2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup (non-USA teams)

[awhom111]

With news filtering in from the other 23 countries, I figured it would be a good time to start a new thread.

Earlier, Finland named their preliminary squad, meaning Alex Murphy could meet his former coach:
http://www.basket.fi/maajoukkueet/joukkueet/miehet/

Today, Lithuania announced their 24 man preliminary squad. Unsurprisingly, Marty Pocius is on the list, meaning he could also face his former coach, which seems to happen every two years.
List:
http://www.musukrepsinis.lt/public/files/LTU-NT-2014-isplestinis-24-sarasas-(ltu-galutinis).pdf
Alternates:
http://www.musukrepsinis.lt/public/files/LTU-NT-2014-Rezervine-rinktine-(ltu-galutinis).pdf

By July, every team should have a list of 24 players, with the final 12 man rosters pretty much definitely coming from those lists (replacements can be made, but the team is subject to a fine).

[Henderson]

With news filtering in from the other 23 countries, I figured it would be a good time to start a new thread.

Earlier, Finland named their preliminary squad, meaning Alex Murphy could meet his former coach:
http://www.basket.fi/maajoukkueet/joukkueet/miehet/


Wow, who knew that Alex Murphy was 206 pituus? And with a late syntynyt too. But there's no way that Finn team's valmennusjohto matches up with Team USA's.

[awhom111]

France has named a 24 player preliminary squad:
http://www.ffbb.com/une-preselection-de-24-joueurs-0

As expected, Tony Parker is planning on resting this summer and not participating. This is a big deal because they are probably the biggest threat to Spain on the host's side of the bracket, but will be less of one without their star.

[awhom111]

Naming a 15 player preliminary squad is Angola, which is on the same side of the bracket as the United States, but not in the same group.
http://www.fiba.com/pages/eng/fe/14/wcm/news/p/nid/73021/article.html

[awhom111]

Lots of teams are starting to take shape. Andray Blatche made his way to the Philippines to complete his naturalization.

Some teams like South Kore and Slovenia are having a slightly flexible approach to their preliminary rosters.

One team that has released their list is Serbia, although they will presumably need to cut it down soon:
http://fiba.com/pages/eng/fe/14/wcm/news/p/nid/73138/article.html

[moonpie23]

i thought this FIFA RANT (http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/the-fix/wp/2014/06/09/john-oliver-takes-on-fifa-video/) by john oliver was on point...

[awhom111]

We seem to have Coach K vs Marty Pocius every other year. This summer brings the chance of a Coach K vs Alex Murphy game. Also possible is a Coach K vs Nick Horvath game. Nick was named to a New Zealand training camp in two weeks:
http://www.basketball.org.nz/news/24-invited-to-tall-blacks-trial-camp-in-july/

Hopefully Nick gets a full fair shot this summer at being the naturalized player for the team. Casey Frank is the other naturalized player at this camp and it remains to be seen whether another option might present itself.


Other teams are in various stages of preparation and squad naming. Some teams have partial lists and others are starting to make early cuts.

[awhom111]

Croatia has announced their 24 man preliminary squad:
http://www.hks-cbf.hr/index.php/component/content/article/20-reprezentacija/a-reprezentacija-m/856-siri-popis-kandidata-za-musku-seniorsku-reprezentaciju-za-sp-2014

Dontaye Draper, their usual naturalized player was injured at the end of the club season, so Oliver Lafayette is included to give the team another option. Early in the year, Nolan Smith was considered as a possibilility with the national team coach also being his club coach, but now he has bigger things to take care of for himself.

In theory there is some sort of deadline that should get us all the preliminary squads in the next week, but that may not happen in a public forum.

[kAzE]

Croatia has announced their 24 man preliminary squad:
http://www.hks-cbf.hr/index.php/component/content/article/20-reprezentacija/a-reprezentacija-m/856-siri-popis-kandidata-za-musku-seniorsku-reprezentaciju-za-sp-2014

Dontaye Draper, their usual naturalized player was injured at the end of the club season, so Oliver Lafayette is included to give the team another option. Early in the year, Nolan Smith was considered as a possibilility with the national team coach also being his club coach, but now he has bigger things to take care of for himself.

In theory there is some sort of deadline that should get us all the preliminary squads in the next week, but that may not happen in a public forum.

OMG, you have warn us about spoilers! I'm still not caught up with season 4! :p

[awhom111]

With some teams already making a few cuts to their rosters, Spain has decided to do everything at once and name their 12 man roster, with a couple of extra players along for training purposes only. 10 players were on the Olympic team, with Ricky Rubio returning to take the place of the less useful Victor Sada and Alex Abrines injecting some youth into the team in place of Fernando San Emeterio. With this experienced squad competing on home soil, they have to be considered the favorites to challenge the United States for the title even though they will have an extremely tough road to get there.
Here is the article from the federation:
http://www.feb.es/2014/7/1/baloncesto/spain2014-los-copa-del-mundo/54571.aspx

[awhom111]

The latest team to release a preliminary roster is Turkey, which is in the same group as the United States. Emir Preldzic is the naturalized player listed here as for now it appears that Keith Langford may not be able to use Turkish citizenship to avoid the foreign player limit in the domestic league.
List:
http://www.tbf.org.tr/docs/default-source/milli-takımlar/a-mıllı-takım-fıba-21-kısı-kadro-2014.pdf?sfvrsn=2

[awhom111]

Also announcing a preliminary squad is Senegal:
http://site.fibaafrica.com/index.php/en/a-la-une/536-spain-2014-22-joueurs-preselectionnes-par-cheick-sarr

[awhom111]

Nick Horvath will continue to battle with Casey Frank to be New Zealand's naturalized player as the squad was trimmed ahead of the team's first exhibitions:
http://www.basketball.org.nz/news/vucinic-trims-tall-blacks-for-burger-king-series-against-korea/

[-jk]

Nick Horvath will continue to battle with Casey Frank to be New Zealand's naturalized player as the squad was trimmed ahead of the team's first exhibitions:
http://www.basketball.org.nz/news/vucinic-trims-tall-blacks-for-burger-king-series-against-korea/

And I'm sure Nick's lighting it up in the pre-season games! (He always does...)

-jk

[awhom111]

Greece has named a pretty weak 16 man preliminary squad:
http://www.fiba.com/basketballworldcup/2014/news/GRE-Exciting-times-as-Antetokounmpo-enters-senior-s

I was going to post the original Greek article, but it seemed not particularly productive.

[awhom111]

Australia named their preliminary squad:
http://www.basketball.net.au/stars-headline-boomers-squad-world-cup-camp/

Obviously the loss of Mills will hurt them. They are a possible knockout round opponent for the United States.


Nick Horvath and New Zealand played their first exhibition game against South Korea. Nick's competition for the naturalized player spot was injured, so he got the chance to play. He finished with 7 points in 13 minutes in a 102-69 win. Ex-Wisconsin player Kirk Penney, the star of the team, had 17 points and ex-NAIA player Corey Webster had 15 points and 6 assists. In the loss, the Korean naturalized player, ex-Richmond player Jarod Stephenson aka Moon Tae-Jong, had 14 points.

Here is a news article about Nick:
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=11293336

[awhom111]

Nick Horvath picked up a back injury after the first game and was left out of the squad for the second game with South Korea, which they lost 76-75. The other naturalized player candidate, Casey Frank recovered enough from his injury to score 2 points in 19 minutes. The same two players led the team again as Corey Webster had 20 points and Kirk Penney had 19 points. Moon Tae-Jong/Jarod Stevenson had 21 points as he makes his own case to be included as a naturalized player for South Korea. Hopefully Nick can get healthy for the next exhibition.

[awhom111]

Nick Horvath was not quite recovered enough to play in the third game against South Korea, which New Zealand 89-81. Casey Frank took up the naturalized player spot again and had 6 points in 13 minutes. It was mainly the same cast of characters for both teams as Kirk Penney had 26 points and Corey Webster had 11 points with ex-Washington State player Thomas Abercrombie adding 14 points. Moon Tae-Jong/Jarod Stevenson had 13 points. The key now is for Nick to get healthy enough to continue with the team as they go abroad in their next set of exhibitions.

[awhom111]

Nick Horvath is among the 14 players moving on with New Zealand to the next stage of training. He is still in competition with Casey Frank for that naturalized player spot.
http://www.basketball.org.nz/news/tall-blacks-name-14/

[awhom111]

More teams are working hard in their preparations now with exhibition games starting for many teams. Four teams are playing a mini-tournament in Slovenia, with the hosts and Ukraine preparing for Spain, Georgia preparing for qualifiers, and Canada playing for the future.

A full strength Georgia team beat Ukraine in the first game 70-62, although Mike Fratello did balance minutes for a lot of players. In the win, Viktor Sanikidze, the 42nd pick of the Atlanta Hawks in 2004 before a draft day trade to the San Antonio Spurs, had 19 points and 8 rebounds, Tornike Shengelia, who just exited the NBA, had 12 points, and Zaza Pachulia, who still gets to carry the torch for the other Georgia in the NBA, 10 points and 7 rebounds. Ukraine's naturalized player, ex-Portland player Pooh Jeter, had 14 points as he only played 16 minutes.
Boxscore:
http://www.kzs.si/index.php?id=114&game_id=2931386&league_id=undefined&season_id=89101#mbt:33-400$t&0=1

The hosts took on Canada with both teams missing players, winning 92-80 without Goran Dragic. For Canada, ex-Michigan player Jevohn Shepherd, who has been a journeyman in Europe, had 11 points. A trio of young NBA players also chipped in as Cory Joseph had 11 points and Andrew Nicholson and Kelly Olynyk had 10 points each.
Boxscore:
http://www.kzs.si/index.php?id=114&game_id=2931388&league_id=undefined&season_id=89101#mbt:33-400$t&0=1

[awhom111]

South Korea beat a group of Taiwanese players that are not their full national team 102-66. Full statistics are not available, but it seems naturalized player Moon Tae-Jong/Jarod Stevenson, formerly of Richmond, had 14 points.

In Slovenia, Canada beat Ukraine 80-75 in overtime as Mike Fratello used interesting rotations for his team again in their second loss. In the win, ex-Gonzaga player Kelly Olynyk had 18 points and 8 rebounds, ex-Hawaii player Carl English, who has been playing in Spain, had 11 points, and Jordan Bachynski, who just finished at Arizona State, had 10 points.
Boxscore:
http://www.kzs.si/index.php?id=114&game_id=2931390&league_id=undefined&season_id=89101#mbt:33-400$t&0=1

The hosts of the mini-tournament used a dominant second quarter to beat Georgia 95-68. In the loss, departing NBA player Tornike Shengalia had 20 points.
Boxscore:
http://www.kzs.si/index.php?id=114&game_id=2931392&league_id=undefined&season_id=89101#mbt:33-400$t&0=1

[awhom111]

Marty Pocius and Lithuania had their first exhibition against Latvia, winning 93-74. Marty had 3 points in 15 minutes as a lot of the team's key players are not participating yet and some fringe players are trying to play their way onto the team. In the loss, Janis Timma, the last pick of the 2013 draft by the Memphis Grizzlies had 10 points.
Boxscore:
http://www.musukrepsinis.lt/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/LTU_LAT-20140726.pdf

Slovenia finished their own tournament undefeated by beating Ukraine 64-51.
Boxscore:
http://www.kzs.si/index.php?id=114&game_id=2931396&league_id=undefined&season_id=89101#mbt:33-400$t&0=1

[awhom111]

South Korea apparently beat Taiwan B again 103-70. I could not find more details.

Serbia beat Serbia B 83-57.

Neither of the brothers Murphy were involved as Finland lost 74-67 in Germany. In the win, ex-Gonzaga player Elias Harris had 13 points. In the loss, Petteri Koponen, the star Finnish player and a 2007 first round pick whose rights are held by the Dallas Mavericks, had 16 points and ex-Old Dominion player Gerald Lee had 13 points and 6 rebounds.

[awhom111]

Marty Pocius and Lithuania had an exhibition against Georgia and won 82-51. Marty had 9 points in 20 minutes as he basically split time with the other projected player at shooting guard. That play, Renaldas Seibutis, the 50th pick of the Dallas Mavericks in 2007, had 13 points and Donatas Motijunas had 13 points and 6 points as he was able to join the team after his NBA obligations. Tornike Shengalia had 13 points and 6 rebounds in the loss as he continues to make his transition back to Europe after his NBA stint.
Boxscore:
http://www.musukrepsinis.lt/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/LIETUVA-GRUZIJA_20140728.pdf

Australia has named their squad barring any late changes:
http://www.basketball.net.au/airbnb-boomers-team-named-2014-fiba-basketball-world-cup/
They are a possible knockout round opponent for the United States.

[awhom111]

Nick was still injured as New Zealand played their first game at South Korea and lost 64-58. Full details of the game are not available, but ex-Washington State player Tom Abercrombie had 12 points and Isaac Fotu of Hawaii had 11 points.

Here is an article about Nick and the other naturalized player he is competing with as both players nurse injuries:
http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/basketball/10311731/Casey-Frank-Horvath-vie-for-Tall-Blacks-spot

With these two players hurting and the presumed starting center injured for a while, the New Zealand media did ask whether there would be another call placed to Oklahoma City and Steven Adams, but the coach is already tired of asking after being rejected earlier in the year.

[awhom111]

Marty Pocius and Lithuania played Georgia again and won 81-54. Marty had 6 points in 16 minutes. Donatas Motiejunas continued integrating himself in the team after the NBA Summer League with 12 points and 12 rebounds. In the loss, Zaza Pachulia showed his NBA pedigree with 18 points and 14 rebounds.
Boxscore:
http://www.musukrepsinis.lt/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/LTU-_-GEO-2014-07-30.pdf

France played Belgium for its first exhibition and won 79-57. Rudy Gobert, fresh off showing some improvement in the NBA Summer League, had 16 points and 6 rebounds. In the loss, Axel Hervelle, the 52nd pick of the Denver Nuggets in 2005 before a later trade of his rights to the Houston Rockets, had 14 points.

[awhom111]

Nick Horvath is still unable to suit up, but his main competition for the spot on the final roster, Casey Frank, is also injured. New Zealand beat South Korea 71-70. Ex-NAIA player Corey Webster had 13 points and rookie Rob Loe from Saint Louis joined the team after NBA Summer League duties and chipped in 10 points.

Slovenia has taken an interesting side trip to China. There are several long-running exhibition tournaments around the world, with the Stakovic Cup, named after the long-time FIBA Secretary General and Hall of Fame inductee, being among them. Slovenia still does not have their strongest team, but the other three countries are sending out B teams. They lost the first game to Russia 70-67.

Brazil had their near full strength team come together for a game against Angola, winning 98-60. In the win, former Texas high schooler Marcelo Huertas had 12 points, ex-NBA player Alex Ribeiro Garcia had 11 points, and Tiago Splitter made his post-NBA championship debut with 10 points and 8 rebounds.

[awhom111]

It has been floating around for a couple days now, but here is South Korea's final squad from an English-language article:
http://www.fiba.com/basketballworldcup/2014/news/KOR-Yoo-stresses-importance-of-hard-work-defense

Slovenia beat Angola's B team 79-58 in China. In the loss, ex-Valparaiso player Joaquim Gomes had 15 points and 8 rebounds.

In Poland, Sweden beat something less than Iran's strongest team 75-58. In the win, ex-Pacific player Christian Maraker had 11 points and 10 rebounds and ex-Northern Arizona player Joakim Kjellbom had 10 points.

In Brazil, Argentina's main squad made their debut by beating Angola's A squad 86-77. In the win, the ancient players still helped carry the team as Pablo Prigioni had 11 points and a pair of ex-NBA players also helped out with Walter Herrmann providing 16 points and Andres Nocioni adding 11 points and 6 rebounds.

In Croatia, the hosts beat Canada 69-64 to open their preparations. In the win, recent first round pick Dario Saric had 14 points and 6 rebounds and ex-Houston player Oliver Lafayette, the newest naturalized player for the country, had 12 points and 6 assists. In the loss, Brady Heslip, who recently finished at Baylor, had 16 points and Robert Sacre, the latest NBA player to join the tour, had 12 points and 8 rebounds.

[awhom111]

Nick Horvath will be held out of New Zealand's tournament in China but his competition Casey Frank did make it on the court. They opened their tournament with a 75-66 win over Cameroon. The same key players contributed as Kirk Penney had 14 points, Corey Webster had 13 points, and Rob Loe had 10 points.

Brazil and Argentina concluded the tournament in Brazil with the hosts winning 68-59. The star NBA players contributed as Tiago Splitter had 15 points and 12 rebounds, Nene Hilario had 10 points and 7 rebounds, and Leandro Barbosa had 10 points. Pablo Prigioni had 11 points in the loss.

Slovenia beat China's B team 82-74 as the Stankovic Cup continues.

In Poland, Iran beat Portugal 69-55. In the win, ex-Oregon player Arsalan Kazemi, who was drafted in 2013, had 13 points and 8 rebounds and ex-NBA player Hamed Haddadi had 12 points, 11 rebounds, and 8 assists.
Boxscore:
http://www.pzkosz.pl/m/upload/iran_portugal.pdf

Canada lost 74-59 to Croatia as both teams made a few changes for the second game between the teams. Canada could not stop Nolan Smith's ex-teammate Miro Bilan, who had 26 points and 7 rebounds. In the loss, Andrew Nicholson had 16 points and Owen Klassen, one of several players on the team who played collegiately in the Canadian system, had 10 points.

Turkey started their preparations with a 74-70 loss at Belgium as they are one of the teams in the Group with the United States.

[awhom111]

Nick Horvath missed New Zealand's 79-55 win over the Ivory Coast. Unfortunately, his main competition Casey Frank was able to play again and be relatively productive. Kirk Penney had 26 points, Corey Webster had 13 points, Tom Abercrombie had 11 points, and Tai Webster had 10 points. In the loss, ex-Valparaiso player Mohamed Kone had 18 points.

Serbia played their first real exhibition in a tournament in Italy and beat Bosnia and Herzegovina 82-69. In the loss, Mirza Teletovic had the best game of the NBA players with 19 points and 7 rebounds and ex-Portland player Nemanja Mitrovic had 11 points.

Iran finished the tournament in Poland with an 83-70 loss to the hosts. In the win, Przemyslaw Karnowski of Gonzaga had 12 points and 8 rebounds and ex-JC player Przemyslaw Zamojski and Szymon Szewczyk, who was drafted in the second round in 2003 with his rights currently held by the Oklahoma City Thunder, had 11 points each. In the loss, Iran's NBA experienced player Hamed Haddadi had 10 points and 9 rebounds.
Boxscore:
http://www.pzkosz.pl/m/upload/poland_iran.pdf

[awhom111]

Marty Pocius and Lithuania went to Finland and won 90-81. He finished with 11 points in his 20 minutes as the other shooting guard projected to be in the rotation, Renaldas Seibutis, whose rights are still held by the Dallas Mavericks, had 10 points in his 20 minutes. Mark Cuban should do Marty a favor and sign Seibutis and prevent him from playing for the national team or at least lock him up in the same gym where the Toronto Raptors have stashed Jonas Valanciunas. Erik Murphy made his Finland debut, but he was not the most successful of the players with a former American pro player as a father. In the loss, ex-Old Dominion player Gerald Lee and ex-UNC Greensboro player Mikko Koivisto had 13 points each, ex-Valparaiso player Shawn Huff had 11 points, and former Arkansas-Little Rock player Kimmo Muurinen had 10 points.

There is absolutely no truth to the rumor that the game was interrupted by a streaker with 9F painted on his chest who told Lithuania to give Marty more playing time and warned Finland that they should get Alex Murphy out there as soon as possible to prevent him from transferring to the United States.

Nick Horvath missed New Zealand's 97-75 win over whichever players were available to the Guandong Southern Tigers (no Emmanuel Mudiay of course). Corey Webster had 19 points and Rob Loe and Kirk Penney had 16 points each. Hopefully Nick is able to make an appearance for the second tournament featuring these three national teams and Chinese club side Dongguan Leopards.

Slovenia lost the final of the Stankovic Cup to Russia's B team 73-72 as they presumably look forward to being able to roll out their full strength team soon.

Serbia beat Canada 78-73 as the tournament in Italy continues. In the win, Bogdan Bogdanovic, a recent first round pick of the Phoenix Suns, had 19 points and Nemanja Bjelica, whose rights are held by the Minnesota Timberwolves, had 11 points and 6 rebounds. Some familiar names contributed in the loss as Brady Heslip had 18 points, Kelly Olynyk had 11 points and 9 rebounds, Melvin Ejim had 11 points and 6 rebounds, and Andrew Nicholson had 10 points.

[awhom111]

Croatia beat Macedonia 69-64 with details unavailable with the hosts not making too much information about their pre-Spain buildup available right now. Dario Saric apparently had a good game although NBA fans are still going to have to wait before he plays in this country.

Slovakia beat Iran 64-57 although Iran rested some players with their busy schedule.

Serbia lost the final game of the tournament in Italy to the hosts 80-71. In the win, recent NBA draft pick Alessandro Gentile had 20 points and current NBA player Luigi Datome had 17 points. In the loss, Serbia's remaining active NBA player Miroslav Radulijca had 11 points.

[awhom111]

Spain had its first exhibition game as they hosted Canada. Rudy Fernandez did not play and Pau Ribas took the place of Alejandro Abrines in the game day roster, but otherwise the squad was as it will be in the tournament. They took a big lead early and coasted to the end with an 82-70 final margin. The post players could not be stopped as Pau Gasol had 20 points and 8 rebounds, Marc Gasol had 15 points and 8 rebounds, Serge Ibaka had 15 points and 7 rebounds, and Felipe Reyes had 12 points and 7 rebounds. In the loss, Cory Joseph had 19 points, Andrew Nicholson had 13 points, and Brady Heslip continues to be one of their most impressive players with 11 points.
Boxscore:
http://www.feb.es/Documentos/Archivo/Upload/Final_Espa%C3%B1a-Canad%C3%A1.pdf

[awhom111]

Before Nick Horvath suited up, here was an interesting article:
http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/basketball/10358781/Crucial-time-for-Horvath-in-battle-for-World-Cup-spot

He finally did make his return to the court as New Zealand beat the Dongguan Leopards 79-54 at the start of the second tournament in China. Nick had 8 points. Tom Abercrombie led the team with 23 points and Corey Webster had 11 points.

Iran beat Slovakia 89-77 in the second game in the series. In the loss, Oliver Tot, who just finished high school in New Hampshire and is on his way to William and Mary, had 12 points.

[awhom111]

Nick Horvath and New Zealand beat Cameroon 85-83 in another exhibition in China. With it not being a competitive game, both he and Casey Frank played and grabbed 8 rebound apiece. Kirk Penney had 25 points, Tom Abercrombie had 15 points, and Corey Webster had 13 points.

Marty Pocius and Lithuania beat Ukraine 70-54 in a tournament at home. Marty had 1 points in 22 minutes. In the loss, Sergii Gladyr, the 49th pick of the Atlanta Hawks in 2009, and naturalized player Pooh Jeter had 11 points each.

In that same tournament in Lithuania, Australia beat Finland 100-95. There were big games for the ex-Washington State players as Brock Motum had 17 points and Aron Baynes had 12 points with Brad Newley, whose rights are held by the Houston Rockets adding 15 points and rookie Cameron Bairstow from New Mexico adding 14 points. Ex-UNC Greensboro player Mikko Koivisto had 12 points in the loss.

In a tournament in France, Greece started their preparations with a 66-64 win over Serbia. Recent first round pick Bogdan Bogdanovic had 11 points in the loss.

The hosts came storming back in the fourth quarter to beat Croatia 81-71. Departing NBA player Nando De Colo had 13 points and ex-NBA player Mickael Gelabale had 10 points in the win. Dario Saric continues to show what he may offer one day in the NBA with 17 points.

Argentina hosted Brazil and won 85-80 as ex-NBA player Walter Herrmann had 12 points and 8 rebounds. In the loss, Leandro Barbosa had 18 points, Tiago Splitter had 16 points and 9 rebounds, and Nene had 10 points.

[awhom111]

Nick Horvath and New Zealand finished up their China trip with a 97-63 win over the Ivory Coast. Nick grabbed a team high 10 rebounds as hopefully the European portion of their tour will have actual statistics. Kirk Penney had 27 points, Corey Webster had 20 points, and Tom Abercrombie had 12 points.

Marty Pocius and Lithuania beat Finland 83-66 in the second game of the tournament they were hosting. Marty had 8 points in 20 minutes. Jonas Valanciunas was finally allowed to join the team and had 20 points and 11 rebounds. In the loss, ex-Old Dominion player Gerald Lee had 20 points and Erik Murphy had 14 points.
Boxscore:
http://www.musukrepsinis.lt/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/0809lietuva.pdf

In the other game in the tournament, Australia jumped out to a big lead on Ukraine and won 75-60. In the win, Dante Exum made a strong appearance with 14 points, ex-NBA player David Andersen had 13 points, and Brad Newley, whose NBA rights are still held by the Houston Rockets, had 10 points. In the loss, Ukraine's NBA player Viacheslav Kravtsov had 11 points.

It may have only been an exhibition in France, but the rivalry was certainly alive when Serbia beat Croatia 84-83 in overtime. In a game of relative European stars, it was DeMarcus Nelson's old teammate Marko Simonovic who stole the show with 24 points, Nemanja Bjelica, whose rights are held by the Minnesota Timberwolves, had 15 points, and Miroslav Raduljica had 13 points. In the loss, Bojan Bogdanovic, who is on his way to the Brooklyn Nets, had 19 points, Damjan Rudez, who is joining the Indiana Pacers, had 11 points, and ex-Houston player Oliver Lafayette, the new naturalized player for the team, had 10 points.

France beat Greece 81-73 in the other game in the tournament. A couple of players with NBA experienced contributed in the win as Nando De Colo had 14 points, Rudy Gobert had 13 points and 10 rebounds, and Evan Fournier had 10 points. In the loss, Kostas Papanikolaou, who is finally joining the Houston Rockets, had 18 points and Giannis Antetokounmpo had his first successful exposure to senior international basketball with 11 points and 7 rebounds.

Egypt is participating in the Williams Jones Cup, a regularly held international tournament in Taiwan. They won their opener against the team representing South Korea, club side Ulsan Mobis Phoebus 80-78. In the loss, ex-Missouri player Ricardo Ratliffe had 30 points and 12 rebounds.
Boxscore:
http://2014wjc.basketball-tpe.org/files/902-1008-3454-10000.php

Argentina hosted a Mexico team coming from their country on a high. The visitors got off to a good start even though they made a handful of changes after their Centrobasket triumph, but the hosts stormed back and won 96-71. In the win, Luis Scola had 13 points and 7 rebounds and former NBA player chipped in as Walter Herrmann had 13 points and Andres Nocioni had 10 points and 6 rebounds. In the loss, ex-Wyoming player Francisco Cruz had 25 points.

[awhom111]

In the William Jones Cup in Taiwan, Egypt lost 74-61 to Jordan.
Boxscore:
http://2014wjc.basketball-tpe.org/files/902-1008-3459-10000.php

Spain took another big lead in a game at home and then eased off to beat Angola 79-70. Pau Gasol had 17 points, Sergio Llull, whose rights are held by the Houston Rockets, had 14 points as he started again, and Serge Ibaka had 13 points as he also started. In the loss, naturalized ex-Oral Roberts player Reggie Moore had 17 points and 7 rebounds, ex-Hawaii player Valdelicio Joaquim had 16 points, and ex-Valparaiso player Joaquim Gomes had 10 points.
Boxscore:
http://www.feb.es/Documentos/Archivo/Upload/espa%C3%B1a-angola_final.pdf

Canada beat Turkey 72-66 in Spain. In the win, Cory Joseph had 19 points, Robert Sacre had 13 points and 11 rebounds, ex-Hawaii player Carl English, who built a solid career in Europe, had 12 points and 9 rebounds, and Andrew Nicholson had 12 points. In the loss, Omer Asik had 12 points and 6 rebounds.

The Philippines also arrived in Spain and beat a combination of local pros 89-58. Andray Blatche made one of his first appearances as the naturalized player and had 18 points.

In France, Croatia held off Greece 68-66. Recent draft pick Dario Saric had 14 points and 7 rebounds and Bojan Bogdanovic, who is joining the Brooklyn Nets had 10 points. In the loss, recent Houston Rockets signee Kostas Papanikolaou had 11 points.
Boxscore:
http://www.ffbb.com/sites/default/files/2014-08-10_stats_grecro.pdf

Serbia beat the hosts in the next game 79-69. In the win, Miroslav Raduljica had 14 points and Nemanja Bjelica, whose rights are held by the Minnesota Timberwolves, had 13 points and 8 rebounds. In the loss, Joffrey Lauvergne, whose rights are held by the Denver Nuggets, had 17 points and Evan Fournier had 11 points.
Boxscore:
http://www.ffbb.com/sites/default/files/2014-08-10_stats_fraser.pdf

In Argentina, Brazil beat Mexico 68-56. In the win, Leandro Barbosa had 13 points and Anderson Varejao had 12 points and 8 rebounds. In the loss, ex-UC Irvine player Adam Parada had 16 points and 9 rebounds and ex-New Mexico player Roman Martinez had 12 points.

[awhom111]

Marty Pocius and Lithuania finished their home tournament with a 91-78 win over Australia. Marty had 4 points in 10 minutes. It was the first extended look at the presumed starting duo inside as Jonas Valanciunas had 19 points and 8 rebounds and Donatas Motiejunas had 10 points and 7 rebounds. In the loss, ex-NBA player David Andersen had 19 points and ex-Washington State player Brock Motum had 10 points.
Boxscore:
http://www.musukrepsinis.lt/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/LTU_AUS_20140811.pdf

Here is also an interesting interview with Marty:
http://basketball.realgm.com/blog/234557/Euroleague-Interview-Martynas-Pocius-Of-Galatasary

I guess this counts as confirmation of the long rumored moves of him and Nolan Smith to Turkey to play for Galatasaray, which have still not been made official yet.

Egypt lost another game in the William Jones Cup in Taiwan, this time to Iran's B team 65-62.
Boxscore:
http://2014wjc.basketball-tpe.org/files/902-1008-3463-10000.php

[awhom111]

Egypt beat Taiwan's A team 69-61 at the Jones Cup.

Finland returned home and beat Australia 87-81 in overtime. In the win, Petteri Koponen, whose rights are held by the Dallas Mavericks, returned to the lineup with 15 points, Erik Murphy had 13 points and 8 rebounds, legendary ex-Utah player Hanno Mottola had 12 points, and ex-Valparaiso player Shawn Huff and ex-Providence player Tuukka Kotti had 10 points each. In the loss, the two former Washington State players had the biggest games as Aron Baynes had 22 points and 11 rebounds and Brock Motum had 12 points with Dante Exum adding 10 points.

In Spain, Canada beat Angola 89-65. In the win, Brady Heslip continued to score from the outside with 22 points, Andrew Nicholson had 21 points and 10 rebounds, Cory Joseph had 12 points and 11 assists, Robert Sacre had 12 points and 6 rebounds, and Phil Scrubb, one of the players from the Canadian collegiate system, had 11 points. In the loss, ex-Valparaiso player Joaquim Gomes had 21 points and ex-Hawaii player Vander Joaquim had 15 points.

The hosts beat Turkey 77-55 in the next game. In the win, Juan Carlos, one of the aging veterans who had his NBA stint so long ago, had 15 points and Marc Gasol had 14 points and 8 rebounds. In the loss, Turkey's naturalized player Emir Preldzic, whose rights are held by the Dallas Mavericks, had 12 points and Omer Asik had 11 points and 6 rebounds.

A couple more teams named final rosters:

Argentina:
http://www.fiba.com/basketballworldcup/2014/news/ARG-Argentina-finalize-squad-for-Spain-campaign

France:
http://www.ffbb.com/jackson-plutot-que-kahudi

[awhom111]

There is always a United States team of some sort at the William Jones Cup due to historic support of Taiwan. This year's representative is a group of various pro players under the banner of Beyond Biotechnology. Egypt beat this team 102-76. In the loss, ex-NAIA player James Justice had 22 points and 7 rebounds and ex-Illinois player Cory Bradford had 10 points.
Boxscore:
http://2014wjc.basketball-tpe.org/files/902-1008-3466-10000.php

[awhom111]

In Taiwan, Egypt is finding its form in the William Jones Cup as they beat Japan 69-55.
Boxscore:
http://2014wjc.basketball-tpe.org/files/902-1008-3448-10000.php

Spain won 70-63 in Turkey. In the win, Marc Gasol had 16 points and 13 rebounds, Paul Gasol had 13 points and 7 rebounds, Felipe Reyes was productive again as the fourth post player with 12 points, and Rudy Fernandez and Juan Carlos Navarro chipped in from the wing with 10 points each.
Boxscore:
http://www.feb.es/Documentos/Archivo/Upload/TUR_ESP.pdf

Puerto Rico beat Angola 95-64 in their first game in Spain. In the win, longtime NBA and ex-Florida International player Carlos Arroyo had 15 points, ex-Florida International player Alex Galindo had 13 [pomts, ex-Virginia Tech player AD Vassallo and ex-South Carolina player Renaldo Balkman had 12 points each, and ex-Hofstra player Carlos Rivera had 10 points. In the loss, naturalized ex-Oral Roberts player Reggie Moore had 14 points.

Apparently the Dominican Republic battered the Puerto Rican pros who "volunteered" to take a trip to the Bahamas in preparation for the big Kentucky game on Friday. I could not find more details.

[awhom111]

In Taiwan, Egypt beat Taiwan B 83-59, with other results giving them the tiebreaker win for the entire tournament. It was a fairly surprising result after a rough start, so the team is probably feeling better about at least not embarrassing themselves too much in their extremely tough group. In the loss, DII player Kevin Hu/Hu Long-Mao, had 14 points and 6 rebounds.
Boxscore:
http://2014wjc.basketball-tpe.org/files/902-1008-3470-10000.php

A tournament in France started with Australia beating Ukraine 74-65. In the win, ex-Valparaiso player Ryan Broekhoff had 15 points and the ex-Washington State players had solid efforts with Aron Baynes providing 14 points and 12 rebounds and Brock Motum adding 11 points. Ex-Portland player Pooh Jeter, taking up the naturalized player spot again this summer, had 14 points.

The second game of the tournament nearly yielded a surprise with the Philippines giving final-roster France everything before losing 75-68. In the win, Nicolas Batum had 16 points and 11 rebounds and Joffrey Lauvergne, whose rights are held by the Denver Nuggets, had 12 points and 8 rebounds. In the loss, Andray Blatche had 12 points and 7 rebounds as he continues to adjust to his new role as the naturalized player as the team opted to use both him and Marcus Douthit in the game (not at the same time), which will not be possible later.

The Dominican Republic lost 84-71 to Kentucky in the Bahamas. Ex-Albany player Gerardo Suero had 15 points and ex-Quinnipiac player James Feldeine had 13 points. I will ignore the other side as they might go away if I pretend they do not exist.

Brazil is the latest team to name a full roster, just in time for their game against the United States:
http://www.cbb.com.br/PortalCBB/Noticias/Show/12866

[awhom111]

There are a few mini-tournaments going on right now.

In Lithuania, Nick Horvath and New Zealand could not keep a lead in the second half against Slovenia and lost 80-74. Nick outperformed his main competition with 3 points and 9 rebounds in 17 minutes. Corey Webster led the team with 23 points and Kirk Penney added 17 points. Goran Dragic made his debut and had 18 points and 8 assists to lead his team.
Boxscore:
http://www.kzs.si/fileadmin/user_upload/dokumenti3/statistika/20140816_1615_NZL-SLO.pdf

Marty Pocius and his team beat Greece 86-67. Marty had 6 points in 18 minutes. Donatas Motiejunas had 18 points and 7 rebounds and Jonas Valanciunas had 14 points and 6 rebounds. In the loss, Georgios Printezis, whose rights are held by the Atlanta Hawks after 6 trades, had 14 points and ex-Saint Louis player Ian Vougioukas had 11 points and 6 rebounds.
Boxscore:
http://www.musukrepsinis.lt/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/20140816_1900_LTU-GRE.pdf

In France, Australia beat the Philippines 97-75. The current NBA players pitched in in the win as Aron Baynes had 15 points and Matthew Dellavedova had 13 points with ex-Valparaiso player Ryan Broekhoff chipping in with 14 points, Brad Newley, who was drafted by the Houston Rockets in 2007, had 13 points, and ex-NBA player Nate Jawai had 10 points. In the loss, Andray Blatche had 20 points and 10 rebounds.
Boxscore:
http://www.ffbb.com/sites/default/files/ausphi.pdf

In the same tournament, the hosts had another tough game and this time lost 63-56 to Ukraine. Naturalized player Pooh Jeter led the way for Mike Fratello's group with 23 points. No French players reached double figures and Nando De Colo looks to be out of their already thin backcourt.
Boxscore:
http://www.ffbb.com/sites/default/files/fraukr_1.pdf

In Serbia, Turkey beat Puerto Rico 77-66. In the win, Cenk Akyol, whose rights were just traded to the Atlanta Hawks after being drafted in 2005 by the Los Angeles Clippers, had 17 points and Omer Asik had 15 points and 9 rebounds. In the loss, JJ Barea led the way with 17 points and ex-Virginia Tech player AD Vassallo had 11 points.
Boxscore:
http://www.kss.rs/Vesti/Trofej%20Beograda%202014/Turska%20-%20Portoriko.pdf

The hosts beat Argentina 85-67. Miroslav Raduljica had 15 points in the win. In the loss, Luis Scola had 15 points and 8 rebounds and the former NBA players chipped in again as Andres Nocioni had 13 points and Walter Herrmann had 10 points and 8 rebounds.
Boxscore:
http://www.kss.rs/Vesti/Trofej%20Beograda%202014/Srbija%20-%20Argentina.pdf

[awhom111]

Egypt finished up the William Jones Cup in Taiwan in the championship bracket. They lost the semifinal 73-64 to the club team representing South Korea, Ulsan Mobis Phoebus. Ex-Missouri player Ricardo Ratliffe had 27 points and 16 rebounds in the win. They won the third place game by defeating the American touring team 81-78. In the loss, ex-DII player "Magic" Dorsey had 22 points, ex-Illinois player Cory Bradford had 17 points, ex-TCU player Craig Williams had 16 points, and former Illinois-Chicago player Jermaine Dailey had 11 points and 13 rebounds.
Boxscores:
http://www.sportingpulse.com/round_info.cgi?a=MATCH&fixture=473513252&c=0-10436-0-316517-0&pool=1001
http://www.sportingpulse.com/round_info.cgi?a=MATCH&fixture=473513256&c=0-10436-0-316517-0&pool=1001

In the tournament in Lithuania, Greece beat Slovenia 79-71. Kostas Papanikolaou gave everyone a taste of what he might do in the NBA this season with 20 points in the win while Goran Dragic had 14 points in the loss.
Boxscore:
http://www.kzs.si/fileadmin/user_upload/dokumenti3/statistika/20140817_1615_SLO-GRE.pdf

Marty Pocius and Nick Horvath faced each other. New Zealand led for most of the game, but once the hosts put a stronger lineup on the court, they took care of business for an 85-79 Lithuania win. Marty had 11 points in 17 minutes. Jonas Valanciunas led the team with 19 points as he was the key player down the stretch. Nick got the start and had 4 points in 12 minutes and was outperformed by his main competition. Kirk Penney had 26 points and 7 rebounds and Nebraska's Tai Webster had 12 points.
Boxscore:
http://www.musukrepsinis.lt/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/20140817_1900_LTU-NZL.pdf

Pregame Haka: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jZhtld-U1uw
Picture: http://instagram.com/p/rz1xm_Rxuq/?modal=true

In France, Ukraine took advantage of a Philippines side missing its presumed naturalized player and ran away with a 114-64 win. In the win, incoming Kansas player Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk had 12 points, Sergii Gladyr, whose was drafted 49th in 2009 by the Atlanta Hawks, had 11 points, and the lone NBA player involved, Viacheslav Kravtsov had 10 points.
Boxscore:
http://www.ffbb.com/sites/default/files/2014-08-17_ukrphi.pdf

Australia came back to beat the hosts 76-74. The active NBA players had solid games as Aron Baynes had 21 points and 9 rebounds and Matthew Dellavedova had 10 points. In the loss, Nicolas Batum had 25 points and 6 rebounds, Boris Diaw had 14 points, and Joffrey Lauvergne, whose rights are held by the Denver Nuggets, had 13 points.
Boxscore:
http://www.ffbb.com/sites/default/files/2014-08-17_fraaus.pdf

In Serbia, Puerto Rico beat Argentina 97-87 to take third place in the tournament. In the win, JJ Barea had 17 points and 9 assists, ex-Nebraska player Jorge Bryan Diaz had 14 points and 7 rebounds, ex-Florida International player Carlos Arroyo had 11 points, and ex-South Carolina player Renaldo Balkman and Ricky Sanchez, who signed an NBA deal last season long enough to be waived after he had originally been drafted years earlier, had 10 points each. In the loss, Luis Scola had 16 points and 9 rebounds and the rest of the old guard chipped in with Walter Herrmann and Andres Nocioni providing 13 points each.
Boxscore:
http://www.kss.rs/Vesti/Trofej%20Beograda%202014/Portoriko%20-%20Argentina.pdf

Serbia beat Turkey 79-64 to take the first place game. In the win, recent draft pick Bogdan Bogdanovic had 13 points and current NBA player Miroslav Raduljica had 12 points. In the loss, Cenk Akyol, whose rights are now held by the Los Angeles Clippers, had 11 points.
Boxscore:
http://www.kss.rs/Vesti/Trofej%20Beograda%202014/Srbija%20-%20Turska.pdf

Spain eased past Senegal 88-49. In the win, Pau Gasol had 20 points and 7 rebounds and Serge Ibaka had 15 points. Gorgui Dieng had 12 points and 11 rebounds in the loss.
Boxscore:
http://www.feb.es/Documentos/Archivo/Upload/españa-senegal-final.pdf

[awhom111]

The tournament in Lithuania finished up starting with Nick Horvath and New Zealand facing Greece and putting up a fight for a half before losing 95-65. Nick had 5 points and 8 rebounds in 19 minutes, being the better performer of the two naturalized player candidates. Kirk Penney had 14 points and Corey Webster had 13 points. In the win, incoming NBA player Kostas Papanikolaou had 14 points and Georgios Printezis, who may set a record for times his rights are traded without ever becoming an NBA player, had 10 points.

Marty Pocius and Lithuania had a bit of trouble with a Slovenia team missing key players, but won 80-76. Marty had 5 points in 11 minutes as he battled foul trouble. Jonas Valanciunas had 14 points and 7 rebounds.

[awhom111]

Nick Horvath was cut from New Zealand's squad as they have named their final roster:
http://www.basketball.org.nz/news/final-wc-roster-named/

Puerto Rico also now has a complete roster as they prepare to play the United States:
http://www.fbpur.org/masculina-adulta/los-12-magnificos-que-iran-al-mundial/

The Philippines named their team:
http://www.smartgilasbasketball.com/tournaments/2014-fiba-basketball-world-cup/gilas-pilipinas-roster-for-fiba-world-cup/

The team did not seem very impressive in a game against a group of Basque players, losing 75-66. Andray Blatche had 19 points and 7 rebounds.
Boxscore:
http://www.basketbasko.com/archivos/Estadistica%20Euskadi-Filipinas.pdf

[awhom111]

Finland named their roster, including Erik Murphy:
http://www.basket.fi/uutiset/etusivun_uutiset2/?x33156=25525605

Greece beat Turkey 70-56 at home. In the win, Georgios Printezis, whose NBA rights get frequently traded, had 12 points and 7 rebounds, Giannis Antetokounmpo had 12 points and 6 rebounds, and Nick Calathes, whose international drug ban is over now while his NBA suspension still has games on it, had 12 points.

In a tournament in Spain, Ukraine continued to build momentum with a 73-55 win over Mexico. Naturalized player Pooh Jeter had 17 points in the win as Gustavo Ayon had 13 points and 11 rebounds in the loss.

The hosts got a solid test from Croatia for a while before pulling away and winning 82-61. In the win, Pau Gasol had 18 points and 7 rebounds, Juan Carlos Navarro had 14 points, Serge Ibaka had 13 points and 11 rebounds, and Marc Gasol had 11 points and 7 rebounds. In the loss, incoming NBA player Bojan Bogdanovic had 14 points.
Boxscore:
http://www.feb.es/Documentos/Archivo/Upload/espa%C3%B1a-croacia_final.pdf

Angola beat a group of Basque player 80-77. In the win, ex-Hawaii player Valdelicio Joaquim had 12 points and naturalized ex-Oral Roberts player Reggie Moore had 10 points.
Boxscore:
http://www.basketbasko.com/archivos/EUSKADI77-80ANGOLA.pdf

[awhom111]

In Slovenia, Marty Pocius and Lithuania came from behind to keep their record intact in exhibitions by beating Brazil 64-61. Marty had 2 points in 6 minutes a day after swinging over to Turkey to make his club team signing official. Jonas Valanciunas had 11 points and Donatas Motiejunas had 10 points and 8 rebounds. In the loss, Nene Hilario had 13 points and Tiago Splitter had 11 points and 6 rebounds.
Boxscore:
http://www.kzs.si/index.php?id=114&game_id=2933731&league_id=undefined&season_id=89101#mbt:33-400$t&0=1

The host team in that tournament had a little trouble with Iran, but eventually won 77-69 as both teams were missing a player or two. In the loss, ex-NBA player Hamed Haddadi had 18 points, 9 rebounds, and 6 assists.
Boxscore:
http://www.kzs.si/index.php?id=114&game_id=2933733&league_id=undefined&season_id=89101#mbt:33-400$t&0=1

In Basque Country, Angola beat the Philippines 83-74. Andray Blatche won the naturalized player battle decisively with 33 points and 17 rebounds, but Reggie Moore's team won with him contributing 14 points.
Boxscore:
http://www.basketbasko.com/archivos/EstadisticasFilipinasAngola.pdf

In Badalona, Croatia crushed Mexico 99-74 in the third place game of the mini tournament there. In the win, Ante Tomic a second round pick of the Utah Jazz in 2008, had 16 points, incoming Indiana Pacers player Damjan Rudez had 15 points, and another incoming NBA player Bojan Bogdanovic and recent NBA pick Dario Saric had 11 points each. In the loss, Gustavo Ayon had 27 points and ex-Wyoming player Francisco Cruz had 17 points.

In the championship game, the hosts had a tricky time with Ukraine, before doing enough in the second half to win 71-63. In the win, Juan Carlos Navarro had 15 points, Marc Gasol had 13 points and 8 rebounds, Serge Ibaka had 12 points and 9 rebounds, and Pau Gasol had 12 points and 8 rebounds. In the loss, ex-Arizona player Kyryl Natyazhko had 17 points and 10 rebounds, Sergii Gladyr, a second round pick of the Atlanta Hawks in 2009 and naturalized player Pooh Jeter had 13 points.
Boxscore:
http://www.feb.es/Documentos/Archivo/Upload/espa%C3%B1a-ucrania_final.pdf

In Serbia, New Zealand continued their pattern of leading their opponents before succumbing in the end, falling 83-79 to the hosts. In the win, Miroslav Raduljica continued his productive summer with 21 points and recent draft pick Bogdan Bogdanovic had 16 points. In the loss, Corey Webster had 18 points and Kirk Penney had 12 points.
Boxscore:
http://www.kss.rs/Vesti/Avgust%20slike%202014/Seniori/Srbija%20-%20Novi%20Zeland.pdf

[BD80]

Karl Towns not playing for the DR in Spain

http://collegebasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/08/20/report-college-star-wont-suit-up-for-dominican-republic-in-world-cup-karl-towns/

I'm certain calipari was concerned about Towns attending classes in those 2 weeks

Funny because calipari is refusing the services of DR's best and a longstanding player to (former UK assistant) coach Orlando Antigua

Oh and calipari even coached the DR national team so he could recruit Towns. Now that he has Towns, the DR national team just ain't that important

[awhom111]

Marty Pocius and Lithuania continued their tournament in Slovenia with an 80-67 win over Iran. Marty led his team with 12 points in 17 minutes. In the loss, ex-NBA player Hamed Haddadi had 12 points and 10 rebounds.
Boxscore:
http://www.kzs.si/index.php?id=114&game_id=2933735&league_id=undefined&season_id=89101#mbt:33-400$t&0=1

The hosts nearly managed to cause Brazil to have a second straight collapse, but the visitors forced overtime and prevailed 88-84. In the win, Tiago Splitter had 18 points and 6 rebounds and Anderson Varejao had 16 points and 8 rebounds. Goran Dragic had 18 points and 7 assists in the loss.
Boxscore:
http://www.kzs.si/index.php?id=114&game_id=2933737&league_id=undefined&season_id=89101#mbt:33-400$t&0=1

Greece won the second game of their home and home series with Turkey in Istanbul. Draft right trade bait Georgios Printezis had 13 points and 6 rebounds, and Nick Calathes and ex-Saint Louis player Ian Vougioukas had 11 points each in the win. In the loss, naturalized player Emir Preldzic, whose rights are now held by the Dallas Mavericks, had 18 points and 6 assists, and Omer Asik had 12 points and 7 rebounds.

In France, a mini-tournament started with Australia beating Finland 80-57. In the win, ex-Valparaiso player Ryan Broekhoff had 14 points, Aron Baynes had 13 points and 6 rebounds, Chicago Bull rookie Cameron Bairstow from New Mexico had 11 points, and ex-NBA player David Andersen had 10 points and 10 rebounds. In the loss, Petteri Koponen, whose draft rights are held by the Dallas Mavericks had 11 points.

In the first game of a series in Guadalajara, Spain, Senegal beat Estonia 74-70. Full details are not available.

[awhom111]

Marty Pocius and Lithuania lost their first exhibition game this summer as they just could not get past hosts Slovenia. Marty had 4 points in 18 minutes. Donatas Motiejunas had 15 points and 7 rebounds without his usual frontcourt mate. Goran Dragic had 10 points in the win as his participation here brings into question whether he will be rested on Tuesday.
Boxscore:
http://www.kzs.si/index.php?id=114&game_id=2933741&league_id=undefined&season_id=89101#mbt:33-400$t&0=1

In the same tournament, Brazil eased past Iran 92-52. In the win, ex-NBA player Marquinhos had 24 points, Tiago Splitter had 13 points and 6 rebounds, Nene Hilario had 10 points and 6 rebounds, and Raul Neto, whose rights are held by the Utah Jazz, had 10 points.
Boxscore:
http://www.kzs.si/index.php?id=114&game_id=2933739&league_id=undefined&season_id=89101#mbt:33-400$t&0=1

In France, the hosts gave up their first half lead to Finland over the course of the third quarter, but fought back in the fourth quarter to win 74-69. Nicolas Batum had 28 points and Boris Diaw had 10 points, 6 rebounds, and 11 assists with ex-NBA player Mickael Gelabale adding 12 points. In the loss, Petteri Koponen, whose rights are held by the Dallas Mavericks, had 20 points and 8 assists.

In Guadalajara, Spain, Argentina beat Estonia 89-72. The old guard continued to lead the team as Andres Nocioni had 17 points and 6 rebounds and Walter Herrmann had 15 points and 6 rebounds.

In the same location, the Dominican Republic dominated Senegal 83-47. In the win, ex-Western Illinois player Eulis Baez had 16 points, ex-Quinnipiac player James Feldeine had 13 points and 6 assists, former California high schooler Jack Michael Martinez had 12 points, and Francisco Garcia had 10 points.

[awhom111]

In Serbia, New Zealand finally claimed a solid win after beating the hosts 102-96. In the win, Kirk Penney had 29 points and 6 assists and Nebraska point guard Tai Webster had 21 points. In the loss, Nemanja Bjelica, whose rights are held by the Minnesota Timberwolves, had 17 points, Miroslav Raduljica had 14 points, and ex-NBA player Nenad Krstic had 10 points.
Boxscore:
http://www.kss.rs/Vesti/Avgust%20slike%202014/Seniori/Srbija%20-%20Novi%20Zeland%202.%20utakmica.pdf

In France, the hosts look to be rounding into form after beating Australia 73-50. In the win, Boris Diaw had 17 points, Nicolas Batum had 12 points and 6 rebounds, and Joffrey Lauvergne, whose rights are held by the Denver Nuggets, had 10 points. Aron Baynes had 17 points and 11 rebounds in the loss.

In Guadalajara, the Philippines beat Egypt 74-65. Andray Blatche had 14 points.

In the other game in that tournament, Estonia beat Senegal 74-61.

A few more final rosters are in, in English for your benefit:
Egypt: http://www.fiba.com/no-marei-for-egypt-but-big-dreams-remain-for-young-team
Senegal: http://www.fiba.com/senegal-roster-set-for-spain-2014
Greece: http://www.fiba.com/glyniadakis-clinches-place-in-greek-squad

[awhom111]

In the set of games in Guadalajara, the Dominican Republic got a fight from the Philippines, but held on to an 86-79 win. In the win, ex-Quinnipiac player James Feldeine had 15 points and 7 rebounds, former California high schooler Jack Michael Martinez had 14 points and 6 rebounds, ex-Kentucky player Eloy Vargas had 12 points and 8 rebounds, and Francisco Garcia had 10 points. In the loss, ex-George Mason player Gabe Norwood had 17 points and Andray Blatche had 16 points and 8 rebounds.

Estonia beat Egypt 61-54.

Also in Spain, the host country eased past Argentina 86-53. In the win, Marc Gasol had 14 points and 10 rebounds, Pau Gasol had 13 points and 11 rebounds, Serge Ibaka had 13 points and 8 rebounds, and Juan Carlos Navarro had 12 points. The old guard is still not going anywhere for Argentina as Walter Herrmann had 11 points and 7 rebounds and Andres Nocioni had 10 points.

A couple of other rosters announced:
Turkey: http://www.fiba.com/basketballworldcup/2014/news/Teen-sensation-Osman-makes-Turkey-squad
Croatia: http://www.fiba.com/basketballworldcup/2014/news/Hezonja-Babic-and-Lafayette-clinch-spots-on-Croatia
Angola: http://www.fiba.com/basketballworldcup/2014/news/Four-new-faces-for-Angola-at-Spain-2014

[awhom111]

Marty and Lithuania had one last game in Croatia before heading to Spain, losing the game 94-80 and more importantly losing their starting point guard for the rest of the tournament. This was probably the only team in the American's half of the bracket that could have really given them a game, but now that does not seem likely. Marty finished with 2 points in 19 minutes. Jonas Valanciunas had 16 points. In the win, incoming Brooklyn Nets player Bojan Bogdanovic had 24 points, recent draft pick Dario Saric had 16 points, and incoming Indiana Pacers player Damjan Rudez had 10 points.

[awhom111]

The final exhibition game was in Spain, where Turkey beat Puerto Rico 94-73. In the win, Cenk Akyol, whose rights are held by the Los Angeles Clippers, had 12 points. In the loss, Carlos Arroyo had 14 points, A.D. Vassallo had 11 points, and J.J. Barea had 10 points.

The latest roster roundup:

Lithuania: http://www.fiba.com/news/lithuania-lose-kalnietis-but-remain-a-team-to-be-feared
Ukraine: http://www.fiba.com/news/ukraine-give-teen-sensation-mykhailiuk-a-taste-of-the-big-time
Serbia: http://www.fiba.com/news/serbia-mood-positive-ahead-of-opener

[awhom111]

Brief preview plus team rosters from me. There are some more detailed previews out there by people who get paid to do this. They range from very good to downright terrible, but the increase in English language coverage of this event is heartening. If a player has multiple teams listed, it is because he played for another team after the conclusion of his last season within the calendar year.

Group A:
This group was considered the Group of Death when the draw was made and it is easy to see why. Four teams are medal contenders and the champions of Asia join them with Egypt getting a rude reintroduction to the tournament. Once rosters became firmer, the group may not be quite as tough as it could have been, but the games in the smallest venue of the tournament in Granada will be fiercely competitive, especially if the two teams projected to not make it through the round can upset one of the other teams. Otherwise the four big teams will be competing with one another to set up favorable knockout round competition with the top four teams moving on to Madrid to compete with Group B teams, another group with tough competitors.

Brazil:
The team hosting the Olympics sent a weak roster to the last FIBA Americas tournament and flamed out even more spectacularly than anyone could have expected. With the veteran players committing to play this summer and Olympic hosting to prepare for, they were granted one of the wildcard spots. Now that all of the key players are in the fold, the team will probably be as strong as possible this summer, giving them possibly of the best chance of any team in this group to match the hosts. This team also has a solid chance at doing damage once the knockout stages arrive and could very well earn a medal.

Marcelo Machado, Flamengo (Brazil)
Raul Neto, Gipuzkoa (Spain), Drafted 47th in 2013 by Atlanta Hawks with rights later traded to the Utah Jazz
Rafael Hettsheimer, Unicaja Malaga (Spain)
Larry Taylor, Bauru (Brazil), Missouri Western (DII)
Alex Ribeiro Garcia, Brasilia (Brazil), NBA (2003-2005)
Marcelo Huertas, FC Barcelona (Spain), Coppell High School (Texas)
Leandro Barbosa, Phoenix Suns
Anderson Varejao, Cleveland Cavaliers
Guilherme Giovannoni, Brasilia (Brazil)
Nene Hilario, Washington Wizards
Marquinhos, Flamengo (Brazil), NBA (2006-2008)
Tiago Splitter, San Antonio Spurs

Egypt:
In terms of miracle runs to make this tournament, few teams can really match this one as they lost all of their preliminary round games in the FIBA Africa Championship only to win their way to the final before falling short. Unfortunately, injuries have robbed them of their best player for this tournament, making them even more likely to lose all of their games. That said, the experience gained will be valuable to the team as they are in the process of building a continental powerhouse in the near future.

Seif Samir, Al Ahly (Egypt)
Amr Gendy, Gezira (Egypt)
Haytham Kamal, Al Ittihad (Egypt)
Wael Badr, Sporting Alexandria (Egypt)
Moamen Abdouelanin, Al Ittihad (Egypt)
Ibrahim Elgammal, Al Ahly (Egypt)
Mouhanad Elsabagh, Al Ittihad (Egypt)
Sherif Genedy, Gezira (Egypt)
Youssef Shousha, Sporting Alexandria (Egypt)
Moustafa Elmekawi, Zamalek (Egypt)
Ramy Ibrahim, Al Ittihad (Egypt)
Ashraf Rabie, Al Ittihad (Egypt)

France:
The reigning Eurobasket champions are missing a number of players who would have contributed, including their star, but they will still be expected to make a strong showing here. The roster is still strong and balanced enough not only to progress from the group, but with the right matchups, move on to the quarterfinals or semifinals.

Thomas Heurtel, Saski Baskonia (Spain)
Nicolas Batum, Portland Trailblazers
Antoine Diot, Strasbourg IG (France)
Joffrey Lauvergne, Partizan Belgrade (Serbia), Drafted 55th in 2013 by Memphis Grizzlies with rights later traded to the Denver Nuggets
Charles Kahudi, Le Mans Sarthe (France)
Edwin Jackson, ASVEL Lyon-Villeurbanne (France)
Evan Fournier, Denver Nuggets
Florent Pietrus, SLUC (Nancy)
Rudy Gobert, Utah Jazz
Boris Diaw, San Antonio Spurs
Kim Tillie, Murcia (Spain), Utah
Mickael Gelabale, Khimki Moscow (Russia), NBA (2006-2008, 2013)

Iran:
The Asian champions have emerged as a basketball power on that continent, but are still relative newcomers on the global stage. The will find it hard to get past the powerhouse teams in this group, but could definitely sneak up on one of them and make them work harder than expected. Like the two other Asian teams, the team will also be competing in the Asian Games later in the summer, which hold a great deal of prestige on that continent despite their relative separation from the rest of the international basketball scene.

Rouzbeh Arghavan, Zob Ahan (Iran)
Sajjad Mashayekhi, Mahram (Iran)
Behnam Yakhchali, Petrochimi (Iran)
Mahdi Kamrani, Petrochimi (Iran)
Arsalan Kazemi, Petrochimi (Iran), USC and Drafted 54th in 2013 by Washington Wizards with right later traded to Philadelphia 76ers
Oshin Sahakian, Mahram (Iran)
Arman Zangeneh, Mahram (Iran)
Hamed Afagh, Petrochimi (Iran)
Asghar Kardoust, Kazma (Kuwait)
Mohammad Jamshidi, Azad (Iran)
Samad Nikkhah Bahrami, Fujian (China)/Mahram (Iran)
Hamed Haddadi, Mahram (Iran), NBA (2008-2013)

Serbia:
Grabbing the last automatic berth from Eurobasket, Serbia looks to continue their presence on the international scene. They bring a solid roster to the tournament, with a number of players in good form. They have a solid mix of youth and experience, but they have more vulnerabilities than the other powerhouses in the group, which means that advancing past the first game of the knockout stage could prove difficult.

Milos Teodosic, CSKA Moscow (Russia)
Marko Simonovic, Red Star Belgrade (Serbia)
Stefan Jovic, Radnicki (Serbia)
Bogdan Bogdanovic, Partizan Belgrade (Serbia), Drafted 27th by Phoenix Suns in 2014
Nemanja Bjelica, Fenerbahce Ulker (Turkey), Drafted 35th in 2010 by Washington Wizards with rights later traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves
Stefan Markovic, Banvit (Turkey)
Nikola Kalinic, Radnicki (Serbia)
Stefan Bircevic, Radnicki (Serbia)
Nenad Krstic, CSKA Moscow (Russia), NBA (2004-2011)
Miroslav Raduljica, Milwaukee Bucks
Rasko Katic, Red Star Belgrade (Serbia)
Vladimir Stimac, Unicaja Malaga (Spain)

Spain:
Hosting the tournament, this team is considered a strong favorite to advance from this side of the draw to the final. It helps that they have all of their players available, as none of them wanted to miss the chance at winning a big tournament on home soil. Their full strength squad is experienced, with the core playing together for multiple tournaments. As a result, this team has high expectations, and nothing short of a contending for the trophy will satisfy them. They will get tests in a number of games, but should expect to advance to the final game.

Pau Gasol, Los Angeles Lakers
Rudy Fernandez, Real Madrid (Spain), NBA (2008-2012)
Sergio Rodriguez, Real Madrid (Spain), NBA (2006-2010)
Juan Carlos Navarro, FC Barcelona (Spain), NBA (2007-2008)
Jose Calderon, Dallas Mavericks
Felipe Reyes, Real Madrid (Spain)
Victor Claver, Portland Trailblazers
Ricky Rubio, Minnesota Timberwolves
Sergio Llull, Real Madrid (Spain), Drafted 34th in 2009 with rights later traded to Houston Rockets
Marc Gasol, Memphis Grizzlies
Serge Ibaka, Oklahoma City Thunder
Alejandro Abrines, FC Barcelona (Spain), Drafted 32nd in 2013 by Oklahoma City Thunder

Group B:
This group may not be viewed as being as tough as the group that they will be paired with in the knockout rounds, there will be plenty of solid matchups in these games to be played in Seville. This is a group where there are four favorites to move on, with the other two teams looking to cause upsets. Which order those four teams will finish in is more uncertain with each team possessing strengths and weaknesses that could propel them to the top or to drop them into dangerous knockout round matchups if they barely move on.

Argentina:
The key pieces to this team keep aging, but they found a way to qualify to another major tournament. Unfortunately, injury concerns have claimed more of the country's golden generation, but the ones left bring vast experience as younger players try to integrate themselves into the program. Keeping the veterans strong through the tournament will be a priority, but there will be tests in this stage as the favorites all look to avoid bad knockout round matchups by finishing as high as possible.

Luis Scola, Indiana Pacers
Tayavek Gallizzi, Quilmes (Argentina)
Marcos Mata, Baloncesto Sevilla (Spain)
Facundo Campazzo, Penarol (Argentina)
Pablo Prigioni, New York Knicks
Nicolas Laprovittola, Flamengo (Brazil)
Leo Gutierrez, Penarol (Argentina)
Marcos Delia, Boca Juniors (Argentina)
Walter Herrmann, Atenas (Argentina), NBA (2006-2009)
Andres Nocioni, Saski Baskonia (Spain), NBA (2004-2012)
Matias Bortolin, Regatas (Argentina)
Selem Safar, Boca Juniors (Argentina)

Croatia:
A solid fourth place finish in the last Eurobasket tournament was enough to get this strong producer of basketball talent back in this tournament. Interspersed with more experienced players, a number of young players will get a big chance to introduce themselves on the global scene. Good work in the preliminary round could give the team a favorable matchup further into the tournament.

Ante Tomic, FC Barcelona, Drafted 44th by Utah Jazz in 2008
Luksa Andric, Turk Telekom (Turkey)
Oliver Lafayette, Valencia (Spain)
Bojan Bogdanovic, Fenerbahce Ulker (Turkey), Signed with Brooklyn Nets
Dario Saric, Cibona Zagreb (Croatia), Drafted 12th by Orlando Magic in 2014 with rights later traded to Philadelphia 76ers
Damjan Rudez, Zaragoza (Spain), Signed with Indiana Pacers
Roko Ukic, Panathinaikos (Greece), NBA (2008-2010)
Krunoslav Simon, Lokomotiv Kuban (Russia)
Damir Markota, Bilbao (Spain), NBA (2006-2007)
Mario Hezonja, FC Barcelona (Spain)
Luka Zoric, Fenerbahce Ulker (Turkey)
Luka Babic, Cedevita Zagreb (Croatia)

Greece:
A disappointing Eurobasket performance nearly meant that the team would not make it to this tournament, but their recent history was enough to earn them a wild card. Unfortunately, they are still missing a number of players who could have made a difference and a variety of administrative issues created conflicts within the country's basketball structure. With a couple of young players who have not had the chance to fully introduce themselves on the international scene, there is potential for this team to make a run, but they will need to make sure that they reach their full team chemistry.

Vangelis Mantzaris, Olympiakos (Greece)
Ioannis Bourousis, Real Madrid (Spain)
Nikos Zisis, Unics Kazan (Russia)
Kostas Vasileiadis, Anadolu Efes (Turkey)
Nick Calathes, Memphis Grizzlies, Florida
Andreas Glyniadakis, APOEL Nicosia (Cyprus), NBA (2006-2007)
Kostas Papanikolaou, FC Barcelona (Spain), Signed with Houston Rockets
Kostas Sloukas, Olympiakos (Greece)
Kostas Kaimakoglou, Unics Kazan (Russia)
Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks
Ian Vougioukas, Unics Kazan (Russia), Saint Louis
Georgios Printezis, Olympiakos (Greece), Drafted 58th by San Antonio Spurs in 2007 with rights currently held by Atlanta Hawks

Philippines:
This tournament marks a big return to the global stage for one of the few countries in the world in which basketball is unquestionably the most popular sport. After years of missteps, the long exile is over for the team that earned a runner up finish at home in the last FIBA Asia tournament. Interestingly, the relative isolation that the country's league has had from the rest of the international scene has created a unique style for this team that others may not be prepared for. While the team will be considered an underdog for most if not all of their games, they could easily spring a surprise. Either way, this tournament will hopefully inspire the various warring basketball stakeholders in the country to combine their efforts to continue to make a strong program that will show the world how much they care about basketball.

Jimmy Alapag, Talk-N-Text Tropang Texters (Philippines), CSU San Bernardino (DII)
L.A. Tenorio, Barangay Ginebra (Philippines)
Jeff Chan, Rain or Shine Elasto Plasters (Philippines)
Jayson Castro, Talk-N-Text Tropang Texters (Philippines)
Gary David, Meralco Bolts (Philippines)
Ranidel de Ocampo, Talk-N-Text Tropang Texters (Philippines)
Gabe Norwood, Rain or Shine Elasto Plasters (Philippines), George Mason
Andray Blatche, Brooklyn Nets
Junmar Fajardo, San Miguel Beerman (Philippines)
Paul Lee, Rain or Shine Elasto Plasters (Philippines)
Japeth Aguilar, Barangay Ginebra (Philippines), Western Kentucky
Marc Pingris, San Miguel Super Coffee Mixers (Philippines)

Puerto Rico:
The runners up from the last FIBA Americas tournament lean heavily on their star backcourt to initiate their system, but they also have an experienced frontcourt. While the team was not able to convince a couple of players who could have made a difference to join the team, this team's style is going to give others some trouble at times. That should be enough to move them on to the next round, where they may need a favorable matchup to move any further.

Ramon Clemente, Mantovana (Italy)/Mayaguez Indians (Puerto Rico), Wichita State
J.J. Barea, Minnesota Timberwolves, Northeastern
Alex Franklin, Mayaguez Indians (Puerto Rico), Siena
Carlos Arroyo, Galatasaray (Turkey), Florida International and NBA (2001-2008 and 2009-2011)
A.D. Vassallo, Ponce Lions (Puerto Rico), Virginia Tech
Carlos Rivera, Halcones Rojos Veracruz/Ponce Lions (Puerto Rico), Hofstra
Jorge Bryan Diaz, Quebradillas Pirates (Puerto Rico), Nebraska
Ricky Sanchez, Regatas (Argentina)/Santurce Crabbers (Puerto Rico), IMG Academy (Florida)
David Huertas, Quebradillas Pirates (Puerto Rico), Ole Miss
Renaldo Balkman, Halcones Rojos Veracruz (Mexico)/Arecibo Captains (Puerto Rico), South Carolina and NBA (2008-2012)
Alex Galindo, Santurce Crabbers (Puerto Rico), Florida International
Daniel Santiago, Santurce Crabbers (Puerto Rico), Saint Vincent (NAIA) and NBA (2000-2002 and 2003-2005)

Senegal:
The last team to grab a bid from the FIBA Africa Championship, the national program has gone through significant turmoil since last summer, but this team is set to appear in the tournament. While they have not been a fixture at the world level, the team will be looking to get experience quickly at this level. An exceptionally tall team, they could easily cause one of the more favored teams more trouble than expected.

Thierno Niang, Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Xane Dalmeida, Lourdes (France)
Ibrahima Thomas, Azad (Iran), Cincinnati
Mamadou N'Doye, UGB (Senegal)
Mohamet Diop, UGB (Senegal
Maleye N'Doye, Paris Levallois (France), Furman
Djibril Thiam, Toyama (Japan), Wyoming
Mouhammad Faye, Panelefsiniakos (Greece), SMU
Maurice Ndour, Ohio
Hamady N'Diaye, Sacramento Kings, Rutgers
Gorgui Dieng, Minnesota Timberwolves, Louisville
Pape Badji, Union Neuchatel (Switzerland)

[awhom111]

Group C:
This group is headlined by the United States, but the five other teams will all be thinking that they have a chance to grab one of the other three spots to knockout round games in Barcelona. That means that the games in the venue in basketball strong Basque Country should be unpredictable and exciting.

Dominican Republic:
This team grabbed the last available spot in the Americas and face another summer without their star. That said, this team will arrive ready to fight, although sometimes against their exhibition opponents. Backcourt scoring will be critical because they are lacking in post depth, but they have several established international players that will lead the charge in an attempt to make the next round.

Edgar Sosa, Ulm (Germany), Louisville
Elpidio Fortuna, Leones de Santo Domingo (Dominican Republic)
Juan Coronado, Quebradillas Pirates (Puerto Rico)/Reales de la Vega (Dominican Republic)
Victor Liz, Gaiteros de Zulia (Venezuela)/Metros de Santiago (Dominican Republic)
Edward Santana, Bucaneros de la Guaira (Venezuela)/Caneros de la Romana (Dominican Republic)
Francisco Garcia, Houston Rockets, Louisville
James Feldeine, Fuenlabrada (Spain), Quinnipiac
Eloy Vargas, Fuenlabrada (Spain)/Metros de Santiago (Dominican Republic), Kentucky
Orlando Sanchez, St. John's
Eulis Baez, Gran Canaria (Spain), Western Illinois
Ronald Ramon, Limeira (Brazil), Pitt
Jack Michael Martinez, Trotamundos de Carabobo (Venezuela)/Leones de Santo Domingo (Dominican Republic), Artesia High School (California)

Finland:
It is good that this is the biggest venue of the ones chosen for the preliminary round, because this is a team that is going to bring the fans, one of the reasons they were granted a wild card to make their debut in the tournament. Last summer their fans and team took Eurobasket by storm, although sometimes more so stylistically than in terms of results. Their preferred uptempo system should be a solid fit for this group and they do have a good chance at progressing. Several of their veteran players are finally getting their chance at a major international tournament.

Mikko Koivisto, Gaziantep (Turkey), UNC Greensboro
Erik Murphy, Chicago Bulls, Florida
Kimmo Muurinen, Honka (Finland), Arkansas-Little Rock
Shawn Huff, Ludwigsburg (Germany), Valparaiso
Gerald Lee, Asesoft Ploiesti (Romania), Old Dominion
Sasu Salin, Union Olimpija (Slovenia)
Tuukka Kotti, Nilan Bisons Loimaa (Finland), Providence
Petteri Koponen, Khimki Moscow (Russia), Drafted 30th by Philadelphia 76ers in 2007 with rights currently held by Dallas Mavericks
Matti Nuutinen, Nilan Bisons Loimaa (Finland)
Hanno Mottola, no club, Utah and NBA (2002-2004)
Antero Lehto, Tampereen Pyrinto (Finland)
Teemu Rannikko, Joensuun Kataja (Finland)

New Zealand:
The losers of the last FIBA Oceania two game series grab that confederation's second berth automatically since only two countries have managed to arrange a full national team. Injuries and absences have left the team thin up front, but this group can expect significant contributions from the backcourt. At the peak of the national team's powers, it was a formidable opponent to any team that it faced and there are some signs that this team could be returning to that level.

Lindsay Tait, Wellington (New Zealand)
Everard Bartlett, Hawke's Bay, Wasatch Academy (Utah)
Kirk Penney, Trabzonspor (Turkey), Wisconsin and NBA (2003-2005)
Mika Vukona, New Zealand (Australia)/Byblos (Lebanon)/Nelson (New Zealand)
Jarrod Kenny, Hawke's Bay (New Zealand)
Corey Webster, New Zealand (Australia)/Wellington (New Zealand), Lambuth (NAIA)
Tom Abercrombie, New Zealand (Australia)/ASVEL Lyon Villeurbanne (France), Washington State
B.J. Anthony, Adelaide (Australia)/Wellington (New Zealand)
Isaac Fotu, Hawaii
Casey Frank, New Zealand (Australia)/Waikato (New Zealand), Northern Arizona
Rob Loe, Saint Louis
Tai Webster, Nebraska

Turkey:
Although the team made it to the final in the last edition of this tournament, which they hosted, the team is recovering after receiving a wild card after a disastrous tournament last summer. The absence of a couple of key players is likely to make the team play well short of its potential. On name recognition, it may be considered likely to progress to the next round, but they could easily be left on the outside looking in.

Cedi Osman, Anadolu Efes (Turkey)
Sinan Guler, Galatasaray (Turkey)
Baris Ermis, Gaziantep (Turkey)
Cenk Aykol, Galatasaray (Turkey), Drafted 59th by Los Angeles Clippers in 2003 with rights later traded to Atlanta Hawks
Baris Hersek, Pinar Karsiyaka (Turkey)
Emir Preldzic, Fenerbahce Ulker (Turkey), Drafted 57th by Phoenix Suns in 2009 with rights currently held by Dallas Mavericks
Kerem Tunceri, Turk Telekom (Turkey)
Oguz Savas, Fenerbahce Ulker (Turkey)
Kerem Gonlum, Anadolu Efes (Turkey)
Ender Arslan, Galatasaray (Turkey)
Omer Asik, Houston Rockets
Furkan Aldemir, Galatasaray (Turkey), Drafted 53rd by Los Angeles Clippers in 2007 with rights currently held by Philadelphia 76ers

Ukraine:
While this team is making their tournament debut, they certainly earned it with clutch performances to finish sixth in the last Eurobasket. While they may be inexperienced at this level, they have a number of veteran players to mix with their youngsters and could very well take the second spot in this group. Turmoil within the country since last summer, which affected the domestic league, could also have an effect in either direction on this team.

Maksym Pustozvonov, Azovmash (Ukraine)
Pooh Jeter, Shandong (China), Portland
Olexandr Mishula, BC Dnipro (Ukraine)
Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk, Cherkasy (Ukraine), Attending Kansas
Sergii Gladyr, Nanterre (France), Drafted 49th by Atlanta Hawks in 2009
Oleksandr Lypovyy, Red Star Belgrade (Serbia)
Kyryl Natyazhko, Azovmash (Ukraine), Arizona
Dmytro Zabirchenko, Azovmash (Ukraine)
Maxym Kornyenko, Donetsk (Ukraine)
Ihor Zaytsev, Azovmash (Ukraine)
Artem Pustovyi, Khimik (Ukraine)
Viacheslav Kravtsov, Phoenix Suns

Group D:
With games played far away from mainland Spain on the island of Gran Canaria, this group also has a favorite in the form of Lithuania, who looked like a medal candidate before the tournament, but may not be able to reach that level. Slovenia and Australia are dealing with major injury absences, but also look likely to progress. That leaves one spot for three teams that are not considered the strongest on the international scene, but could help their programs by grabbing the last spot in the tournament.

Angola:
One of the traditional African basketball powers, this team won the last continental championship and return to this level. An untimely injury will affect the team, but they have added a number of younger players to a solid veteran core and are positioned to make a solid run if they can get the critical results in the right games.

Olimpio Cipriano, Libolo (Angola)
Armando Costa, Primeiro de Agosto (Angola)
Roberto Fortes, Petro Atletico (Angola), Illinois State
Edson Ndoniema, Primeiro de Agosto (Angola)
Gildo Santos, Primeiro de Agosto (Angola)
Valdelicio Joaquim, Petro Atletico (Angola), Hawaii
Joaquim Gomes, Primeiro de Agosto (Angola), Valparaiso
Reggie Moore, Primeiro de Agosto (Angola), Oral Roberts
Yanick Moreira, SMU
Islando Manuel, Primeiro de Agosto (Angola)
Milton Barros, Interclube (Angola)
Eduardo Mingas, Libolo (Angola)

Australia:
The winners of the two games that settled the FIBA Oceania title, this team is missing their key offensive creator, but will look to replace that with their younger guards. A tough team that plays a style that is different from most of the other teams in the field, they still have the talent to contend in this group, where a favorable finish creates a path to the quarterfinals at least.

Chris Goulding, Melbourne (Australia)
Ryan Broekhoff, Besiktas (Turkey), Valparaiso
Adam Gibson, Adelaide (Australia)/Forestville (Australia)
Joe Ingles, Maccabi Tel Aviv (Israel)
Brad Newley, Gran Canaria (Spain), Drafted 54th in 2007 by Houston Rockets
Matthew Dellavedova, Cleveland Cavaliers, St. Mary's
Cameron Bairstow, New Mexico
Dante Exum, Australia Institute of Sport (Australia), Signed with Utah Jazz
Aron Baynes, San Antonio Spurs, Washington State
David Andersen, Strasbourg IG (France), NBA (2009-2011)
Brock Motum, Virtus Bologna (Italy), Washington State, Signed with Utah Jazz
Nate Jawai, Galatasaray (Turkey), Midland (JC) and NBA (2008-2010)

Lithuania:
A late injury to add to one from earlier in the summer may have knocked this team off the perch that it was on before the tournament after finishing as the runner up in the last Eurobasket. This team still has significant international experience and team chemistry, but they will need to find a new way to initiate their offense and a player to emerge as a go-to offensive option and leader. The emergence of the young frontcourt backed up by capable veterans is something to watch for. The team probably still has the talent to win this group and progress to the semifinals, but they will feel like they missed a chance to be a championship contender.

Marty Pocius, Zalgiris Kaunas (Lithuania), Duke
Adas Juskevicius, Bremerhaven (Germany)
Mindaugas Kuzminskas, Unicaja Malaga (Spain)
Darjus Lavrinovic, Budivelnik (Ukraine)
Jonas Maciulis, Panathinaikos (Greece)
Renaldas Seibutis, Lietuvos Rytas (Lithuania), Drafted 50th in 2007 by Dallas Mavericks
Simas Jasaitis, Lokomotiv Kuban (Russia)
Donatas Motiejunas, Houston Rockets
Ksistof Lavrinovic, Valencia (Spain)
Paulius Jankunas, Zalgiris Kaunas (Lithuania)
Jonas Valanciunas, Toronto Raptors
Sarunas Vasiliauskas, Trefl Sopot (Poland)

Mexico:
After not making much noise on the international scene, this team shocked everyone by winning the last FIBA Americas tournament and earning a spot here. With a nearly full strength team coming off a victory in this summer's Centrobasket tournament and the news that they will host the hemisphere-wide tournament next summer, this team is in position to continue their momentum this summer and possibly grab a spot in the knockout round.

Paul Stoll, Trabzonspor (Turkey)/Gigantes de Guayana (Venezuela), Texas Pan-American
Marco Ramos, Halcones Rojos Veracruz (Mexico), Grand Canyon
Roman Martinez, Soles de Mexicali (Mexico), New Mexico
Jorge Gutierrez, Brooklyn Nets, Cal
Gustavo Ayon, Atlanta Hawks
Francisco Cruz, Halcones Rojos Veracruz (Mexico), Wyoming
Israel Gutierrez, Halcones Rojos Veracruz (Mexico)
David Meza, Halcones de Xalapa (Mexico), Arizona Western (JC)
Hector Hernandez, Pioneros de Quintana Roo (Mexico)/San German Athletics (Puerto Rico), Fresno State
Orlando Mendez, Halcones Xalapa (Mexico), Western Kentucky
Rodrigo Zamora, Halcones Rojos Veracruz (Mexico), Montana State
Adam Parada, Halcones de Xalapa (Mexico), UC Irvine

Slovenia:
Helped by homecourt advantage last summer, the team qualified by finishing fifth in the Eurobasket tournament. Driven by its talented backcourt, this team will certainly have the capability of doing damage. Unfortunately, missing pieces in the frontcourt might cost them in critical moments, which may limit their ability to progress deep into the knockout round.

Jure Balazic, Tofas (Turkey)
Uros Slokar, Estudiantes (Spain), NBA (2006-2007)
Aleksej Nikolic, Spars (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
Klemen Prepelic, Banvit (Turkey)
Edo Muric, Krka (Slovenia)
Jaka Blazic, Red Star Belgrade (Serbia)
Miha Zupan, Usak (Turkey)
Goran Dragic, Phoenix Suns
Zoran Dragic, Unicaja Malaga (Spain)
Domen Lorbek, Gaziantep (Turkey)
Jaka Klobucar, Krka (Slovenia)
Alen Omic, Union Olimpija (Slovenia)

South Korea:
Interestingly, this is not going to be the highest priority tournament for the team this summer. Incheon is hosting the Asian Games later and this tournament is held in high regard across Asia. That may not be more true in any country than South Korea where a Gold Medal for any individual results in exemption from mandatory military service and an increased pension. This team grabbed the last spot available from the FIBA Asia Championship and they will use this as preparation for the larger purpose of their international summer.

Moon Tae-Jong/Jarod Stevenson, Changwon (South Korea), Richmond
Park Chan-Hee, Anyang (South Korea)
Yang Dong-Geun, Ulsan (South Korea)
Kim Tae-Sul, Anyang (South Korea)
Lee Jong-Hyun, Korea University (South Korea)
Kim Sun-Hyung, Seoul (South Korea)
Cho Sung-Min, Busan (South Korea)
Yang Hee-Jong, Anyang (South Korea)
Kim Joo-Sung, Wonju (South Korea)
Heo Il-Young, Goyang (South Korea)
Oh Se-Keun, Anyang (South Korea)
Kim Jong-Kyu, Changwon (South Korea)

[pfrduke]

Now that the cup is about to begin, this thread is closed. Please visit this one (http://forums.dukebasketballreport.com/forums/showthread.php?34188-2014-FIBA-World-Cup-Tournament-Thread-(US-v-Finland-8-30-330-EDT)) to discuss all World Cup action.