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The 2019 FIBA World Cup was the biggest in the tournament's history, and the expanded format delivered arguably the best edition of the competition to date. Poland impressed on the international stage after more than half a century away, while hosts China were given a reality check in their quest to become a basketball superpower.
The expanded format also presented the likes of the Philippines and Angola the chance to compete, while Team USA and Serbia were handed humbling defeats during an unpredictable two weeks.
After seven rounds of action, Spain and Argentina faced off in the final, and the Europeans managed to overcome their South American rivals thanks to a 95-75 victory. In an exciting third-place game, France bounced back from their disappointing semi-final loss to Argentina to defeat a brave Australian team.
With the 2019 FIBA World Cup now in the books, here we will take a look at the Top 5 players from the tournament.
#5 Evan Fournier - France
Ahead of the tournament, few believed that the French would be among the contenders although the Europeans managed to defeat the United States on their way to a third-place finish.
While Frank Ntilikina and Rudy Gobert enjoyed standout games, Evan Fournier stepped up as France's driving force during his first World Cup appearance as he finished the tournament averaging 19.8 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 3.0 assists.
The Orlando Magic star recorded 31 points against Australia, and most notably made some huge baskets as his team produced a fourth-quarter comeback to eliminate the Americans. At 26, Fournier will continue to play a vital role for a young French team that will continue to grow together.
#4 Patty Mills - Australia
Patty Mills has never been able to establish himself as a regular starter in the NBA, although the point guard was among the best players on show over the past two weeks. The 31-year-old started the tournament with a 15-point performance against Canada and only failed to top 20 points in one other game.
Mills' most notable performances included a 30-point display against France and a tournament-high 34 during Australia's agonizing semi-final defeat to Spain. Only two other players finished the tournament averaging more points than Mills, and the guard also shot an impressive 50% from the field.
Mills was also his team's chief creator with 3.9 assists and Australia will be confident of competing at the 2020 Olympics if Mills can replicate the same sort of performances that he exhibited in China.
#3 Luis Scola - Argentina
Luis Scola has not played in the NBA since leaving the Brooklyn Nets back in 2017, although the veteran star has been linked with a surprise return following an incredible run of form in China.
The 39-year-old was the driving force for Argentina as they beat Serbia and France on the way to the Final, and not even an underwhelming performance in the showpiece game could take away Scola's excellent tournament.
Over eight outings, Scola averaged 17.9 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game on his way to being named to the team of the competition. The World Cup may turn out to be Scola's last competition for his country, although the veteran forward has been able to use the past two weeks to demonstrate why he is among the best players in Argentina's history.
#2 Bodgan Bogdanovic - Serbia
Serbia traveled to China as the favorites, although a surprise defeat to Argentina in the quarter-finals ended hopes of a dream matchup with Team USA in the semi-finals. Due to Team USA's numerous withdrawals, the Serbians had boasted the best roster in China, but the likes of Nikola Jokic and Nemanja Bjelica struggled to hit top form.
Nevertheless, fellow NBA star Bogdan Bogdanovic enjoyed a breakout competition as he put together a series of eye-catching performances.
The Sacramento Kings star dropped 31 points on both Italy and the Czech Republic, eventually finishing the competition averaging 22.9 points per game. Bogdanovic also contributed 4.4 assists and 4.1 rebounds per game and aside from a wayward showing against Puerto Rico, the 27-year-old was arguably Serbia's best performer in each contest.
Bogdanovic will now be hoping to enjoy the best season of his career with the Kings.
#1 Ricky Rubio - Spain
Ricky Rubio has put up impressive numbers with the Utah Jazz over the past few years, although the franchise moved on from the point guard in free agency. Nevertheless, Rubio illustrated his talent during a series of excellent displays in China.
Over eight appearances, Rubio only recorded less than 15 points once and finished the competition averaging 16.4 points per contest. Rubio has historically struggled from three-point range, although the 28-year-old managed to knock down 39% of his 31 attempts from beyond the arc.
In addition to his improved shooting, Rubio was also among the leading creators at the World Cup as he finished with six assists per game.
During the final against Argentina, Rubio produced another fine all-round display and was subsequently named MVP of the Tournament. Ultimately, Rubio enjoyed a phenomenal tournament and will now be looking forward to kicking off a new era of his career with the Phoenix Suns.
