MIES (Switzerland) - In 2014, Mexico played in their only FIBA Basketball World Cup for 40 years, reaching the Round of 16 with ease. The 12 Warriors know they have the strength to repeat that achievement.

The Roster

Guards, speed, explosiveness, and a lot of shooting threats from anywhere on the floor. Coach Omar Quintero has been at the helm since 2021 and has no problem allowing Paul Stoll, Pako Cruz, Orlando Mendez and Gabriel Giron as many shots as they want because such basketball gave Mexico a couple of wins over the USA over the last two years.

Gabriel Giron

The switch to a backcourt philosophy was expected once center Gustavo Ayon was no longer an option, the middle now belongs to Daniel Amigo's huge frame, ideal for screen setting on and off the ball, and Joshua Ibarra, a double-double threat.

The Question

Will the underdog status help them stun a team or two?

Because that's what they are going to need to repeat the 2014 success of reaching the last 16. They've got Lithuania and Montenegro as two favorites in their First Round group, and if/when they advance, they probably get to set another rendezvous with the United States, the country that beat them in the first knockout game in 2014. New Zealand and Greece are also on the other side of that draw.

Irwin Avalos

All five of those are ranked above Mexico in the FIBA World Ranking, presented by Nike. But so were Russia back at the aforementioned OQT in 2021, and Mexico went on to beat them nonetheless.

The Hope

The passion that these guys feel when they put on a jersey with MEXICO emblazoned on their chest, it's difficult to describe. Do yourselves a favor, tune into one of Mexico's games, feel free to underestimate them, and stay prepared to fall in love when you see them knock down consecutive shots and start celebrating like it's their fiesta all over the world.

Paul Stoll

Yes, all squads play with passion when they are in a major event, but with Mexico, it just feels levels above, a brotherhood type of a thing.

The Fear

Size matters. Back in 2022, Mexico had just five players taller than 2.01m (6'7") at the AmeriCup, while group rivals Montenegro could potentially have eight in the Philippines.

Rokas Jokubaitis will most probably be the shortest player on Lithuania's roster, but at 1.94m (6'4") he would be in the taller half of Mexico's 12 from 2022. Facing those two Group D opponents will be a tall task, quite literally.

IN THE LAST 10 FIBA EVENTS

The Poll

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For a deeper look on Mexico's journey to the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023, click here.

FIBA