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We are just three days into the 2019 FIBA World Cup, although the tournament continues to move at a rapid pace. During an action-packed Day 3 in China, six different nations qualified for the second round of the competition after winning back-to-back games.
Argentina, Italy, Poland, Russia, Serbia, and Spain all booked their place in the next round, and each nation will also be granted a place in the Olympic Qualifying tournament ahead of the Tokyo Olympics. With the likes of the USA and France also expected to qualify tomorrow, the Second Round of the World Cup is already gearing up to be extremely competitive.
Nevertheless, while it is easy to look ahead, there were once again plenty of standout performers, and here are the top 5 individual performances from Day 3 at the 2019 FIBA World Cup.
#5 Ricky Rubio - Spain
This wasn't a vintage shooting performance from Ricky Rubio, although he dominated proceedings for Spain for the second game in succession. Despite being among the smallest players on the court, Rubio led the game in rebounds (8), and the point guard also recorded a steal.
From the field, Rubio connected with 5 of 12 attempts, while knocking down just 1 of his 4 attempts from beyond the arc. Nevertheless, the 29-year-old managed to frequently get to the free-throw line, and quietly recorded 17 points. Only Marc Gasol scored more for the Spaniards, and Rubio linked up well with his fellow NBA veteran.
While Rudy Fernandez led Spain in assists (6), Rubio also managed to dish out four of his own, and the Phoenix Suns star is quickly becoming one of the best players on show at the World Cup.
#4 Heissler Guillent - Venezuela
After being comfortably beaten by Poland in Game 1, Venezuela needed their roster to stand up for their must-win Game 2 clash against the Ivory Coast. And, while Jhornan Zamora and Miguel Ruiz performed well, it was Heissler Guillent who kept Venezuela's hopes alive heading into the final set of group fixtures.
The influential point guard led the game with 28 points and shot over 60% from the field. Guillent also found his range from beyond the arc early on and finished the game shooting 5 of 10 from three-point range.
The 32-year-old struggled at the three throw line (1/3) but his overall impact on his teammates was evident as he came away with seven assists. Guillent's form will now be crucial in Game 3 as Venezuela takes on China in a game that will decide who advances.
#3 Jeff Brooks - Italy
Italy entered the World Cup in abysmal form, although the European powerhouse has seemingly put their issues to one side after opening the competition with two convincing victories. Italy followed up their destruction of the Philippines with a 92-61 win over Angola, and Marco Belinelli was once again impressive.
However, American born Jeff Brooks stole the show in Game 2, finishing with 11 points and 11 rebounds in just 23 minutes of action. The 30-year-old missed just one of his six field-goal attempts and also knocked down his first three-pointer of the competition.
Brooks also excelled on the defensive end, coming up with two huge blocks and two steals in an excellent individual performance. The forward has made his case for a bigger role as the tournament progresses, and head coach Meo Sacchetti may comply.
#2 Nemanja Bjelica - Serbia
Heading into the World Cup, many experts pegged Serbia as the favorites ahead of the United States. Some teams may have struggled with the added expectations and pressure, however, Serbia has started the tournament in excellent form. Day 3's 126-67 win over the Philippines is likely to go down as the most one-sided game of the tournament.
Seven players scored in double figures for Serbia as they qualified for the Second Round, although it was Nemanja Bjelica who took home the Player of the Game award after scoring 20 points in 16 minutes. The Sacramento star didn't miss any of his seven attempts from the field, including three attempts from downtown. Bjelica was also perfect from the line (3/3) and collected 3 rebounds during a fantastic appearance from the bench.
#1 Luís Scola - Argentina
Luís Scola will turn 40 next year, although the former NBA player has rolled back the years in China. The veteran once again led Argentina during their 94-81 win over Nigeria, and Scola's team-high 23 points lifted him into second place on the list for most points scored in FIBA World Cup history.
Scola needed 16 shots to reach the record, and even his shooting from beyond the arc (1/5) wasn't enough to dampen another improbable performance. The 39-year-old also led his Argentine team with 10 rebounds and defended well despite playing against much more athletic wings.
Scola's form from the free-throw line was almost perfect (6-7), and basketball fans will hope that the former NBA star continues to defy father-time in his fifth and probably final World Cup appearance.
