Group F preview: Can the hungry Slovenia live up to the billing?

OKINAWA (Japan) - After missing the previous edition, Slovenia are coming into the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 as one of the teams that can go all the way.

The Favorite: Slovenia

Seventh in the FIBA World Ranking Men, presented by Nike, the Slovenians are looking to make the most out of their World Cup return. Since winning their first EuroBasket crown in 2017, it's been a frustrating road for them.

After not qualifying for the 2019 World Cup, Slovenia took international basketball by storm by rolling to a FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament triumph in Kaunas and were a layup away from beating France for a ticket to the Tokyo Olympic Final in 2021 (Nic Batum famously pinned Klemen Prepelic's attempt on the backboard) but fell to Australia in the battle for the bronze medal.

Then, their title defense came to a shocking end as they got stunned by Poland in the EuroBasket 2022 Quarter-Finals. Doncic had 14 points but was just five of 15 from the floor and had six turnovers. "I let my team down. I let my whole country down. It was my fault", said Luka Doncic in August in an interview with As.

Slovenia should always be among the contenders when Doncic is leading the way, but they've had enough of just being among the contenders. They want to win it all again.

The Underdog: Cape Verde

One of the four first-timers in this World Cup, Cape Verde are coming in as the lowest team in the FIBA World Ranking at no. 64. Additionally, they are one of the oldest teams in the competition.

But FIBA AfroBasket 2021, when they reached the Semi-Finals, was proof that the Blue Sharks are no pushovers. The team also beat Cote d'Ivoire on the final day of the African Qualifiers to punch their ticket to the World Cup.

A team with Edy Tavares at center is a dangerous team. It will certainly show big heart, despite being the smallest ever nation to qualify for the World Cup.

The Pivotal Game: Slovenia v Venezuela

Slovenia will begin their campaign on August 26 against Venezuela, a clash that will be important for the whole group.

While Slovenia are expected to top Group F, Venezuela should be a tough challenge. They won two games in the First Round at the last World Cup and led the Americas Qualifiers in steals. Will Venezuela's pressure bother Slovenia?

If Venezuela can't pick up a surprise against Slovenia, all eyes will be on their matchup against Georgia. The result of that clash could offer a clearer view of the pool's direction as the teams joust for a position in the Second Round.

The Open Question: Which debutant can go further?

The 2019 World Cup in China saw the debuting Czech Republic pull off a surprise run to the Quarter-Finals before losing to Australia and ending up sixth.

Can either Georgia or Cape Verde emulate that feat for their first trip at FIBA's flagship event?