By Vangelis Papadimitriou / info@eurohoops.net
From 25/8 to 10/9, the heart of world basketball will beat in the Philippines, Japan, and Indonesia. The 32 best teams in the world will gather in these three Asian countries, in order to emerge at the top.
Always the talk before major tournaments is about the stars, who will be on the pitches and compete with their National Teams. This year, unfortunately, two of the top players in the world will not be present.
Neither Giannis Antetokounmpo nor Nikola Jokic will travel to Asia. The absences do not stop there, as we are talking about a large number of players.
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But, there is also the other side. That is the one that concerns players who had time to strengthen their homelands and will now do so in the World Cup. Eurohoops presents five big names, which will be of particular interest and the unique situation with the presence of Karl Anthony Towns in the tournament.
Moritz Wagner
Country: Germany
Team: Orlando Magic
Age: 26
Last Tournament: 2021 Olympics
Germany will enter the 2023 FIBA World Cup as the third-best team in Europe, following the bronze medal captured at EuroBasket 2022 despite Moritz Wagner missing the tournament due to injury. This time, however, he will strengthen his team.
The 26-year-old Orlando Magic player has the potential to take the German team even higher and the talent to stand out at the most anticipated competition of the year. The Germans will be a very dangerous team, especially with the addition of Franz’s brother. It only remains to be seen on the floor in Japan.
Nicolas Batum
Country: France
Team: Los Angeles Clippers
Age: 34
Last Tournament: 2021 Olympics
France starts another big tournament as a favorite for the podium. Let’s not forget that they were second at EuroBasket 2022. The French roster is frightening, even considering there have been several absences on Vincent Collet’s national team. Imagine if it was complete.
The name of Nicolas Batum was also found among the absents in 2022, having played his last major tournament with France in the 2021 Olympic Games in Tokyo. This year’s World Cup will be added to the resume of the Los Angeles Clippers player, who debuted with the French national team in 2009.
Bogdan Bogdanovic
Country: Serbia
Team: Atlanta Hawks
Age: 30
Last Tournament: World Cup 2019
Serbia will once again be one of the favorites for a medal at the 2023 FIBA World Cup, despite not having on its roster two key players like Nikola Jokic and Vasilije Micic. Instead, they will be dragged for the very first time mainly by Bogdan Bogdanovic.
The 30-year-old offensive specialist provides an extra spark, with the shooting guard having all the abilities and experience to lead Svetislav Pesic’s squad. The Atlanta Hawks player had not represented the Serbian national team since the 2019 FIBA World Cup. It’s time to do it again.
RJ Barrett
Country: Canada
Team: Los Angeles Clippers
Age: 23
Last Tournament: 2021 Pre-Olympic Tournament
The case of RJ Barrett is special. However, it deserves to be on our list. And we explain. Canada is fielding a formidable roster and has everyone pegged as heavy favorites for a medal.
RJ Barrett stands out – among others – with the 23-year-old Knicks player averaging 19.6 points this year in the NBA. He has just five caps with the Men’s National Team, with the 2021 Pre-Olympic Tournament being his last.
Patty Mills
Country: Australia
Team: Atlanta Hawks
Age: 35
Last Tournament: 2021 Olympics
Australia goes into the 2023 World Cup ranked fourth in the world and third in the Olympics. And as one of the favorites for a medal, with its roster once again full of NBAers and generally very good players.
Patty Mills will wear the crest jersey again after the 2021 Games, aiming for another accolade. The guard of 860 games in the NBA and a champion with the Spurs, needs no introduction. He will be the leader of his country again.
Karl-Anthony Towns
Country: Dominican Republic
Team: Minnesota Timberwolves
Age: 27
Last Tournament: FIBA Americas 2013
The last case is also the most… extreme on our list. Karl-Anthony Towns will be in attendance at the World Cup. Of course, this is one of the biggest stars in this year’s event and the ultimate face for the Dominican Republic.
The coolest of all? The 27-year-old All-Star had not played for his country’s National Team since 2013 and that year’s FIBA Americas! It may have been 10 years, but the big comeback is a fact. In fact, it’s the definition of a comeback!
PHOTO CREDIT: Getty Images