KATOWICE (Poland) - Six teams will convene in the Polish city of Katowice to commence their FIBA EuroBasket 2025 campaigns.
The 11,500 capacity seated Spodek Arena will provide the backdrop for the action in Group D, with 15 games being played from August 28 - September 4.
Which four teams from Belgium, France, Iceland, Israel, Poland and Slovenia will advance and qualify for the Final Phase in Riga?
Schedule
France
It's been over a decade since their first - and only - EuroBasket title, but France have one of the deepest pools of talent across Europe right now. Sure, they are missing some big names, yet there are also players with an opportunity to step up and make their claim as one of the new leaders of the national team.
Slovenia
Their reign as European champions came to an end at the hands of Poland in 2022, and they will have the chance to extract revenge in their opponents' backyard this time around. Much will rest upon the shoulders of superstar Luka Doncic if they are to enjoy success, even with the ever-reliable supporting cast.
Poland
It was a special run to the Semi-Finals last time out for Poland, as they knocked off Slovenia on their way to a fourth-placed finish. Mateusz Ponitka was inspired and has additional star support in the form of crafty guard Jordan Loyd as they look to impress again on home soil.
Israel
The senior team could be ready to finally start to reap the benefit of their success at youth level with the conveyer-belt of talent continuing. Deni Avdija made his mark on debut in 2022, and has the reins as the superstar on the team. Could they be set for a deep run?
Belgium
In 2022, Belgium were the only team to beat eventual champions Spain, though their journey came to an end at the Round of 16 stage. Another positive sign that they challenge the powerhouse nations, and they will be out to prove their upset-making ability was not a one-off on the big stage.
Iceland
After missing out on the 2022 edition, Iceland are back at the Final Round with hopes of making it to the Final Phase for the first time. They were one of the stories of the Qualifiers and everyone loves an underdog story when it comes to big tournaments.
Star Player
Being one of the biggest global basketball stars in general, it comes as no surprise that Slovenia's ambition will lie largely on the shoulders of Luka Doncic. The Slovenian prodigy had made his EuroBasket debut in 2017 and won the title in his first try and that's the high he'll aim to replicate this year.
The Los Angeles Lakers superstar caught the attention this summer with his physical transformation so we can expect the best version of Doncic, and that sounds scary if we know what he can do on any given night. His ability to do everything with the basketball - score, pass, rebound and make the big play makes him one of the best in the world and Slovenia can surely dream big as long as they have Luka.
Last time we saw him in the national team jersey, Doncic averaged 27.7 points, 9.7 rebounds and 8.3 assists per game in the summer of 2024, but even those near triple-double figures weren't enough to push Slovenia into the Olympic Tournament in Paris. However, Doncic and Slovenia are coming again and that should alert their opponents.
Poll: Who will qualify for the Final Phase?
History
COUNTRY | LAST PARTICIPATION | BEST FINISH | APPEARANCE |
2022 (14th place) | 4th place (1947) | 19th | |
2022 (Runners-up) | Champions (2013) | 40th | |
2017 (24th place) | 24th place (2015, 2017) | 3rd | |
2022 (17th place) | Runners-up (1979) | 31st | |
2022 (4th place) | Runners-up (1963) | 30th | |
2022 (6th place) | Champions (2017) | 15th |
FIBA World Ranking for Men presented by NIKE
RANK | NATIONAL TEAM |
#4 | France |
#11 | Slovenia |
#17 | Poland |
#39 | Israel |
#40 | Belgium |
#50 | Iceland |
Tickets
FIBA