2023-08-12 05:37:24
The 2023 Basketball World Cup kicks off on August 25 in the Philippines, Japan and Indonesia. Until September 10, 32 national teams will compete for the title. And here are the 5 essential stars to follow during the competition.
They will illuminate the tournament with their talent. The FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023, co-hosted by the Philippines, Japan and Indonesia, will host 32 teams between August 25 and September 10 to determine which country will succeed Spain on the top step of the podium. If many stars are absent from the competition – in particular Joel Embiid (who has still not chosen whether he wants to play for France or Team USA), Nikola Jokic, or even Victor Wembanyama – fans know that some players do not won’t miss the opportunity to show off their talent. Here are the 5 essential stars of this World Cup.
Luka Doncic – Slovenia
He is THE star of this tournament. Whether in the NBA or in international competitions, Luka Doncic proves to be an absolute nightmare for his opponents as soon as he sets foot on the floor. In a warm-up match against Montenegro in early August, the Slovenian magician planted an unreal triple-double to give victory to his team (104-100): 34 points, 13 rebounds and 14 assists.
Luka Doncic is what is called a ‘generational talent’, and his progress is far from over at just 24 years old. A jewel of the orange ball that has not finished dazzling us.
Rudy Gobert – France
Triple crowned best defender in the NBA in his career, Rudy Gobert has established himself as one of the centerpieces of the France team since his first selection in 2014. The game of the French pivot is not the most refined, nor the more beautiful to look at, we grant you. But the tricolor control tower is a monster of efficiency on the ground.
Opposing players are forced to change the way of play due to his intimidating presence in the key. After bronze in 2019 at the World Cup, and silver at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, Rudy Gobert dreams of obtaining gold this time. A goal well within reach of the French selection, largely thanks to him.
Anthony Edwards – USA
The general public has yet to hear of Anthony Edwards. But NBA fans know the young star for the Minnesota Timberwolves – where he plays with Rudy Gobert – is a diamond in the rough just waiting to be cut. Without ever forcing his talent, he established himself as the number 1 option for Team USA during the preparation matches.
Anthony Edwards’ potential makes you dizzy when you look at his progression curve since joining the NBA in 2020. At only 22 years old, he could make an impression at this World Cup. And signal to the whole world that it will be necessary to count on him in the future.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander – Canada
The jewel of the Oklahoma City Thunder. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the leader of a Canada team that looks great on paper, with talented players such as Jamal Murray, champion with the Denver Nuggets last June, RJ Barrett, Dillon Brooks or his teammate Lu sleeps.
We can’t wait to see how Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will adapt his game to the FIBA rules, and if he will find a way to be as formidable as on the NBA floors. If so, the Canadian playmaker will undoubtedly delight fans with his mastery.
Lauri Markkanen – Finland
Before signing his incredible season under the Utah Jazz jersey in the NBA last season – which earned him the trophy for Best Progression of the Year – Lauri Markkanen had used Eurobasket 2022 to remind the world that he was a talented player, with 43 points scored in the round of 16 against Croatia.
Located in Group E with Germany (where Franz Wagner will also be to follow), Australia, and Japan, Finland can count on the talent of the winger to hope to qualify for the finals.
Bonus : Giannis Antetokounmpo – Greece
Uncertainty still reigns around Giannis Antetokounmpo’s participation in the World Cup. Knee surgery in July, he is still in the United States, where a series of tests must be carried out to determine whether or not he will be able to join the Greek selection which is in Group C with Team USA , New Zealand and Jordan. Double MVP in the NBA, champion with the Milwaukee Bucks in 2021, Giannis Antetokounmpo is one of the biggest stars of international basketball.
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