32 teams from around the world compete in 2023 FIBA World Cup. Only 4 remain: US vs Germany and Canada vs Serbia. Who will make it to the championship game?
The Final Four is stacked with NBA superstars! Germany (Franz Wagner & Dennis Schröder), Serbia (Bogdan Bogdanović), Canada (Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Dillon Brooks & RJ Barrett), and the US (Anthony Edwards, Austin Reaves, Mikal Bridges & Jaren Jackson Jr.) all have a shot at the championship. Collectively, each of these four teams appears to have a realistic chance of claiming the championship.
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- Photo Credit: Fiba Basketball
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- Photo Credit: Fiba Basketball
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- Photo Credit: Fiba Basketball
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- Photo Credit: Fiba Basketball
Let’s assess the last four teams competing in the FIBA World Cup and rank them according to their likelihood of emerging victorious.
1. United States
Team USA’s loss to Lithuania led to an easier path in the knockout round, and inspired a defensive focus that helped them cruise by Italy. Additionally, rebounding was a key focus as they look to keep progressing in the tournament.
No one could match Jonas Valanciunas’ talent. Daniel Theis may be a challenge in the semis for the U.S., but Gobert, Towns, and Valanciunas are out, giving the Americans an edge. The U.S. have a potent attack, many shooters, and the best depth in the competition. Opponents must slow the pace and overpower them inside to stand a chance.
2. Canada
Canada was down double-digits in a win-or-go-home game vs. Spain, but Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led them to an impressive comeback and Olympic qualification! They took on Luka Doncic and Slovenia in the quarters and emerged as the deeper, more athletic team. Serbia stands between them and the championship game, likely vs. Team USA.
Gilgeous-Alexander is the best creator, Brooks a lockdown defender, Barrett a downhill driver, Olynyk a playmaker, and Dort a 3-and-D ace. Canada has all the pieces to win the World Cup – it’s the moment they’ve been waiting for!
3. Serbia
Serbia has been dominant in the tournament, leaving Lithuania stunned in the quarterfinals. Led by Bogdan Bogdanović and Filip Petrušev, Serbia’s roster has few weaknesses, making them a strong contender in the semifinals.
Serbia mixes size and efficiency for a complete World Cup team. Their two-point shooting is the best in the tournament. Serbia passes up average shots for better ones, and turnovers are kept low. High-volume threes create driving lanes and big men can punish teams from close range. Bogdanović is now facing Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Canada in the semis – no surprise for followers of Serbia.
4. Germany
Despite Dennis Schroder’s nightmare 4-for-26 shooting game, Germany found a way to win the quarterfinals. Franz Wagner stepped up in his return from injury, scoring 16 points and taking on the playmaking duties. Latvia’s Davis Bertans had a chance to win, but his shot rimmed out and Germany advanced to the semis.
Germany could topple Team USA and win the tournament. Theis, Schroder, and Wagner have the talent to give the Americans trouble. Germany has played with cohesion and has the speed to keep up with USA in transition. Even on their worst night, Germany won. USA may face an even better team Friday.
The FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 Semi-Finals will be held on Friday, 8th September at the Mall of Asia Arena.
- SRB v CAN – 16:45 Local Time (08:45 GMT)
- USA v GER – 20:40 Local Time (12:40 GMT)
