster in their place.
- Dan Fotu and Sam Timmins were the final cuts.
10 Simple Facts
Team Star: Isaac Fotu
Young Talent: Walter Brown
Player to Shine: Flynn Cameron
First-time World Cup Participants: Walter Brown, Flynn Cameron, Izayah Le’afa, Reuben Te Rangi, Hyrum Harris, and Yanni Wetzell are participating for the first time.
Most Experienced Player in the World Cup: Isaac Fotu is going for the 3rd time.
Performance in FIBA World Cup 2019: They finished 19th.
Goal: To surprise the group against Greece.
Biggest achievement: New Zealand’s best performance was finishing 4th in FIBA World Cup 2002.
Qualifying Rounds: Competing in Group E of the Asia qualifiers, New Zealand finished 3rd with eight wins and two losses and secured a spot in the World Cup.
Number of Appearances: This is their 7th time overall, with six consecutive appearances (1986, 2002, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2019)
Greece – Roster (12 Players) – Group C
Thomas Walkup (Olympiakos – PG) 72 games, 6.5 points, 2.6 rebounds, 5.6 assists
Michalis Lountzis (Olympiakos – PG) 48 games, 4.2 points, 1.8 rebounds, 1.2 assists
Lefteris Bochoridis (Panathinaikos – G) 45 games, 2.9 points, 2.0 rebounds, 1.4 assists
Dimitris Moraitis (Peristeri – G) 40 games, 6.9 points, 2.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists
Giannoulis Larentzakis (Olympiakos – SG) 71 games, 7.4 points, 1.9 rebounds, 1.5 assists
Nik Rogkavopoulos (Merkezefendi Bld. – SF) 28 games, 15.5 points, 6.3 rebounds, 1.9 assists
Kostas Papanikolaou (Olympiakos – SF) 66 games, 8.3 points, 3.4 rebounds, 2.4 assists
Ioannis Papapetrou (Partizan – SF) 75 games, 6.0 points, 2.3 rebounds, 1.2 assists
Thanasis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee Bucks – PF) 37 games, 1.4 points, 1.2 rebounds, 0.4 assist
Dinos Mitoglou (Yok – PF) – No stats –
Georgios Papagiannis (Panathinaikos – C) 65 games, 9.0 points, 5.8 rebounds, 1.2 blocks
Manos Chatzidakis (Kolossos – C) 20 games, 5.3 points, 2.9 rebounds, 0.3 assist
Head coach: Dimitrios Itoudis – In charge since 2022 –
- Six players of the FIBA EuroBasket 2022 squad and five players of the FIBA World Cup 2019 are on the roster.
Average age: 27.2 years
Players under 20 years: 0 player
Players aged 20-25: 4 players
Players aged 25-30: 5 players
Players over 30 years: 3 players
The youngest player in the squad: Nik Rogavopoloulos – 22 years old
The oldest player in the squad: Kostas Papanikolaou – 32 years old
Average height: 201.6 m
Players shorter than 1.90 m: 0 player
Players between 1.90 m and 2.00 m: 5 players
Players taller than 2.00 m: 7 players
Shortest players: Dimitris Moraitis – 1.90 cm
Tallest player: Georgios Papagiannis – 2.17 cm
Players by leagues and competitions
HEBA A1 (Greece League): 8 players
NBA: 1 player
BSL (Türkiye Legue): 1 player
EuroLeague: 7 players
FIBA Basketball Champions League: 1 player
ABA Liga: 1 player
Preparation games schedule (2-4)
2 August Greece – Slovenia: 98-91 (Kostas Papanikolaou 19 points, Luka Doncic 21 points) *
4 August Greece – Slovenia: 88-77 (Dinos Mitoglou 18 points, Luka Doncic 18 points) *
8 August Greece – Serbia: 64-71 (Nik Rogkavopoulos 19 points, Bogdan Bogdanovic 15 points) *
10 August Greece – Italy: 70-74 (Nik Rogkavopoulos 12 points, Simone Fontecchio 17 points) *
18 August Greece – USA: 86-108 (Nik Rogkavopoulos 12 points, Anthony Edwards 21 points) *
19 August Greece – Germany: 71-84 (Dinos Mitoglou 16 points, Dennis Schröder 15 points) *
Team Lineup
PG: Thomas Walkup – Michalis Lountzis – Lefteris Bochoridis
SG: Giannoulis Larentzakis – Dimitris Moraitis
SF: Kostas Papanikolaou – Ioannis Papapetrou
PF: Dinos Mitoglou – Nik Rogkavopoulos – Thanasis Antetokounmpo
C : Georgios Papagiannis – Manos Chatzidakis
Who is missing this tournament?
Two experienced stars of Greece, Kostas Sloukas and Nick Calathes, are not coming to the tournament. Tyler Dorsey also did not join the national team due to family reasons. Giannis Antetokounmpo is unable to participate in the tournament due to injury.
News
- Giannis Antetokounmpo has been called up to the squad, but there is a strong possibility that he will not go to the World Cup due to his knee condition.
- Kostas Sloukas and Nick Calathes were not invited to the national team as they wanted to spend the summer preparing for the next season.
- Tyler Dorsey’s father, Jerrid Dorsey, explained why his son was not in the national team squad: “I can safely say that Greece National Team coach Dimitris Itoudis wanted to take Tyler to the World Cup squad. Tyler was the first choice of coach Itoudis as naturalized. However, my son will not be at the World Cup this summer for some family reasons. I hope he can continue to sweat for Greece’s success in the future.”
- Thomas Walkup will play for Greece as a naturalized player.
- Konstantinos Mitoglou, who was sentenced to 2.5 years for doping, will be able to play in the World Cup with his sentence reduced to 1.5 years.
- Nikos Chougkaz, Lefteris Mantzoukas, Dimitris Flionis, and Vangelis Zougris were removed from the squad.
- Speaking about Giannis Antetokounmpo’s injury, coach Itoudis said that the star players are making efforts to play in the tournament, but his condition is still unclear. Itoudis announced that they will make a decision on this issue in the near future.
- Thomas Walkup previews Giannis-less Greece: “We can’t play with excuses”
- Antetokounmpo, 28, traveled to the USA for the deciding medical tests, determining whether he can play for Greece in the World Cup, as reported by our own Vaggelis Ioannou via Greek state-owned public radio ERT Thursday.
- Agravanis, 28, opted to withdraw his participation leaving the training camp after morning practice Thursday, citing personal reasons, as described in an official press release by the Hellenic Basketball Federation.
- Coach Dimitris Itoudis said that Agravanis left the national team himself, while Giannis Antetokounmpo’s status will be known today or tomorrow.
- The Greek Freak announced his unavailability ahead of the 2023 FIBA World Cup with Greece. Antetokounmpo: “This was not a choice but my only option in ensuring I get back to the level of basketball I have worked so hard to achieve so far in my career. I am extremely disappointed in this outcome but this was a decision made with the medical staff.”
- Kostas Antetokounmpo will not play in the World Cup due to injury.
- Vasilis Toliopoulos was removed from the squad.
- Coach Dimitris Itoudis cut Georgios Tsalmpouris and Panagiotis Kalaitzakis from the roster.
- Kostas Papanikolaou swerves from maternity unit to World Cup: “It was not easy”
10 Simple Facts
Team Star: Kostas Papanikolaou
Young Talent: Nik Rogavopoloulos
Player to Shine: Thomas Walkup! Because Sloukas and Calathes are not coming.
First-time World Cup Participants: Dinos Mitoglou, Dimitris Moraitis, Thomas Walkup, Michalis Lountzis, Lefteris Bochoridis, Nikos Rogkavopoulos, and Manos Chatzidakis are participating for the first time.
Most Experienced Player in the World Cup: Kostas Papanikolaou is going for the 3rd time.
Performance in FIBA World Cup 2019: They finished 11th.
Goal: To qualify from the group phase and get to the quarter-final.
Biggest achievement: Greece won the gold medal at the FIBA EuroBasket 1987 and 2005. In the World Cup, their best performance was finishing 2nd in 2006.
Qualifying Rounds: Competing in Group I of the Europe qualifiers, Greece finished 3rd with six wins and four losses and secured a spot in the World Cup.
Number of Appearances: This is their 9th time overall, with five consecutive appearances (1986, 1990, 1994, 1998, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2019)