BELGRADE (Serbia) - Six teams and one, the same goal: win the tournament and book your ticket to Tokyo. In what position does each of the teams enter this tournament - and what challenges could they face along the way?

Serbia - can they repeat 2016 without Djordjevic, Jokic?

Just like five years ago, Serbia will try to secure a ticket to the Olympics on home court, albeit in front of a drastically reduced amount of fans in Aleksandar Nikolic Hall. But not everything is the same since Serbia went to the Games. The road to Tokyo certainly won't be the same for the defending Olympic silver medalists. 

First, there is a new head coach Igor Kokoskov, who replaces legendary Sasha Djordjevic in 2019. And the other thing is the absence of NBA MVP Nikola Jokic, who was an MVP of Belgrade OQT in 2016 as well.

But, besides that massive changes and a lot of currently injured players, Serbia is a favorite in Begrade's OQT, for sure. 

Italy - can lesser pressure lead to a better result this time?

Back in 2016, Italy hosted OQT but failed to secure an Olympic ticket in Turin, losing to Croatia 84-78. Then the Azzuri featured their roster this century, but notable NBA players like Bargnani, Bellineli, Gallinari didn't hold the pressure at home as they hoped. 

Now the new generation, with only Nicolo Melli as a connection, will try to achieve their Olympic ambition on an even more challenging occasion to come in Belgrade.

Puerto Rico - is it time to shine again?

The Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Belgrade is a familiar place for the Puerto Ricans, as they played in the 2016 finals. However, Serbia was too strong at that time as they cruised to a comfortable 108-77 victory.

Comparing with that campaign, Puerto Rico's team is much younger now and without a Carlos Arroyo-caliber star. But, they are hungry, competitive, and on a mission to repeat the success and play in another final as Puerto Rico looks for their first Olympics appearance since 2004.

Philippines - is there material for something big... and soon?

In the post-Andry Blatche era, the Philippines are trying to find a new path and build a new core. So they come to Serbia's capital with an emerging group of guys featuring Dwight Ramos and Kai Sotto as this new generation of leaders.

Expectations are always high in the Philippines when the "Gilas" are competing. Coach Baldwin knows that for sure. He has made some adjustments to the roster and brings a taller and more robust unit to the OQT, all with an idea to once again chase the Olympics dream. 

The last time this basketball-oriented country participated in the Games was 39 years ago.

Dominican Republic - not a favourite, but count them out at your peril

The Dominicans are not the team that you can name as a tournament favorite.  But you can not write them off, either.

As one of their primary and most experienced guy, Sadiel Rojas's quote of the record - not many believe that this team can make history and secure a first-ever Olympics appearance. And they will take that as an additional motivation into Belgrade.

Is this able to achieve that we don't know? But, will they recognize opportunity on the court, if there is any, and seize it? Heck yeah!

Senegal - Can the underdogs go all the way?

When Senegal drew in Group B of Belgrade's OQT, they were immediately marked as a candidate for likely outsider status. 

That's because Senegal brings athleticism and a plethora of players who compete at the highest level in Europe and abroad - like Fenerbahce Istanbul newcomer Pierria Henry and experienced rim-protector Maurice Ndour. 

With the rest of the team filled with talented players, head coach Bonafice Ndong and his staff are preparing to pull some upsets. But right now, his most prominent opponent is coronavirus and COVID protocols.