MANILA (Philippines) - The opening tip of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 is almost upon us.

Teams have been in training camps and playing warm-up games. Some teams look like major contenders, and some countries like South Sudan are playing at the event for the first time. And there will be star power on display. It is time we put everything on the table and ask our FIBA Experts to tell us more.

Jeff Taylor, FIBA writer, columnist and play-by-play commentator who's called World Cup games since 1998, is joined by three well-known basketball coaches, and personalities, in a roundtable chat about the event.

Mike Taylor led Poland from obscurity to the Quarter-Finals of the last World Cup and was just named the Canadian Elite Basketball League Coach of the Year for his work with the Winnipeg Sea Bears.

Liz Mills made history as the first woman to lead a team, Kenya, to the AfroBasket two years ago and then coached the Morans to a victory at the tournament in Kigali, Rwanda.

Shona Thorburn is a two-time Canada Olympic point guard who is now a coach at French top-flight side Basket Landes.

This Canada roster is loaded!

Shona: I think hands down this is the most talented roster Canada has had in a VERY LONG time, maybe ever. Coach Nick Nurse really did a great job after the 2019 World Cup to get guys to commit, buy in, and show up. This summer we are seeing all that hard work that happened before with the likes of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and RJ Barrett along with many other notable big names possibly suiting up for Canada. It's sad to not see coach Nurse at the head of this team after all the hard work he put in but Canada Basketball did a great job going out and finding a young coach, with as much FIBA and NBA experience as Jordi Fernandez has.

Liz: I think as stacked a roster as Canada has, they will struggle due to a lack of FIBA experience and cohesion at this level. I see this more as a starting point for this team as they work towards future success at the Olympics and World Cup.

Shona: Agreed Liz, they lack experience but could be a team we see improve every game as the tournament goes on.

Mike: Canada has all the pieces. Star power in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, shooting in RJ Barrett, defense in Lugenz Dort, physicality in Dillon Brooks, front-court shooting in Kelly Olynyk, and a mobile big in Dwight Powell among others. Jordi Fernandez has international experience with the Spanish national team to go along with his long track record in the NBA. I believe Canada will be talented, balanced and hungry at this World Cup after their disappointing 21st-place finish in China in 2019. Look for Canada to put it together and make a great run!

Are the Boomers better than in 2023?

Liz: Without a doubt, Australia has continued to build on the performance at the 2019 World Cup and have since gone on to win bronze at the 2021 Olympics. This team now has 10 players currently or who have previously played in the NBA. The team has more talent and bench depth than any previous Boomers team. It has also added a level of athleticism, length and versatility that in today’s game is crucial. Patty Mills and Joe Ingles will continue to lead the way and with the addition of Josh Giddey and other young players, this team is easily the best team Australia has ever fielded at a World Cup. At minimum, I expect a top 3 finish.

Shona: Top 3 is a tall order in my opinion. I think they need to start the tournament well, especially considering they will be fighting for a top 2 spot coming out of a very tough group. I think they need to finish 1^st in group play so they don't need to possibly cross with Slovenia and Luka...

Jeff: Any team that cuts Matthew Dellavedova must be very, very good. Mills and Ingles are older and surely can't play the same number of minutes as 2019. I picked Australia to win the last World Cup and they were unlucky not to reach the Final. I'm not convinced they're better, even with some "Giddey-up".

Mike: I love the potential for Australia and believe they have a near-perfect mix of veteran leadership and rising talent. Veteran coach Brian Goorjan is also an advantage for the Boomers.  For me, the team's balance and ability to play both ends of the floor is impressive.  The Boomers beat Venezuela, 97-41, limiting them to seven points in the second quarter and four in the third. Matisse Thybulle and Dante Exum lead the way defensively. Australia's ability to stop opponents will be key to their success. Add scoring from veteran Mills and rising star Giddey and the Boomers are on their way. Late concerns could come from a knee injury to Chris Goulding and the release of veteran leader Dellavedova but I believe the team will find its focus and make a run for a medal in Manila.  They have what it takes!

USA poised for a title run?

 

Jeff: The USA performance against Spain in Malaga was really good. Several players stepped up. Tyrese Haliburton had 12 assists - a hell of a lot in the FIBA game (reminds me of Theo Papaloukas against the USA in 2006 ... I digress), and they showed good chemistry and D.  I love Cam Johnson in that team. He comes in and drills three-pointers. I wonder if playing a group without another strong contender in the First Round against Jordan, New Zealand, and Greece could hurt them later on?

Mike: I love the new USA roster, and the direction they are going.  Despite being inexperienced in the FIBA game, USA has superior talent and they are tremendously athletic. Three NBA All-Stars capture the attention in Anthony Edwards, Haliburton and Jaren Jackson Jr. I love the long, athletic wings in Mikal Bridges and Johnson. Talented front-court scoring can come from Paolo Banchero and Brandon Ingram. Jalen Brunson's guard play will also be a key. Fan favorite Austin Reaves gives the team needed perimeter shooting. Will USA grow together through the preparation games and early stages of the tournament? The group draw can help them. The big challenge comes later in the tournament when they meet experienced, battle-tested teams that have a core of players that have been together for a while. These teams will defend 94 feet, play without the ball and value every possession. USA needs to capitalize on their early games to prepare them for later challenges in Manila, keep the expectations internal and allow the group to grow step by step.

Magnifique France?

Jeff: Many of the French players that beat the USA early at the Tokyo Olympics and then pushed them all the way in the Gold Medal Game are in the squad for this World Cup. That bodes well for Les Bleus. If those teams meet again, it has to be advantage France! Also, I sense real determination in this French team.

Shona: France have the talent and experience to be playing for gold. Nando De Colo and Nic Batum look refreshed and hungry. Many of Batum's teammates have even been praising the veteran about how well he's playing. Also recently, Batum's wife mentioned he was retiring from basketball after Paris 2024 so I'm sure he'll want to go out on a high note. I was skeptical how Fournier would look after playing very limited minutes this past NBA season, but he has been their go-to guy when they need a basket. They are running plays for him, getting him the ball often and early and I think this is helping him get his rhythm back.

Liz: Behind USA, I expect France to be a lock for at least the Semi-Finals. They have a wealth of experience and definitely have a number of players looking to make a statement, such as Fournier. They are another team that can play both ends of the floor. Rudy Gobert will anchor their defense and they have numerous offensive weapons. If Fournier can go off, they'll be a tough team to beat.

Mike: France is ready to reach the top at this World Cup. The return of De Colo and Batum brings outstanding point guard play and a high-level two-way player. They have been so much fun to watch through the years. Despite falling out of the Knicks rotation, Evan Fournier remains a key scorer hunting three-point shots. But this team's completeness impresses me. A front court like no other in FIBA with Gobert's rim protection and Gerschon Yabusele's excellent power forward play are a top combination with 7'2" size of Moustapha Fall providing depth. Terry Tarpey and Matthias Lessort will help the team. Vincent Collet and his team are experienced and focused ahead of the World Cup and at this edition will aim for more than a bronze medal.

Spain's winning DNA

Liz: Never count Spain out, regardless of the roster. This team knows how to win and under the guidance of one of the greatest coaches in FIBA history, Sergio Scariolo, it would be foolish to discount them. This team has a wealth of experience and a core group that has played together for years. When the pressure is on, this is what they can fall back on, as we saw at EuroBasket last year.

Shona: I agree with you Liz, we have been talking so much about players but let's not forget the mastermind in the "Spanish pick" coach Scariolo. This team might be less talented than in years past and the big question for me will be the point guard contribution which they have relied so heavily on in years past. But if any coach knows how to win with which systems for the players he has, its coach Scariolo. Also talk about two vets in Fernandez and Llull, if you question whether they are past their prime just go watch some of their recent games this past year!

Mike: Spain is so impressive. We've seen a golden generation achieve so much and we still have Fernandez and Lull to connect us to those teams. The winning culture established in Spain is something special and I enjoy seeing it passed down to the new generation.  Scariolo must be recognized for his outstanding work here. The challenge of sustaining success in sports can be one of the most difficult things to do and with Spain, we see it in action.  For me, that is the winning DNA, the culture of success they have in place and are currently working to pass on. I really like the pieces of the Spanish team and think the Hernangomez brothers, veteran Victor Claver and skillful guard Dario Brizuela, can play key roles. I also like the addition of sharp-shooting big man Santi Aldama, who will add an extra dimension to the offense. But in Spain, the situation is not perfect as guard Ricky Rubio has stepped away from basketball for personal reasons. With everything in place, the challenge to repeat will be a valiant one but as much as I love Spain, I believe we will have a new World Cup champion in 2023.

Liz: Totally agree with you Mike and Shona. I think they'll go deep but don't have what it will take to repeat.

Jeff: It took a while in 2019 for Spain to genuinely believe they could go all the way and it was the same thing last year. This team got better at both tournaments as they went along. I bet against them both times and was wrong. If they go unbeaten in the First Round, Spain are going to be tough the rest of the way.

Germany anyone?

Mike: One team we are not talking about that I believe has an excellent chance at a medal run is Germany! Dennis Schroder is in top form with rising star Franz Wagner supporting him. After an 18th-place finish at the World Cup 2019, the last EuroBasket showed what type of team Germany can be. Could they reach the bronze like 2002, in the Dirk Nowitzki era, or reach new heights?

Jeff: They were good enough to win it all last year. Sometimes you have to lose before you win so DO NOT underestimate Germany, although I think it works against them that they have to survive a "group of death" in the First Round.

The Luka touch for Slovenia

Jeff: No team can stop Luka. No team can contain him. Best way to deal with this situation? Get on your knees and pray!

Shona: You said it Jeff, pray to the basketball gods he has an off night. Really you have to try and frustrate him, get the ball out of his hands, make him have to work harder than he wants on both ends of the court. Doncic talked recently about how its harder to score in FIBA games than the NBA and he is still putting up big numbers. The beauty of Doncic is that he knows the FIBA game better than most NBA stars so he knows what to expect and how the game will be called by the refs. I'm not sure you can stop him, maybe slow him down and take away easy looks for his teammates.

Mike: Preparing to play Slovenia in the 2021 Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Kaunas, we worked all year on our game plan tracking Luka's games with Dallas and talking with NBA assistants from several teams on their plan. The night before we talked our game plan through with Rajon Rondo, who was friends with AJ Slaughter. We felt great about it. When we hit the floor, it did not matter. Luka's size and skill limited our impact. He was so smart reacting to our coverages and adjustments. We were ok when we switched size onto him in Olek Balcerowski, but when he had the advantage, he scored or made his teammates better. For me, that is the thing, Luka raises the level of his teammates and has the ability to lead Slovenia deep in the tournament. I like the core their team has and the success they have had together, but will the load be too much for Luka to manage on his own? Luka will once again be a show-stopper and must-see TV. Let's see how far Luka can lead them!

Liz: Totally agree with Mike. You just have to live with the fact that Luka's going to drop amazing numbers. Your goal is to make it tough for him for 40 minutes and try and get the ball out of his hands as much as possible, forcing his teammates to step up and beat you. Defensively, I'd be sending different defenders to him throughout the game and using a number of different schemes such as trapping, switching, hedging and blitzing. The aim is to never let him get comfortable or in rhythm. I'd also look to defensively get him in a number of pick-and-rolls and wear him down that way too. But fundamentally it's about being able to execute these schemes and understanding that he's still going to put up great numbers because he's a once-in-a-generation type of player.

When the going gets tough, will Clarkson get going?

Jeff: The Philippines are going to be so fired up for this World Cup that anything is possible in the First Round. The pressure will be there as the main hosts, yet this is a situation that Jordan Clarkson will embrace. He's special. The question is, will he be special enough against the Dominican Republic, Italy and Angola? It could be tough sledding for Gilas but with so many fans behind them, and with Clarkson on the court, all bets are off.

Here come the Bright Stars

Jeff: South Sudan appear to be in the perfect group for a team making its World Cup bow. They'll face China, Puerto Rico and Serbia in the First Round. Liz, you coached against them at AfroBasket 2021.

Liz: The rise of South Sudan in Africa over the last few years has been amazing. Without a doubt, they hold the continent's best chance of having a team move into the Second Round. Obviously a group of very talented players but I am concerned about their lack of experience as a team, together. At a tournament such as this, talent will only get you so far, especially considering all three of their opponents have a wealth of experience in World Cups and international tournaments. Hopefully, their warm-up games in Australia will help to alleviate some of these concerns and prepare them well for their first game against Puerto Rico, which is a must-win for them. I think if they can get that first win, that will fill them with confidence against China, who will struggle with their athleticism and length. I think Serbia is a mountain too steep for them to climb at this point in their development but I can see them finishing in second if they can creep up on Puerto Rico and China.

African talent that is must-see

Liz: Nuni Omot from South Sudan is going to be one of the African players to watch. He just came off a great season with Basketball Africa League Champions Al Ahly, where he also claimed the league MVP title. His ability to score in multiple ways and his length and athleticism on defense will really cause problems for opponents. He and LA Laker Wenyen Gabriel will form a formidable frontcourt duo for the team.

Cometh the hour, cometh Yuki Kawamura

Jeff: Yuki Kawamura was outstanding for Japan at the Asia Cup last year but as a pass first and a reluctant-to-shoot point guard. This year in the B. League with Yokohama B-Corsairs, he was the complete package. He was the MVP of the league thanks to his scoring, assists and leadership. Kawamura, just 22, is an unreal talent that Japan coach Tom Hovasse is tapping into and good things are happening for the team as a result.

Do Finland go as far as Lauri takes them?

Mike: One of my favorite FIBA teams through the years has been Finland. Not only on the floor, but off the floor. Henrik Dettmann and now Lassi Tuovi have done a fantastic job.

Jeff: One of my greatest thrills was to experience the Susijengi invasion of Bilbao nine years ago, when Finland played at the World Cup for the first time. Ten thousand Finns traveled to the north of Spain to support the team. Dettman has built a helluva program and Tuovi is a great tactician. There is a steely confidence in this national team. I don't discount their chances of at least getting to the Second Round, even from the group of death. 

Mike: Lauri Markkanen has the ability to carry Finland as he demonstrated at the EuroBasket. He's an elite talent that has grown with the team through the years. However, in years past I believe the core was stronger and could achieve more. Currently, Finland rely so much on Lauri for their success. I'm looking for the remainder of the Finland roster to rise to the occasion and grow from this World Cup experience. For me, the key for Finland is always Markkanen, but in this tournament, in some ways, the developing core is more important.

Games to look forward to?

Liz: Australia v Germany and France v. Canada are the two First Round games I'm really looking forward to. These games will most likely determine who finishes first in each group and allows the winners to have better match-ups in the second round. I'll be in Japan as a fan to support the Boomers and Cape Verde.

Mike: First round matchups I am excited about include USA v Greece in Mall of Asia, China v Serbia and Italy v Philippines in Araneta, Australia v Germany in Okinawa, Canada v France and Brazil v Spain in Jakarta.

Jeff: Serbia v Italy in the Second Round (we all know it's on!). Remember the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Belgrade before Tokyo? Italy won! Remember EuroBasket 2022? Italy won, but only after coach Gianmarco Pozzecco got his marching orders and left the court in tears. Italy launched a stirring fightback. In a friendly this summer, Italy overcame a huge deficit to beat Serbia, despite a dynamic display for the new sensation of Serbia, Nikola Jovic (above). 

Style of play to look out for

Mike: We love the FIBA game for its teamwork and creativity. One aspect I have always loved about the World Cup is how it brings different playing styles together with countries from all over the world competing. With the game constantly evolving, it's fun to watch coaching and teams from all over the world work.

From following the preparation games and how basketball develops across the globe, I would look for faster pace of play, continued use of spread floor 5 out offenses and more lineups with switch-able front court players at this World Cup. Coaching with national teams in Europe, I have always believed the competition at the EuroBasket and in the European Qualifiers battles tests the national teams there. However, I believe we are seeing national teams from other regions close the competition gap. Could we have some historic upsets in the Philippines, Japan and Indonesia? That is the beauty of the game and what has us so excited to watch.

*The experts comments are entirely subjective and purely those of the personalities interviewed in this piece. They are in no way FIBA official comments.

FIBA