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The 2019 FIBA World Cup got underway earlier today, and the first day of action provided no shortage of highlights. Big names such as Serbia and Spain were involved, while the likes of Angola and the Philippines were also offered the chance to perform on the international stage.
The Chinese were also in action as they looked to impress on home soil, and the team showed plenty of promise during their opening win over the Ivory Coast. Additionally, after a mixed build-up to the tournament, the opening 24 hours demonstrated why basketball fans have an exciting two weeks to look forward to.
Without Team USA in action, the first day of the World Cup allowed lesser names to stand up and emerge from a crowded field. Meanwhile, several overseas NBA stars also enjoyed fine starts to the competition, and here we will look at the top 5 individual performances from Day 1 of the 2019 World Cup.
#5 Nikola Jokic
Nikola Jokic is one of the biggest names taking part in China, and his performance on Day 1 demonstrated why many believe he is a future MVP. During Serbia's huge win over Angola, Jokic was at his dominant best, recording 14 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists. The 25-year-old also connected with all three of his attempts from beyond the arc and shot 80% from the field during a masterful offensive performance.
During Jokic's 22 minutes on the court, the Serbians put up 32 more points than their opponents, and the All-Star's ability to get his teammates involved will be significant as the tournament progresses. Ultimately, Jokic lived up to the hype on Day 1, although tougher games lie ahead.
#4 Ricardo Ratliffe (Guna RA)
South Korea was blown away during its opening match against Argentina, although the American-born Ricardo Ratliffe (Guna RA) impressed for the losing team. Ratliffe hit 31 points during his 35 minutes on court, and also knocked down both his attempts from beyond the arc. The power forward was also reliable from the three-throw line, connecting with 9 of his 12 attempts.
Ratliffe also pulled down a game-high 15 rebounds, while coming up with 2 big blocks on the defensive end. However, just one of the 30-year-old's teammates cracked 10 points, while Argentina had five different members reach the milestone during a dominant win.
South Korea next face Russia, although Ratliffe's performance today demonstrated the size of the task on his hands as he aims to guide his team into the second round.
#3 Danilo Gallinari
Italy was woeful during its build-up to the tournament, and many backed the Philippines to push them in the opening game. However, the Italians put on a commanding performance to come away with a huge 108-62 victory.
While Amedeo Della Valle impressed during his brief time on the court, it was Oklahoma City Thunder star Danilo Gallinari who controlled the game for the Italians. The 31-year-old demonstrated why he is perhaps the best perimeter shooter in the tournament by connecting with 4 of his 5 attempts from three-point range, and he finished the game with 16 points.
During his 23 minutes on the court, the Italians outscored the Philippines by an incredible 38 points, and the forward also came up with two steals. Gallinari also added four assists and three rebounds as his team made a statement of intent.
#2 David Huertas
Iran vs Puerto Rico proved to be the best game of the day as Puerto Rico came back from a 19-point deficit to win thanks to Javier Mojica's last-second bucket. However, Mojica's game-winning shot wouldn't have been possible without a terrific performance from David Huertas.
With his side down by 17 at the break, Huertas dragged his side back into the game with an inspired performance in the second half that resulted in an unlikely win. Huertas finished with 32 points while shooting 68% from the field and connecting with 5 of his 7 attempts from deep. No other Puerto Rico player finished with more than 10 points.
The 32-year-old also recorded four assists and three rebounds while turning the ball over just once. Overall, a great performance from Huertas that puts his team in a strong position to qualify for the second round.
#1 Bogdan Bogdanovic
Bogdan Bogdanovic entered the tournament following the best season of his career with the Sacramento Kings, and the shooting guard took his recent form to China as he produced the standout performance of Day 1.
Bogdanovic recorded a game-high 24 points during Serbia's 105-59 mauling of Angola and took just 22 minutes and 10 shots to reach his haul. The Sacramento Kings star connected with 5 of his 7 attempts from three-point range and also added a further 3 assists and 2 rebounds in what was an excellent all-round performance by the 27-year-old.
Bogdanovic's first-quarter performance was especially impressive as he contributed 11 early points that Angola struggled to come back from. Bogdanovic could have hit 30 if not for being benched for much of the second half, and the former EuroLeague will be hoping to enjoy a similar performance in Serbia's next game.
