The United States men’s national basketball team is gearing up to compete in the Basketball World Cup, facing off against global rivals in the tournament. After a disappointing seventh-place finish in the previous competition, the U.S. is determined to rebound and reclaim their dominance on the international stage.
The Basketball World Cup, organized by FIBA, is set to kick off with games spread across three countries before culminating in Manila for the most important matches. The defending champion is Spain, who emerged victorious in China four years ago. In contrast, the U.S. had its worst finish ever in a major international event, only managing to secure seventh place. However, they enter this year’s tournament as the favorites, optimistic about their chances of redemption.
The 32 participating teams have been divided into eight groups, each consisting of four teams. The top two teams from each group will advance to the second round, with the top eight teams progressing to the quarterfinals. Here is the full list of the opening games for all 32 teams:
Group A (at Manila): Angola vs. Italy, Dominican Republic vs. Philippines
Group D (at Manila): Mexico vs. Montenegro, Egypt vs. Lithuania
Group E (at Okinawa): Finland vs. Australia, Germany vs. Japan
Group H (at Jakarta): Latvia vs. Lebanon, Canada vs. France
Group B (at Manila): South Sudan vs. Puerto Rico, Serbia vs. China
Group C (at Manila): Jordan vs. Greece, U.S. vs. New Zealand
Group F (at Okinawa): Cape Verde vs. Georgia, Slovenia vs. Venezuela
Group G (at Jakarta): Iran vs. Brazil, Spain vs. Ivory Coast
In the United States, the first three games will be broadcast on ESPN2. The games on August 26 and 28 will begin at 8:40 a.m. EDT, while the August 30 game is scheduled for 4:40 a.m. EDT.
Several notable players from the NBA will be participating in the tournament. Slovenia’s Luka Doncic (Dallas) and Canada’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Oklahoma City) are among the All-NBA players in the field. In addition, there are six All-Stars from last season competing, including Finland’s Lauri Markkanen (Utah) and U.S. players Tyrese Haliburton (Indiana), Jaren Jackson Jr. (Memphis), and Anthony Edwards (Minnesota).
The U.S. team is heavily favored to win the tournament, as indicated by the odds provided by FanDuel Sportsbook. The Americans have odds listed at minus-130, implying that a $130 wager on the U.S. would yield a $230 return if they emerged victorious. France and Canada are tied as the second choice, both at plus-950. For those seeking a less conventional choice, Slovenia offers good value with odds starting at plus-2,100.
There are several aspects to consider regarding the Basketball World Cup. The coaching staff for USA Basketball is made up of an All-Star team, bringing together a group of experienced and talented individuals. However, NBA players must adapt to the unique rules of FIBA, posing a challenge for them. Despite any doubts or criticisms, the U.S. team is determined to embrace the pressure and prove themselves on the global stage.
As the tournament progresses, the second round and classification matches for 17th through 32nd place will take place from August 31 to September 3.
The Basketball World Cup promises excitement and fierce competition as teams from around the world vie for the ultimate prize. Only time will tell if the U.S. can rebound from their previous disappointment and secure a coveted gold medal. Basketball fans around the globe eagerly await the thrilling matchups and unforgettable moments that lie ahead.
