The world’s biggest basketball extravaganza kicked off with a bang yesterday! And the Philippine Arena recorded a whopping 38,115 fans present for the opening-day games to set a new attendance record for the FIBA competitions. Apart from the Arena attendance, millions more watched the game pitting the Philippines vs Dominican Republic in what was a thrill-a-minute spectacle for all to see.
For the first time, we have 3 venues as 3 Asian countries – the Philippines, Japan and Indonesia – work together to co-host the FIBA World Cup 2023. Thirty-two countries have brought in their finest basketeers, like magnificent race thoroughbreds raring to explode off the starting gate. And based on first day action in Manila, Okinawa and Jakarta, we have an exciting competition ahead for us. Let’s view the pack and I’ll make my predictions.
The 32 teams have been grouped into 8 groups of 4, with the top two moving to the next round, while the bottom two are relegated to a consolation ranking round. The remaining 16 are then grouped into 4 groups of 4, again with the top 2 moving forward. The last 8 then go through a win-or-die knockout stage, until we get a winner on September 10.
Group A’s early leaders and likely qualifiers to the next round are Italy and the Dominican Republic. Italy, with Simone Fontecchio leading, broke down a stubborn Angolan team in the final quarter to win pulling away 81-67. The Dominican Republic took an even more difficult route, winning by a slimmer 87-81 count. The Philippines was trading baskets right up to the last 3-minute mark when Jordan Clarkson fouled out. It was all downhill from there.
Group B and C hostilities in Manila have not begun as we speak. I have Serbia and Puerto Rico advancing over China and South Sudan in Group B, while I have the overwhelming favorites – Team USA – and Greece eliminating Jordan and New Zealand in Group C.
For Group D, Lithuania and Montenegro have taken the lead, and are likely to make the next round. Lithuania beat Egypt 93-67 behind veteran NBA big-man Jonas Valanciunis. Montenegro also took care of business with a 91-71 shellacking of Mexico.
Over in Okinawa, a wild, noisy crowd watched as Germany, starring NBA stars Moritz Wagner and Dennis Shroder, took down host Japan 81-63. In the other inaugural game, NBA-laden Australia had an equally easy time disposing Finland 81-63. Both Germany and Australia are expected to rule this group.
Finally, in Group H in Jakarta, Shai Gilgeous Alexander, Kelly Olynyk and RJ Barrett led the Canadians in ripping last tourney’s losing finalist France 95-65 to let everyone know of their serious intent to take the crown home to Canada. Latvia took down Lebanon 95-70 behind Darius Bertans steady play. Despite France’ loss, I see Canada and France moving up to the next round.
Groups F and G in Okinawa and Jakarta respectively have not begun hostilities as of this writing. I see Group F as the weakest among the groups, and see Slovenia – starring Luka Doncic – and Venezuela moving to the next round. For Group G, it will be Spain and the Ivory Coast, as the only African rep stepping forward.
From the 16, we proceed to another round robin mini-tournament to determine the last 8. Based on how the groupings pit the surviving teams, I see the USA, Lithuania, Canada and Australia upending Italy, Serbia, Slovenia and Spain to reach the quarterfinals. I admit I had a difficult time eliminating Slovenia and Spain in the quarterfinals, but they will be facing Canada and Australia, 2 teams heavily stacked with NBA stars. And then, I see Team USA beating Serbia while Canada outlasts Australia to reach the Finals.
Finally, I see Team USA taking the crown, but not without a good fight from Canada. With the veteran Shai Gilgeous Alexander, Canada will give the young Americans a real run for their money.
The FIBA World Cup 2023 has just begun. It is a fantastic spectacle to feast on personally. With the 38 thousand fans breaking the record in the opening games, we foresee a full-house and a house on fire come the Finals. To everyone, let’s enjoy the games. To our kababayans, let’s support this national event. Let’s showcase the hospitality we have been known for. Let’s show the world our love for this beautiful sport. Come and watch. Ang hindi manonood, pangit!!! 😦
Cover photo courtesy of FIBA.Basketball. Other pics courtesy of Inquirer.net, NBC Sports, YouTube, Wikipedia, GMA News, Japan Posts English, FIBA, The Peninsula Qatar, Tiebreaker Times, Xinhua, Abante Tonite, CNN Philippins, The Manla Times, EuroHoops and FIBA.Basketball. For a closer look, just click on the pics.
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