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The 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup is finally here, and an expanded field of 32 teams will battle it out for basketball supremacy over the next two weeks. The usual heavy hitters such as the United States, Spain, and Serbia are all present, while Poland will make its return to the tournament after a 50-year absence.
The 18th edition of the tournament takes place in China, a country that is hopeful of eventually building a league that can rival the NBA. With the ever-improving Chinese national team also involved, few World Cup's in the past can rival the level of attention that the tournament is set to receive.
Nevertheless, while the growth of international basketball is important, teams enter the competition with the one goal of winning taking home the title. So, on the eve of the 2019 World Cup, here are how the teams measure up.
#5 Australia
In the build-up to the World Cup, few believed Australia had any chance of winning, although the team's recent win over Team USA was a major statement of intent. The win was the biggest in the history of the national team and provided a significant confidence boost to the roster.
However, the team is missing Ben Simmons and aside from the stunning win over the US, Australia's form has been patchy. The Australians lost to Germany in their final warm-up game which marked their fourth defeat in six games.
Nevertheless, the Boomers have stayed relatively injury-free, and a lineup containing Patty Mills, Andre Bogut, Joe Ingles, and Aron Baynes can cause opposing teams plenty of problems. Competing for the title may be a step too far, however, the Australians can use the tournament as a stepping stone for next year's Summer Olympics.
#4 France
The French finished third at the 2014 FIBA World Cup, and while the team has since lost notable names such as Tony Parker, the current roster arguably possesses more talent. Nicolas Batum and Evan Fournier are both regular starters in the NBA, while Frank Ntilikina has been extremely impressive during the buildup to the tournament. France can also call upon two-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert, and the team won six straight games before losing to Serbia in its final warm-up game.
Nevertheless, an unfavorable draw could work against the French as they may have to face Greece and Serbia in the knockout stage before potentially taking on the USA in the Final. Ultimately, France's starting lineup is among the best in the competition, although a lengthy run in China will depend on an unproven reserve unit.
#3 Spain
The Spanish national team have been consistent challengers for titles on the world stage, and while not as strong as previous years, they still travel to China with plenty of talent. Willy Hernangomez, Ricky Rubio and Marc Gasol are among the notable names from the NBA, while guard Sergio Llull is widely regarded as one of the biggest talents of the EuroLeague.
The Spaniards enter the competition in decent form, winning five of their last seven games. That sequence did, however, include a slender defeat to the USA and a 74-55 mauling to Russia in their final warm-up game.
The nation's hopes may also depend on the fitness of Gasol, as the NBA Champion continues to struggle with a back injury. Nevertheless, the roster has enough talent to at least make it to the final round of the competition.
#2 Team USA
The 2016 US Olympic Team was panned by much of the media as one of the most underwhelming rosters in recent history, although the negative reaction pales in comparison to the 2019 team.
James Harden, Anthony Davis, Damian Lillard, Bradley Beal, CJ McCollum, Zion Williamson are just a handful of the names that dropped out in the weeks leading up to the tournament, and Gregg Popovich's squad was eventually selected by default after a second-wave of withdrawals.
Talented players such as Kemba Walker, Donovan Mitchell, and Jayson Tatum remain, although Team USA's warm-up performances have been poor. A loss to Australia marked the first defeat since 2006, while follow-up wins have been less than impressive.
No opposing team will want to face them before the Finals, although this is no longer a USA team that is guaranteed to win the Gold.
#1 Serbia
Thanks to Team USA's withdrawal woes, Serbia enters the competition as the favorites. The Serbians boast a mix of the NBA stars and some of the biggest names EuroLeague, and Nemanja Bjelica, Bogdan Bogdanovic, Marko Gudurić, and Boban Marjanovic are just a few of the names that could make an impact. Serbia also has the second-best player in the entire competition in Nikola Jokic, and the Denver Nuggets star will be eager to enhance his growing reputation by defeating Team USA.
Collectively, the Serbians haven't lost since January, winning 11-games in the process. France, Italy, and Greece have been swept aside in recent weeks, and Serbia's offensive proficiency has been especially impressive. Ultimately, USA may hold a slight advantage in terms of talent, but the Serbians enter the tournament as favorites thanks to their recent form and well-established team dynamic.
