2023-08-25 20:03:19
Numerous big names such as Nikola Jokic or Giannis Antetokounmpo are conspicuous by their absence from the World Cup – but there are fresh faces who might make their mark on the tournament.
Group A: euphoria, experience, home advantage?
The Philippines are one of the hosts of the World Cup – and by the way crazy regarding the sport. The euphoria is huge and so are the hopes for our own team. Jordan Clarkson is undoubtedly the beacon of hope. In the NBA, the guard recently impressed with an average of 20.8 points for the Utah Jazz, but in the team in the Philippines, his mother’s home country, the 31-year-old has to bear a large part of the burden.
The hopes of surviving the preliminary round are high, but it shouldn’t be that easy. The favorites in Group A are Italy, which despite the not inconsiderable background noise surrounding the cancellation of Paolo Banchero, who without further ado opted for Team USA, has a powerful squad together. Simone Fontecchio, Nicolo Melli and Luigi Datome have shown in recent years that they are a close-knit community and are always good for a surprise – you can also cope with Danilo Gallinari’s absence.
And then there’s Karl-Anthony Towns. The Minnesota Timberwolves power forward represents the Dominican Republic and is probably the biggest name in the group. The 27-year-old was absent from the national team for a long time, but the teamwork with his colleagues worked well in preparation for the World Cup. The Dominicans are also more experienced than the Filipinos at finals. Experience or home field advantage – which prevails?
Group B: Anderson plays for his great-grandfather’s country
Even if Serbia are without superstar Nikola Jokic and playmaker Vasa Micic, the team in Group B should come out on top. The eagles of star trainer Svetislav Pesic lack star power, but the eagles convinced in the preparation as a team – especially defensively, Serbia has been much more stable than at the European Championship last year, when they failed surprisingly early. With center Nikola Milutinov and guard Bogdan Bogdanovic there are two leaders who can give leadership to the young team. The lack of the established greats also gives players like Nikola Jovic (Miami Heat) the opportunity to show themselves.
Die Number 1 in China: Li Kaier aka Kyle Anderson. IMAGO/VCG
Serbian expertise is also trusted in China, where coach Sasa Djordjevic usually suffers on the sidelines. Kyle Anderson also plays for China. The 29-year-old took on Chinese citizenship and is expected to lead the team – the number 1 for the Minnesota Timberwolves was chosen by Forward. Anderson, who was given the Chinese name Li Kaier, is not a classic bought star, although unconfirmed reports say he received a million US dollars as a decision-making aid. Anderson does indeed have Chinese roots: his maternal great-grandfather came from the Middle Kingdom.
South Sudan and Puerto Rico do not have big names, so they can play freely.
Group C: USA and second division
Group C finds Team USA, who are not only the favorites for the relay, but also for the gold medal. The Americans around the upcoming superstar Anthony Edwards may not have the really big names with them, but they do have a very well put together squad with many great players, including three NBA All-Stars. In addition to Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Greeks also have to do without other well-known names (Nick Calathes, Kostas Sloukas, Tyler Dorsey).
The Hellenes have to improvise, but shouldn’t have too much to oppose the USA this time. However, the Losfee meant well with them, since with New Zealand and Jordan there are two teams in the group that are rather second-rate internationally.
Group D: Missing Sabonis
Lithuania are without Domantas Sabonis in Group D but at least have Jonas Valanciunas in their ranks. The Balts have weaknesses in the backcourt, but should have clear advantages in their group thanks to their dominance under the basket. The Lithuanians’ biggest competitor is likely to be Montenegro with Nikola Vucevic from the Chicago Bulls. For Egypt and Mexico, the tournament is more likely to be run under the motto “Taking part is everything”.
Group E: Tough chunks for DBB giants
Germany has caught a tough fate. The common sports fan probably doesn’t necessarily associate Australia, Finland and Japan with basketball, but that’s not the case down under. The Australians should give national coach Gordon Herbert a headache. They’re back with their veterans Patty Mills and Joe Ingles, who complement and lead in tricky moments a talented team of Josh Giddey (Oklahoma City Thunder), Josh Green (Dallas Mavericks) and Matisse Thybulle (Portland Trail Blazers). can.
With Lauri Markkanen, the Finns have a real scoring machine in their ranks, which on a good day can easily give the opponent 40 points. Incidentally, taking part in the World Cup is not the first service the 26-year-old has done in his own country this year, he also did his military service in the off-season.
Then there would be World Cup hosts Japan, who will have to do without Rui Hachimura (Los Angeles Lakers), but will have Yuta Watanabe (Phoenix Suns) in their place. Nippon certainly shouldn’t be underestimated, but should only have outsider chances in this group.
Group F: Smallest country with largest player
The top star of the World Cup: Luka Doncic. IMAGO/ZUMA Wire
Group F includes Luka Doncic, the biggest star of the World Cup. The 24-year-old Dallas Mavericks guard is the face of Slovenia – and regularly wears the national jersey. The team should get through the group relatively easily, but it is unclear how much juice the Slovenians have in the tank. A lot depends on Doncic, especially since Goran Dragic has now retired from the national team and Vlatko Cancar (Denver Nuggets) is injured.
The Georgians, who have an experienced Euroleague player in Tornike Shengelia in their ranks in Tornike Shengelia and can also rely on Sandro Mamukelashvili (San Antonio Spurs) and Goga Bitadze (Orlando Magic) under the basket, are certainly in second place. It gets strange with Cape Verde, which, as the smallest country, has the biggest player in this tournament: Walter Tavares. The 31-year-old Real Madrid Euroleague Finals MVP is 2.21m tall and has a wingspan of 2.36m. However, it is questionable whether that will be enough for Cape Verde to survive the preliminary round. The underdog in the group is probably Venezuela, who mostly have to rely on local players.
Group G: Old warhorses en masse
Spain won last year’s European Championship with ease – before the tournament, the Iberians were anything but favourites. Successful coach Sergio Scariolo then showed a fine hand and once once more led the team to the top. The Iberians will also count on chances at the World Cup, although they are without their best point guards Ricky Rubio and Lorenzo Brown at the start. There are two big talents in Santi Aldama (Memphis Grizzlies) and Usman Garuba (Houston Rockets). In addition, the Spaniards can rely on the experienced Hernangomez brothers Willy and Juancho as well as Sergio Llull and the now 38-year-old Rudy Fernandez.
Marcelinho Huertas, who is still lacing his shoes for Brazil, is two years older. Huertas no longer plays first fiddle with the South Americans, the team is simply too good and balanced for that. The Brazilians showed in the preparation once morest Serbia that they can be a serious opponent for everyone – they only lost in the final seconds.
Iran also has an old warhorse in 38-year-old Hamed Haddai, but neither the Iranians nor Ivory Coast, who have to play without Mo Bamba (Philadelphia 76ers), should have realistic chances. The 25-year-old was called up, but decided once morest participating.
Group H: The Hammer Group?
Strong team: Canadians RJ Barrett and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (right). IMAGO/Susanne Huebner
Last but not least there is Group H, which contains the up-and-coming Canadians. The Maple Leaves may have to cope with the absence of Jamal Murray (Denver Nuggets), but should be able to make up for this well with the strong squad that includes someone like OKC’s All Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. RJ Barrett, Dillon Brooks, Luguentz Dort, Kelly Olynyk and Dwight Powell also bring Canada’s NBA power to the table.
The French have been among the narrow favorites for the medals for many years. It’s no different this time. A year before the Paris Olympics, the French come with a very experienced squad that includes the likes of Rudy Gobert, Nicolas Batum, Evan Fournier and Nando de Colo. With Joel Embiid and mega talent Victor Wembanyama, two really prominent players are missing from the squad, which should still be strong and experienced enough to play an important role.
Latvia are missing star star Kristaps Porzingis through injury but have veteran Davis Bertans in their place. Latvians are regulars at major tournaments and can usually count on their long-range shooters – and if they overheat from outside, they’re a problem for everyone. For Lebanon, this group is primarily regarding not being shot down in every game.
1693039404
#Doncic #faces #World #Cup
