The stage is set, the players are primed, and the anticipation is building as the FIBA World Cup 2023 kicks off. While Team USA has often dominated the international basketball scene, recent developments in the global basketball landscape have added an air of unpredictability to this year’s tournament. The absence of some traditional powerhouses’ star players and the emergence of new contenders make this World Cup one of the most intriguing in recent memory. As Team USA prepares to defend its gold, we delve into the five teams that could potentially disrupt their quest for supremacy.
Slovenia – Luka Doncic’s Magic
Slovenia, led by the mesmerizing Luka Doncic, poses a significant threat to Team USA’s World Cup ambitions. Doncic’s unparalleled skills make him the best player in the tournament, and his ability to orchestrate plays, score effortlessly, and rebound effectively is a nightmare for any opponent. At the 2020 Olympics, Doncic led in assists per game (9.5), was second in points (23.8), and rebounds (9.7). Slovenia clinched gold at EuroBasket 2017 with Doncic at the helm, and he almost single-handedly carried them to the Bronze Medal Game in 2020, dropping 47 points against France.
Despite Doncic’s brilliance, Slovenia lacks depth in NBA talent, with Vlatko Cancar’s injury leaving them without any other NBA players. An exhibition game against Team USA without Doncic ended in a 30-point loss for Slovenia, highlighting their vulnerability when their star player isn’t on the court. Nevertheless, with Doncic in the lineup, Slovenia is a force to be reckoned with and could disrupt Team USA’s campaign.
Australia – The Boomers’ Explosive Talent
Australia, the 2020 Olympic bronze medalist, is another formidable challenger. Their squad possesses an abundance of talent, and Patty Mills, in FIBA competitions, is a force to be reckoned with, consistently averaging over 21 points per game. The likes of Josh Giddey, Matisse Thybulle, Dyson Daniels, and Josh Green form a talented core, with sharpshooter Chris Goulding adding a dimension of outside scoring.
However, Australia’s Achilles’ heel in this tournament could be their lack of size in the frontcourt. Traditionally, the Boomers relied on stalwarts like Andrew Bogut and Aron Baynes, but injuries have forced them to adjust. While Jock Landale stepped up admirably during the Olympics, an ankle injury now threatens his availability. In a FIBA setting, size is a critical advantage, and the absence of a dominant defensive center could prove challenging, especially against Team USA’s athleticism and crafty finishers.
Germany – Rising Threat from Europe
Germany, led by Swiss Army forward Franz Wagner, demonstrated its potential in a recent exhibition game against Team USA. In that encounter, Germany took a commanding lead, testing the American squad’s resilience. Wagner, who had an outstanding sophomore NBA season with the Orlando Magic, displayed his versatility and impact on the international stage.
Germany’s strength lies in its combination of size and shooting. With lineups featuring three players 6-8 or taller who can all shoot three-pointers, they pose a unique challenge. Dennis Schroder’s speed and playmaking abilities complement their size and shooting, making them a cohesive unit. Schroder excelled at EuroBasket in 2022, averaging over 20 points per game and scoring 38 points against Poland. While Germany may not have the same top-end talent as Team USA, their collective strength and experience as a unit make them a genuine threat.
France – The Battle-Tested Contenders
France, the team that pushed Team USA to the brink in the 2021 Olympic Gold Medal Game, returns with a seasoned roster. Boasting NBA veterans Rudy Gobert, Nicolas Batum, Evan Fournier, and EuroLeague star Nando de Colo, the French squad has the experience and skill set to challenge any opponent.
Rudy Gobert, a defensive stalwart, is especially potent in the FIBA setting, where goaltending rules allow him to grab balls off the rim. Evan Fournier, a prolific scorer on the international stage, brings individual scoring prowess to the team, averaging around 19 points per game in the 2019 World Cup and 2020 Olympics. The French team exhibits excellent ball movement, shooting, and cohesion. While they may not match Team USA in sheer talent, their ability to hang with Olympic-caliber American rosters proves their mettle. Defeating a World Cup team is well within their capabilities.
Canada – The Dark Horse
Canada, a nation yet to secure international gold, enters the tournament as a dark horse. While they haven’t qualified for the Olympics since 2000 and faced challenges with player availability, their roster boasts exceptional talent. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, a proven NBA performer, headlines the squad, offering experience and leadership.
Joining Gilgeous-Alexander are notable NBA talents like RJ Barrett, Dillon Brooks, Lu Dort, Dwight Powell, and Kelly Olynyk, along with collegiate standout Zach Edey. Canada’s defensive prowess, with multiple players capable of stifling perimeter stars, sets them apart. Their frontcourt offers versatility, with stretch-big Kelly Olynyk, pick-and-roll specialist Dwight Powell, and post threat Zach Edey.
Notably, Canada possesses a superstar in Gilgeous-Alexander, who can match up with the best players in the tournament. While there are areas to refine, this Canadian team is one of the most potent squads they’ve ever sent to an international tournament, making them a formidable challenge for Team USA.
Conclusion
As Team USA embarks on its quest for World Cup gold, they face an array of formidable opponents. While Team USA remains the favorite, the shifting dynamics in international basketball, coupled with the rise of talented teams, make this tournament more unpredictable than ever. Slovenia, Australia, Germany, France, and Canada, each armed with unique strengths and star players, have the potential to disrupt Team USA’s path to glory. The FIBA World Cup 2023 promises to be a thrilling competition, with these contenders determined to leave their mark on the global basketball stage.
