By John Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
The 2019 FIBA World Cup is set to tip off this weekend with the playing field expanding to 32 national teams. Only two have participated in all previous 17 tournaments, only one made it to the final stage for the first time. Eurohoops breaks down the experience every World Cup participating country has gained through the decades.
USA
18th World Cup berth
Previous appearances: 2nd in 1950, 1st in 1954, 2nd in 1959, 4th in 1963, 4th in 1967, 5th in 1970, 3rd in 1974, 5th in 1978, 2nd in 1982, 1st in 1986, 3rd in 1990, 1st in 1994, 3rd in 1998, 6th in 2002, 3rd in 2008, 1st in 2010 and 1st in 2014
Times were not always good for the most successful team in FIBA competitions. At China, USA can become the first side with three World Cups in a row and sit alone in first place of the list of the national teams with the most gold medals in the tournament. Many players preferred to skip the trip to China, but Gregg Popovich still has NBA stars gunning for first place honors.
Brazil
18th World Cup berth
Previous appearances: 4th in 1950, 2nd in 1954, 1st in 1959, 1st in 1963, 3rd in 1967, 2nd in 1970, 6th in 1974, 3rd in 1978, 8th in 1982, 4th in 1986, 5th in 1990, 11th in 1994, 10th in 1998, 8th in 2002, 19th in 2006, 9th in 2010 and 6th in 2014
Aside USA, the only other national team that has competed in every single World Cup since 1950 is Brazil. A decline can be observed after 1994, but the South Americans have always been around. The 7th World Cup medal might prove out of reach, but a ticket for the Olympic Games of Tokyo will be a solid target for Aco Petrovic’s side at China.
Serbia
16th World Cup berth (1 from Serbia & Montenegro, 12 from Yugoslavia)
Previous appearances: 4th in 2010 and 2nd in 2014 (Serbia & Montenegro participated in 1 World Cup through in 2006, Yugoslavia made 12 runs from 1950 to 2002)
Yugoslavia was among the medalists in 8 consecutive World Cups from 1963 to 1990 including 3 golden runs, won two more gold medals in 1998 and 2002, before Serbia got back on track with the silver medal in 2014. Nobody can ever count out this region rich of basketball talent, especially at China with Nikola Jokic and company gunning for one more historic run to the top.
Russia
14th World Cup berth (9 from USSR)
Previous appearances: 2nd in 1994, 2nd in 1998, 10th in 2002, 7th in 2010 (USSR competed in 9 World Cups between 1959 and 1990)
Similar to Yugoslavia, USSR conquered at least third place in every World Cup through 1963 to 1990. Russia as the main heir of Soviet Union’s legacy captured silver in 1994 and 1998, but has failed to rejoin the elite since. At China, the Russians will face one more difficult challenge with various main players out injured, but deserve to be optimistic on securing a spot in the 2020 Olympic qualifiers.
Argentina
14th World Cup berth
Previous appearances: 1st in 1950, 10th in 1959, 8th in 1963, 6th in 1967. 11th in 1974, 12th in 1986, 8th in 1990, 9th in 1994, 8th in 1998, 2nd in 2002, 4th in 2006, 5th in 2010 and 11th in 2014
The Argentinians have only missed four World Cups, always appearing in the final stage since 1986. First place in the inaugural 1950 tournament and second place 52 years later at Indianapolis marked their biggest achievements. This time around at China, they will seek to punch a ticket to the 2020 Olympic Games or settle with a second chance via the Olympic qualifiers.
Puerto Rico
14th World Cup berth
Previous appearances: 5th in 1969, 6th in 1963, 12th in 1967, 7th in 1974, 10th in 1978, 13th in 1986, 4th in 1990, 6th in 1994, 11th in 1998, 7th in 2002, 17th in 2006, 18th in 2010 and 19th in 2014
Another team set to make a run for one of Americas Olympic qualifiers ticket is Puerto Rico. After finishing fourth in the 1990 World Cup, Los Gallos made some solid runs until 2002, but only won a total of four games in the last three tournaments. Eddie Casiano hopes to get his country back on track at China.
Canada
14th World Cup berth
Previous appearances: 7th in 1954, 12th in 1959, 11th in 1963, 10th in 1970, 8th in 1974, 6th in 1978, 6th in 1982, 8th in 1986, 12th in 1990, 7th in 1994, 12th in 1998, 13th in 2002 and 22nd in 2010
The Canadians are tied with Puerto Rico in first place of the list of national teams with the most World Cup berths without any medal to display. They missed out on World Cup action in 2014, but rebounded to their common position. Several stars decided to forego the competition, but Nick Nurse and the remaining members of his squad will attempt to overcome adversity with a good run at China.