By Aris Barkas/ barkas@eurohoops.net
MANILA, Philippines – This is not the first time that the Philippines have hosted a FIBA World Cup, even if back in the day it was called Mundobasket.
However, in the year 2023, everything is different in international basketball. That’s why the absences of international stars like NBA champions Nikola Jokic and Giannis Antetokounmpo looms large, despite some impressive returns to the tournament.
After last year’s Eurobasket which made headlines because of the NBA stars who competed – and pretty much everyone did – this time around the field of the competition is unpredictable and unexpected.
That’s why, even if the USA is impressive so far, you can’t really put your money on any sure bet. Who can underestimate Serbia, France, and Spain despite their missing stars? Who can say that the Australian boomers, hot from their Olympic medal in 2020, can’t finally get to the podium? Last but not least, is it time for Canada to make their long-awaited splash in international competition?
Add some spice from Marrkanen’s Finland and Karl Antony-Town’s Dominican Republic, and the grit of traditional powers like Lithuania and Greece, and in the end, you can understand that for many teams, this tournament is a golden chance to do something special and produce high-quality basketball.
Watch the upcoming World Cup on the official streaming service of FIBA! Join Courtside 1891 and never miss a second of the action!
But as it’s already mentioned, this is 2023 and you expect high quality from international competition. The US can vouch for this, coming off a disappointing 2019 campaign in China, where they finished in the 7th spot of the final standings.
However, while some megastars are missing, this is also a golden opportunity for the last one of them who stayed standing and is present in the World Cup.
Luka Doncic is without a doubt the biggest name in the tournament and with Slovenia missing out on the 2019 World Cup and not qualifying despite being at the time European champion, this is the first time that Doncic is playing in this competition.
While he is not alone in star power, Doncic is defacto the face of the tournament and has a huge challenge ahead of him, as Slovenia’s roster due to injuries is really shorthanded.
That’s why he remains the central storyline of this World Cup – especially after not making it to the medal round in last year’s Eurobasket – and everyone will be watching!
Do it too (and get a 10% discount) and prepare for a 15-day basketball celebration in the Philippines which will make history one way or another.
Photo credit: FIBA