FIBA 2010 World Championships Preview: Group D
By Anonymous
Wed, 08/25/2010 - 9:10am
By Eric Yearian
Spain – FIBA World Ranking #3
Rubio & Fernandez chasing another medal
Spain comes into the World championship as the favorite to win gold. The only teams with a better world ranking are Argentina (who is missing Manu Ginobili) and USA (missing virtually their entire roster from the Olympics). Spain is also missing their star player, Pau Gasol, who is taking a year off from international competition after winning back to back NBA championships with the Los Angeles Lakers. Despite this, Spain is far from devoid of NBA level talent.
Spain’s roster is littered with current, former, and future NBA players such as Rudy Fernandez (Portland), Jose Manuel Calderon (Toronto), and Marc Gasol (Memphis). They feature Juan Carlos Navarro and Jorge Garbajosa who spent time playing for the Memphis Grizzlies and Toronto Raptors, respectively. Spain boasts three 2009 draft picks as well, Ricky Rubio (#5-Minnesota), Victor Claver (#22-Portland), and Sergio Llull (#34-Denver). Add to that the 11th overall draft pick in the 2005 draft, Fran Vasquez, and it is clear that Spain is a juggernaut in the world of international basketball.
Spain came up just short of the gold medal two years ago in the Olympics, being defeated only twice in the tournament, both times by team USA. With team USA being weakened this year, Spain has to be considered one of the favorites, and they enter the World Championship with the expectation of gold, anything else will be considered a failure for such a talented team.
France – FIBA World Ranking #15
During the fall of 2009 expectations were raised by the French Federation to be a player during the upcoming world championships: Then Tony Parker reinjured the same ankle he initially hurt while playing for Team France. Given that he never fully recovered from the injury and that 2010-11 season is the last year of his contract with the San Antonio Spurs, he decided early on to announce he would not play for the team. This had a domino effect as childhood friend Ronny Turiaf of the New York Knicks declined as well. French NBAers Joakim Noah, Mikael Pietrus, Kevin Seraphin, Yakhouba Diawara, and Johan Petro won’t be participating either. Roddy Beaubois of the Dallas Mavericks was supposed to be a key contributor to the team but much to the chagrin of both Mark Cuban and French Coach Vincent Collet, he broke his foot and won’t be participating either. And the injury bug does not stop there, NBA draft hopeful Antoine Diot pulled out with a bad back and Dallas Maverick Ian Mahinmi has a broken finger but will participate.
Nicolas Batum
The team will be led by the rotund Boris Diaw, part of the Tony Parker generation and Nicolas Batum part of the new generation. Diaw’s passing skills will be even more appreciated in international competition but he has never had the desire to be a big time scorer and on this team, which means Batum must fill the void for them to be successful. Batum has all the tools for being a great player at the NBA player, being the man for this French team may help him be more of an offensive threat once he returns to the Trail Blazers. While veterans Florent Pietrus (Mikael’s older brother) and Mickaël Gelabale (former Seattle Super Sonics) will be relied on heavily, there is also a necessary contribution from big man Ali Traoré (who beat out NBAer Alexis Ajinca for a spot) and guard Nando De Colo (2009 Spurs 2nd round pick). Both are not far away from being NBA players and this is a great opportunity for them to step up and be seen by NBA scouts. Two other players to watch (2011 draft eligible) Edwin Jackson and the MVP of the U-20 European Championships point guard (2012 draft eligible) Andrew Albicy who replaces the injured Beaubois.
In 1992, France was the Silver Medalist to the Dream Team with no NBA player on its roster. The country has become a hot bed in Europe in developing NBA talent but as the number of NBAers has increased, the French Federation’s results at the highest international level has actually declined. In preliminary games they have beaten Brazil, Ivory Coast, Tunisia, but lost to Australia, Canada, and the USA. They should make it to the next round but there isn't reason to believe that they have the ability to beat the elite teams.
Lithuania – FIBA World Ranking #6
Lithuania is a very good team despite not having a lot of NBA talent. One name NBA followers will recognize is Linas Kleiza, who recently returned from a stint playing overseas, signing with the Toronto Raptors. Lithuania also has 6’6” guard Renaldas Seibutis, who was drafted by the Dallas Mavericks in 2007. Seibutis’ resume boasts plenty of success in international play, including being named MVP in the 2005 FIBA Under-21 World Championship. Lithuania is anchored inside by Donatas Motiejunas, a seven-foot 19 year old who withdrew from the 2010 NBA draft and is projected as a lottery pick when it comes time for teams to make their selections in 2011.
While casual fans will expect Kleiza to be the key to this team because of his NBA experience, much of Lithuania’s success will depend on how well Motiejunas plays. He was FIBA Under-18 World Championship MVP in 2008. Lithuania will be thin on the frontline, so it will be crucial for Robertas Javtokas, who is one of the top defensive players in Europe, and Motiejunas to put pressure on opposing big men.
While Lithuania is stocked with a fair amount of talent and has a team that fits the international style of play very well, it is going to find it difficult to match up with teams like France and Spain, meaning they potentially may find it difficult to finish any higher than third in Group D, but should have little trouble finishing in the top 4, and thus should advance.
Canada – FIBA World Ranking #19
While it is a near certainty that Spain, France, and Lithuania will advance, the fight for the fourth spot should be a good one. Canada is led by Miami HEAT center, Joel Anthony on the inside. His shot blocking will not only deter other teams from looking to score inside but also get the Canadians out on the fast break as well. Coach Leo Rautins will also lean heavily on his son, Andy Rautins of the New York Knicks, for scoring. Denham Brown, the former UCONN star, will also take on a large part of the scoring load. Jermaine Anderson will man the point guard position, and while Canadians will still wish it were Steve Nash running the team instead, Anderson should do enough to help Canada contend for the fourth spot in Group D.
Joel Anthony
It would truly be a victory for Canada if they advance out of Group D in the World Championship. Canada doesn’t have NBA players Nash, Jamaal Magloire, and Samuel Dalembert playing for them, which hurts the team’s chances. Canada is a team that is biding its time until all the young talent it is producing begins playing for the senior national team. In the mean time, they will be happy beating out New Zealand and Lebanon for the right to advance.
New Zealand – FIBA World Ranking #13
New Zealand is a talented team that epitomizes the saying “the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.” New Zealand’s roster lacks name recognition for American fans. NBA big man Sean Marks, who has been a career backup and journeyman, will help solidify the New Zealand frontcourt along with former Winthrop star Craig Bradshaw. Bradshaw could pay big dividends in the tournament, as he has the ability to pull opposing big men away from the paint. If he can do that, it will open up space for Kirk Penney, the former Wisconsin Badger who has had stints with the HEAT and Clippers, to work and could be key to New Zealand landing the fourth spot in the group.
Lebanon – FIBA World Ranking #24
Lebanon is the least likely team to advance out of group play. They feature only two players that carry name recognition in the USA. Jackson Vroman has 87 career NBA games under his belt, in which he averaged 3.3 points and 3 rebounds per game. The other player American fans might recognize is Matt Freije, the former Vanderbilt Commodore who has logged 42 NBA games played. Fadi El Khatib, however, is the star that Lebanon needs to shine brightest. A 6’6” forward, he paced the Lebanese squad with 29 points in their upset, 74-73 victory over France in the last World Championships. If he can keep that production up for an entire tournament they have a chance, but that may be asking too much.
Predicted Group Pool Play Final Standings
Spain (5-0)
France (4-1)
Lithuania (3-2)
Canada (2-3)
New Zealand (1-4)
Lebanon (0-5)
Spain – FIBA World Ranking #3
Rubio & Fernandez chasing another medalSpain comes into the World championship as the favorite to win gold. The only teams with a better world ranking are Argentina (who is missing Manu Ginobili) and USA (missing virtually their entire roster from the Olympics). Spain is also missing their star player, Pau Gasol, who is taking a year off from international competition after winning back to back NBA championships with the Los Angeles Lakers. Despite this, Spain is far from devoid of NBA level talent.
Spain’s roster is littered with current, former, and future NBA players such as Rudy Fernandez (Portland), Jose Manuel Calderon (Toronto), and Marc Gasol (Memphis). They feature Juan Carlos Navarro and Jorge Garbajosa who spent time playing for the Memphis Grizzlies and Toronto Raptors, respectively. Spain boasts three 2009 draft picks as well, Ricky Rubio (#5-Minnesota), Victor Claver (#22-Portland), and Sergio Llull (#34-Denver). Add to that the 11th overall draft pick in the 2005 draft, Fran Vasquez, and it is clear that Spain is a juggernaut in the world of international basketball.
Spain came up just short of the gold medal two years ago in the Olympics, being defeated only twice in the tournament, both times by team USA. With team USA being weakened this year, Spain has to be considered one of the favorites, and they enter the World Championship with the expectation of gold, anything else will be considered a failure for such a talented team.
France – FIBA World Ranking #15
During the fall of 2009 expectations were raised by the French Federation to be a player during the upcoming world championships: Then Tony Parker reinjured the same ankle he initially hurt while playing for Team France. Given that he never fully recovered from the injury and that 2010-11 season is the last year of his contract with the San Antonio Spurs, he decided early on to announce he would not play for the team. This had a domino effect as childhood friend Ronny Turiaf of the New York Knicks declined as well. French NBAers Joakim Noah, Mikael Pietrus, Kevin Seraphin, Yakhouba Diawara, and Johan Petro won’t be participating either. Roddy Beaubois of the Dallas Mavericks was supposed to be a key contributor to the team but much to the chagrin of both Mark Cuban and French Coach Vincent Collet, he broke his foot and won’t be participating either. And the injury bug does not stop there, NBA draft hopeful Antoine Diot pulled out with a bad back and Dallas Maverick Ian Mahinmi has a broken finger but will participate.
Nicolas BatumThe team will be led by the rotund Boris Diaw, part of the Tony Parker generation and Nicolas Batum part of the new generation. Diaw’s passing skills will be even more appreciated in international competition but he has never had the desire to be a big time scorer and on this team, which means Batum must fill the void for them to be successful. Batum has all the tools for being a great player at the NBA player, being the man for this French team may help him be more of an offensive threat once he returns to the Trail Blazers. While veterans Florent Pietrus (Mikael’s older brother) and Mickaël Gelabale (former Seattle Super Sonics) will be relied on heavily, there is also a necessary contribution from big man Ali Traoré (who beat out NBAer Alexis Ajinca for a spot) and guard Nando De Colo (2009 Spurs 2nd round pick). Both are not far away from being NBA players and this is a great opportunity for them to step up and be seen by NBA scouts. Two other players to watch (2011 draft eligible) Edwin Jackson and the MVP of the U-20 European Championships point guard (2012 draft eligible) Andrew Albicy who replaces the injured Beaubois.
In 1992, France was the Silver Medalist to the Dream Team with no NBA player on its roster. The country has become a hot bed in Europe in developing NBA talent but as the number of NBAers has increased, the French Federation’s results at the highest international level has actually declined. In preliminary games they have beaten Brazil, Ivory Coast, Tunisia, but lost to Australia, Canada, and the USA. They should make it to the next round but there isn't reason to believe that they have the ability to beat the elite teams.
Lithuania – FIBA World Ranking #6
Lithuania is a very good team despite not having a lot of NBA talent. One name NBA followers will recognize is Linas Kleiza, who recently returned from a stint playing overseas, signing with the Toronto Raptors. Lithuania also has 6’6” guard Renaldas Seibutis, who was drafted by the Dallas Mavericks in 2007. Seibutis’ resume boasts plenty of success in international play, including being named MVP in the 2005 FIBA Under-21 World Championship. Lithuania is anchored inside by Donatas Motiejunas, a seven-foot 19 year old who withdrew from the 2010 NBA draft and is projected as a lottery pick when it comes time for teams to make their selections in 2011.
While casual fans will expect Kleiza to be the key to this team because of his NBA experience, much of Lithuania’s success will depend on how well Motiejunas plays. He was FIBA Under-18 World Championship MVP in 2008. Lithuania will be thin on the frontline, so it will be crucial for Robertas Javtokas, who is one of the top defensive players in Europe, and Motiejunas to put pressure on opposing big men.
While Lithuania is stocked with a fair amount of talent and has a team that fits the international style of play very well, it is going to find it difficult to match up with teams like France and Spain, meaning they potentially may find it difficult to finish any higher than third in Group D, but should have little trouble finishing in the top 4, and thus should advance.
Canada – FIBA World Ranking #19
While it is a near certainty that Spain, France, and Lithuania will advance, the fight for the fourth spot should be a good one. Canada is led by Miami HEAT center, Joel Anthony on the inside. His shot blocking will not only deter other teams from looking to score inside but also get the Canadians out on the fast break as well. Coach Leo Rautins will also lean heavily on his son, Andy Rautins of the New York Knicks, for scoring. Denham Brown, the former UCONN star, will also take on a large part of the scoring load. Jermaine Anderson will man the point guard position, and while Canadians will still wish it were Steve Nash running the team instead, Anderson should do enough to help Canada contend for the fourth spot in Group D.
Joel AnthonyIt would truly be a victory for Canada if they advance out of Group D in the World Championship. Canada doesn’t have NBA players Nash, Jamaal Magloire, and Samuel Dalembert playing for them, which hurts the team’s chances. Canada is a team that is biding its time until all the young talent it is producing begins playing for the senior national team. In the mean time, they will be happy beating out New Zealand and Lebanon for the right to advance.
New Zealand – FIBA World Ranking #13
New Zealand is a talented team that epitomizes the saying “the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.” New Zealand’s roster lacks name recognition for American fans. NBA big man Sean Marks, who has been a career backup and journeyman, will help solidify the New Zealand frontcourt along with former Winthrop star Craig Bradshaw. Bradshaw could pay big dividends in the tournament, as he has the ability to pull opposing big men away from the paint. If he can do that, it will open up space for Kirk Penney, the former Wisconsin Badger who has had stints with the HEAT and Clippers, to work and could be key to New Zealand landing the fourth spot in the group.
Lebanon – FIBA World Ranking #24
Lebanon is the least likely team to advance out of group play. They feature only two players that carry name recognition in the USA. Jackson Vroman has 87 career NBA games under his belt, in which he averaged 3.3 points and 3 rebounds per game. The other player American fans might recognize is Matt Freije, the former Vanderbilt Commodore who has logged 42 NBA games played. Fadi El Khatib, however, is the star that Lebanon needs to shine brightest. A 6’6” forward, he paced the Lebanese squad with 29 points in their upset, 74-73 victory over France in the last World Championships. If he can keep that production up for an entire tournament they have a chance, but that may be asking too much.
Predicted Group Pool Play Final Standings
Spain (5-0)
France (4-1)
Lithuania (3-2)
Canada (2-3)
New Zealand (1-4)
Lebanon (0-5)
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