DOHA (Qatar) - Each and every FIBA Basketball World Cup for the past two decades has had unforgettable moments on the hardwood, from rip-roaring dunks and buzzer-beaters to audacious assists and sensational swats.
The tournaments were so big, so riveting, that the names of MVPs easily come to mind.
There was Pau Gasol in 2006, Kevin Durant in 2010, Kyrie Irving in 2014, Ricky Rubio in 2019 and Dennis Schroder in 2023.
But never forget, the mascots were also a huge part of the great basketball vibe.
Their names are legendary.
In Japan in '06, Bad Badtz-Maru captivated us while in Türkey in 2010, we watched with wide-eyed enthusiasm Bascat. In Spain four years later, Ole and Hop mesmerized fans and in China, in 2019, the otherworldly mascot presence of Son of Dreams was upon us.
Last time out was J.I.P., who took it to a different level!
In the final stage, J.I.P. underwent a high-tech upgrade, changing from red, white and blue to a glowing gold.
2027: Suhail - Qatar
In Qatar, spectators will be left spellbound by Suhail, a radiant, crystalline star-inspired mascot. It's made up of meteorite fragments and metallic facets that catch the light and glow with solar energy.
Suhail is inspired by the guiding star Polaris that is long revered by sailors, nomads and pearl divers across the Gulf.
Here's a look back at the mascots that have been a big part of FIBA Basketball World Cups.
2023: J.I.P. - Japan, Indonesia and Philippines
J.I.P. got its name by taking the first letter of each of the host countries - Japan, Indonesia and Philippines. J.I.P. was a friendly robot that showed the tournament's commitment to sustainability. There was a built-in hoop on its back that encouraged recycling, while its power shoes ran on energy generated from recycled waste.
2019: Son of Dreams - China
It's impossible to reflect on the World Cup in China without thinking about this bright and energetic cartoon dragon mascot that was in red, yellow and blue. Son of Dreams had prominent horns that were intended to symbolize the tournament attracting the world's attention. With a friendly expression and athletic build, Son of Dreams blended the traditional Chinese dragon with the dynamic spirit of basketball. The overall design conveyed strength, courage and optimism.
2014: Ole and Hop - Spain
If the mascot is effectively a helping hand for a World Cup, bringing fun and excitement and an important message, well, Ole and Hop were literally helping hands. The two animated hands, inspired by the official logo of the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup, brought the event's visual identity to life and tied in its slogan, “In Your Hands” (En Tus Manos). Their names also drew on spectacular play in hoops known as the alley-oop, highlighting the coordination, athleticism and teamwork that's needed to be successful in basketball.
2010: Bascat - Türkiye
This might be the most clever of the mascot names, since it played on the word "basket." And if you're a fan of cats, it was a "purrrrrrfect" fit. Bascat was a white cat that drew inspiration from the distinctive breed of the Turkish Van, which traces its ancestry to the natural landrace cats of the Lake Van region in eastern Türkiye. Hence, one blue eye and one green eye. Bascat offered a playful, energetic character to the competition.
2006: Bad Badtz-Maru - Japan
A mischievous black-and-white penguin, Bad Badtz-Maru, a creation of the Japanese company Sanrio, had already made a big splash in the country in 1993. Its selection as the official mascot for the 2006 FIBA World Championship brought an established figure in Japanese pop culture into international basketball. Bad Badtz-Maru had spiky feathers, a yellow beak and a scowling expression but nevertheless had a cheeky personality that gave the tournament a playful, distinctly Japanese mascot.
FIBA