2018 International Basketball Thread

[awhom111]

Group play finished at the South American Championship for Women:
http://www.womensbasketball247.com/2...september-1st/

Paraguay beat Venezuela for the last spot. The fifth place team could still qualify so all teams are still playing for something.

The USA Women's team is preparing for the World Championship, which is only three weeks away, but the WNBA playoffs and other issues are keeping players out of camp, so they will have to make due when they start:
https://www.usab.com/news-events/new...oster-usc.aspx

[awhom111]

The African U18 Boys' Championship finished today in Bamako, Mali. The hosts edged out Senegal for the title, but both teams had already qualified for next year's U19 World Championship with wins the day before. The Ivory Coast dropped out before playing a game so there was an odd number of teams.

Final Standings:
Mali
Senegal
Egypt
Angola
Democratic Republic of Congo
Rwanda
Tunisia
Libya
Guinea
Uganda
Algeria

Once the host of the World Championship is decided, we will find out which area gets an additional berth.

[awhom111]

USA Basketball has announced the players who will compete for spots in the qualifying games against Uruguay and Panama:
https://www.usab.com/news-events/new...t-players.aspx

There are no Duke players this time, although a few players under NBA contract will play.

The South American Championship for Women continued with the knockout round, but only one upset bid was completed:
http://www.womensbasketball247.com/2...september-3rd/

[awhom111]

The South American Championship for Women finished today:
http://www.womensbasketball247.com/2...september-4th/

Final Standings:
Argentina
Brazil
Colombia
Paraguay
Venezuela
Ecuador
Chile
Peru

The USA Women's team has their inter-squad scrimmage at 7pm ET on Wednesday and can be seen on NBATV. A bunch of players just competed in WNBA playoff games today so they had to divide up the available players and a few invitees to form two teams of nine players:
https://www.usab.com/news-events/new...e-preview.aspx

[awhom111]

A number of young players got the chance to show what they can do in the USA intrasquad game today:
https://stats.statbroadcast.com/broa...=usabasketball

Now that two more teams have been eliminated from the WNBA playoffs, they will soon have a few more players to evaluate as they face Canada in an exhibition on Saturday at 7pm ET and can be seen on NBATV.

[awhom111]

Elizabeth Williams will join the USA team immediately as she knows that impressing the selection committee with her dedication will be important:
https://www.usab.com/news-events/new...r-for-nyc.aspx

Puerto Rico is planning on not making any changes to their Centrobasket Women team as they approach the worlds, which means that Sofia Roma is on the outside looking in at this point:
http://puertorico.basketball/not2.as...2E416F57E17670

[awhom111]

Elizabeth Williams had 8 points in 17 minutes, coming in at a critical time as Dawn Staley's exhibition debut start poorly against Canada, but the United States scored more points in each of the final three quarters to win 74-68.
https://stats.statbroadcast.com/broa...=usabasketball

[awhom111]

There has been no additional roster news, so the assumption is that the same players will be available for the next USA exhibition against Japan, which can be seen on NBATV at 7pm ET on Monday.

Here is a feature on Elizabeth and her quick move to join up with the rest of the team:
https://www.usab.com/news-events/new...s-feature.aspx

[awhom111]

The United States trailed at halftime again in their second exhibition, but got it together again in the fourth quarter to beat Japan 102-87. Elizabeth Williams only played 3 minutes, which seems like a bad sign.
https://stats.statbroadcast.com/broa...=usabasketball

The Men's Team named a group for their upcoming qualifiers:
https://www.usab.com/news-events/new...ouncement.aspx

[awhom111]

Elizabeth Williams makes the cut down to 16 players. The team heads to France for a tournament this weekend with 4 players still in the WNBA Finals.
https://www.usab.com/news-events/new...finalists.aspx

Men's qualifiers continue starting Friday, but it appears that ESPN+ will be the place to watch in the United States.

[awhom111]

FIBA has announced the hosts for next year's U19 World Championships. Greece will host on the men's side and Thailand will host on the women's side. Neither team qualified on their own so they will each get the last berths and no more will be handed out.

Ahead of qualifying games for the world stage, teams that did not make it are competing for spots in future continental tournaments. West Asia started their next stage yesterday in Manama, Bahrain as five teams will play a round robin for four spots in the next round.

Palestine easily has the biggest start of the teams involved as they opened play on Tuesday with a 104-49 win over Bangladesh. In the win, naturalized player Mark Hill had 19 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 steals and Jamal Abu-Shamala, who was born and raised in the United States, had 13 points, 10 rebounds, and 6 assists. Sri Lanka lost to the hosts 85-47, although they did get 14 points from current NAIA player Praneeth Udumalagala.
http://www.fiba.basketball/asiacup/2...h#tab=boxscore
http://www.fiba.basketball/asiacup/2...n#tab=boxscore

Saudi Arabia was the last team to play their first game, beating Palestine 85-76 on Wednesday. The South Asia teams squared off in what could determine the last spot with Praneeth Udumalagala leading Sri Lanka again, this time with 17 points in their 63-60 win over Bangladesh.
http://www.fiba.basketball/asiacup/2...e#tab=boxscore
http://www.fiba.basketball/asiacup/2...a#tab=boxscore

[awhom111]

A long day of qualifying around the world started with both groups in Asia. West Asia Group D and East Asia Group B combined to form a new Group F. The Philippines had to bring a revamped team with them to Tehran after the brawl in the last game, which could be good for them in the long term, but they lost 81-73 as former collegian Christian Stanhardinger had 30 points and 12 rebounds. Iran got 11 points and 11 rebounds from former college player and draft pick Arsalan Kazemi. East Asia had the better of the day starting with Japan going to Almaty and beating Kazakhstan 85-70, helped by bringing their big guns across the ocean as Rui Hachimura had 24 points and 7 rebounds and Yuta Watanabe had 17 points. Australia beat Qatar 95-43 in Doha, although naturalized player and famous NBA story Tanguy Ngombo had 14 points and 8 rebounds. The visitors have a number of former collegians as Jesse Wagstaff had 18 points, Anthony Drmic had 13 points, Nick Kay had 12 points, Daniel Johnson had 11 points, and Mitch McCarron had 10 points and 6 rebounds.
http://www.fiba.basketball/basketbal...s#tab=boxscore
http://www.fiba.basketball/basketbal...n#tab=boxscore
http://www.fiba.basketball/basketbal...a#tab=boxscore
Standings: Australia 6-1, Iran 6-1, Philippines 4-3, Japan 3-4, Kazakhstan 3-4, Qatar 2-5

West Asia Group C welcomed the teams from East Asia Group A to form Group E. Syria still cannot host games so they played New Zealand in Zouk Mikael in Lebanon and lost 107-66 although they did get 11 points from naturalized player Justin Hawkins. The visitors were led by a number of their former collegians as Isaac Fotu had 16 points and 6 rebounds, Jordan Ngatai had 16 points, and Tai Webster had 15 points. Jordan got 24 points from naturalized player Dar Tucker in Amman, but South Korea got 30 points and 7 rebounds from their naturalized player Ricardo Ratliffe to win 86-75. China has qualified as hosts, but could still play spoiler or help us avoid having to do math, but they fell 92-88 in overtime in the second game of the doubleheader in Lebanon. The hosts got big games from some of their former collegians as Ali Haidar had 26 points and 9 rebounds, Ahmad Ibrahim had 19 points, and naturalized player Ater Majok had 17 points and 8 rebounds.
http://www.fiba.basketball/basketbal...d#tab=boxscore
http://www.fiba.basketball/basketbal...a#tab=boxscore
http://www.fiba.basketball/basketbal...a#tab=boxscore
Standings: New Zealand 6-1, Lebanon 6-1, South Korea 5-2, Jordan 5-2, China 3-4, Syria 2-5

European qualifiers were not geographical as groups crossed over for the second stage, starting with Groups E and F forming the new Group K. France thought that they would have no issues in Botevgrad, getting 17 points from Nicolas Batum, but Bulgaria handed them their first loss 74-68 as naturalized player Dee Bost had 17 points and 6 rebounds. Alex Murphy was finally able to earn a place for Finland as they hosted Bosnia and Herzegovina in Espoo and won 85-81, providing 13 points in 19 minutes. Former draft pick Petteri Koponen had 14 points and 7 assists while the visitors did have both of their NBA players as Jusuf Nurkic had 20 points and 9 rebounds and Dzanan Musa had 15 points and 9 assists. A bad day for former Group E teams finished in Pardubice with an 80-78 win for the Czech Republic as their NBA player Tomas Satoransky had 16 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists and naturalized player Blake Schilb had 13 points while ex-NBA player Alexey Shved had 16 points and 7 assists for the visitors.
http://www.fiba.basketball/basketbal...e#tab=boxscore
http://www.fiba.basketball/basketbal...a#tab=boxscore
http://www.fiba.basketball/basketbal...a#tab=boxscore
Standings: France, 6-1, Czech Republic 6-1, Finland 4-3, Russia 3-4, Bulgaria 3-4, Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-5

Groups G and H combined to form Group L. Germany doubled up Estonia 86-43 in Tallinn as they had their NBA players with Dennis Schroder providing 18 points, 6 rebounds, and 10 assists and Maxi Kleber adding 11 points. Georgia went to Tel Aviv and beat Israel 85-80 as ex-NBA player Tornike Shengalia had 22 points and 9 rebounds, former collegian Duda Sanadze had 17 points, and naturalized player Matt Janning had 15 points while former collegian Jake Cohen had 14 points for the hosts. Greece was the only former Group H team to win, beating Serbia 70-63 in Heraklion to remain undefeated. With a chance to have most of their players, Nick Calathes had 15 points as did famous draft rights trade bait player Georgios Printezis. The visitors did not have most of their NBA players, but Bogdan Bogdanovic did have 19 points.
http://www.fiba.basketball/basketbal...y#tab=boxscore
http://www.fiba.basketball/basketbal...a#tab=boxscore
http://www.fiba.basketball/basketbal...a#tab=boxscore
Standings: Germany 7-0, Greece 7-0, Serbia 4-3, Georgia 3-4, Israel 3-4, Estonia 2-5

Americas qualifying closed the day as all Group F teams played with the combination of South America Group B and North America Group D. The US Virgin Islands continue have depth issues, although former collegians led the way with Georgio Milligan providing 26 points and 10 rebounds and Walter Hodge adding 20 points, as they went to Caracas and lost to Venezuela 87-73. Canada beat Brazil 85-77 in Laval with a bunch of familiar names, even while missing a star guard. Kelly Olynyk had 20 points and 19 rebounds, Cory Joseph had 16 points and 10 assists, Melvin Ejim had 14 points, Tristan Thompson had 10 points and 12 rebounds, and Kevin Pangos had 10 points and 8 assists. The visitors are still relying on their ancient former NBA players as Leandro Barbosa had 18 points, Marcelo Huertas had 14 points and 12 assists, and Anderson Varejao had 10 points. The Dominican Republic beat Chile 71-46 in Santo Domingo as former collegian Eulis Baez had 10 points and 9 rebounds while former collegian Sebastian Suarez had 12 points in the loss.
http://www.fiba.basketball/basketbal...a#tab=boxscore
http://www.fiba.basketball/basketbal...l#tab=boxscore
http://www.fiba.basketball/basketbal...e#tab=boxscore
Standings: Canada 6-1, Venezuela 6-1, Brazil 5-2, Dominican Republic 5-2, US Virgin Islands 2-5, Chile 1-6

Pre-qualification in Asia continued for the future with the West Asia round robin ongoing in Bahrain. Saudi Arabia beat Sri Lanka 107-44 despite another solid game from collegian Praneeth Udumalagala, who had 18 points and 7 steals. The hosts then beat Bangladesh 126-52 to carry them and Saudi Arabia through to the next round.
http://www.fiba.basketball/asiacup/2...a#tab=boxscore
http://www.fiba.basketball/asiacup/2...h#tab=boxscore

Pre-qualification also started in Europe in exciting fashion as the four games were decided by a total of eleven points. The teams that were eliminated from world qualifying joined the teams that made it through the first set of qualifiers to make four groups of three with only the group winners advancing. Two overtimes were necessary in Group A play in Minsk before Denmark could escape with a 98-94 win. Former collegians featured for both teams as Shavon Shields had 26 points, 9 rebounds, and 6 assists, Chanan Colman had 15 points and 8 assists, and Jonathan Gilling had 13 points in the win while Artsiom Parakhouski had 16 points and 8 rebounds in the loss. Group D also started with an overtime game in Schwechat as Austria welcomed Cyprus, which replaced cash-strapped Armenia, winning 72-69. Naturalized player Anthony King had 15 points and 8 rebounds for the visitors. Macedonia visited Kosovo and left Pristina with a 76-73 win as former collegian Stojan Gjuroski had 14 points and naturalized player Richard Hendrix had 10 points and 12 rebounds. In the loss, naturalized player Scott Bamforth had 12 points, 7 rebounds, and 8 assists and former collegian Lis Shoshi had 10 points and 9 rebounds. Belgium survived a tough challenge from Portugal to win 66-65 in Pepinster.
http://www.fiba.basketball/eurobaske...k#tab=boxscore
http://www.fiba.basketball/eurobaske...a#tab=boxscore
http://www.fiba.basketball/eurobaske...D#tab=boxscore
http://www.fiba.basketball/eurobaske...l#tab=boxscore

[awhom111]

The United States introduced a whole new cast of characters in Las Vegas, doubling up Uruguay 114-57.
http://www.fiba.basketball/basketbal...y#tab=boxscore

The other Group E games were also played as southern Group A combined with northern Group C. Puerto Rico was happy to host in San Juan again, beating Panama 82-73 with J.J. Barea returning with 18 points and 7 assists among other familiar names as Gian Clavell had 14 points and A.D. Vassallo had 11 points. Former collegians also featured in the loss as Javier Carter had 16 points, Trevor Gaskins had 15 points, and Tony Bishop had 10 points and 8 rebounds. There was almost another upset in Mexico City as the hosts got 18 points and 12 rebounds from their ex-NBA player Gustavo Ayon and 15 points from former collegian Orlando Mendez-Valdez, but Argentina escaped 78-74.
http://www.fiba.basketball/basketbal...a#tab=boxscore
http://www.fiba.basketball/basketbal...a#tab=boxscore
Standings: United States 6-1, Argentina 6-1, Puerto Rico 5-2, Uruguay 4-3, Panama 3-4, Mexico 3-4

Another busy day of qualifying started with the beginning of the second stage in Africa. Just like the last round, home and home games are being replaced by three games at a time at one site to save on costs. Groups A and C combined to form Group E with this set of games being played in Rades, Tunisia. Angola beat Cameroon to start the day as former collegian Yanick Moreira had 20 points and 9 rebounds. In the loss, naturalized player D.J. Strawberry had 17 points and former collegian Arnaud William Adala Moto had 13 points. The hosts stayed undefeated by beating Morocco 65-50 as it was finally agreed for Michael Roll to return to the team as the naturalized player despite playing his club basketball in Israel, giving them 13 points and 6 rebounds. Egypt used a strong second half to beat Chad 99-83 as former collegian Omar Oraby had 18 points and 10 rebounds.
http://www.fiba.basketball/basketbal...n#tab=boxscore
http://www.fiba.basketball/basketbal...a#tab=boxscore
http://www.fiba.basketball/basketbal...d#tab=boxscore
Standings: Tunisia 7-0, Angola 5-2, Cameroon 4-3, Egypt 4-3, Morocco 3-4, Chad 2-5

Groups B and D combined to form Group F with the first games in Lagos, Nigeria. Mali came back to edge the Central African Republic 66-65 with 16 points from former collegian Ibrahim Djambo. In the loss, former collegian Destin Damachoua had 15 points and 6 rebounds and naturalized player Johndre Jefferson had 12 points. Senegal beat surprisingly tough Rwanda 94-89 as they were able to call on a number of stars, including Gorgui Dieng, who had 28 points and 7 rebounds, while Youssoupha Ndoye had 12 points and 7 rebounds and Thierno Niang had 11 points. A number of players with ties to the United States also featured in the loss as Kenny Gasana had 19 points and Dan Manzi had 16 points. The hosts beat the Ivory Coast 84-73 to maintain the top spot, getting an NBA player alongside their usual players with American roots as Obi Emegano had 15 points, Ike Diogu had 13 points and 6 rebounds, and Al-Farouq Aminu, Ike Iroegbu, and Ike Nwamu had 11 points each. Former collegian Adjehi Baru had 10 points in the loss.
http://www.fiba.basketball/basketbal...i#tab=boxscore
http://www.fiba.basketball/basketbal...a#tab=boxscore
http://www.fiba.basketball/basketbal...a#tab=boxscore
Standings: Nigeria 7-0, Senegal 6-1, Rwanda 3-4, Mali 3-4, Central African Republic 3-4, Ivory Coast 2-5

In Europe, Groups A and B combined to form Group I. Ukraine was finally able to bring in some bigger names for their game in Kiev, handing Spain, which opted to field most of the squad they had used previously other than Sergio Rodriguez, who had 12 points, their first loss 76-65. Svi Mykhailiuk had 22 points, ex-NBA player Slava Kravtsov had 13 points, Denys Lukashov, who survived being teammates with the Ball brothers, had 11 points, and Alex Len did not reach double figures thanks to his awful free throw shooting. Latvia beat Slovenia 85-74 in Riga as former draft pick Janis Timma had 18 points and 12 rebounds while naturalized player Anthony Randolph had 10 points and 6 rebounds for the visitors. Turkey beat Montenegro 79-69 in Ankara behind their players with NBA experience. Cedi Osman had 18 points and 6 rebounds, Ersan Ilyasova had 17 points and 8 rebounds, Semih Erden had 16 points, and Furkan Korkmaz had 13 points. Former draft pick Bojan Dubljevic had 22 points and 9 rebounds in the loss.
http://www.fiba.basketball/basketbal...n#tab=boxscore
http://www.fiba.basketball/basketbal...a#tab=boxscore
http://www.fiba.basketball/basketbal...o#tab=boxscore
Standings: Spain 6-1, Turkey 5-2, Latvia 5-2, Ukraine 4-3, Montenegro 3-4, Slovenia 2-5

Groups C and D combined to form Group J. Hungary pulled into the last qualifying spot by going to Almere and beating the Netherlands 74-59, although the hosts did get 12 points and 10 rebounds from former collegian Thomas van der Mars. Italy eventually pulled away from Poland in Bologna to win 101-82. Former collegian Amedeo Della Valle had 28 points, Jeff Brooks, newly naturalized by marriage, had 16 points, and ex-NBA player Luigi Datome had 14 points while naturalized player A.J. Slaughter had 28 points in the loss. Croatia was supposed to be on the right track, bringing in their strongest team to face Lithuania, which rested key players, but things did not go to plan in Osijek with a late rally leaving them short 84-83. The hosts still got contributions from their NBA players as Bojan Bogdanovic had 22 points, Dario Saric had 19 points and 6 rebounds, and Ivica Zubac had 11 points.
http://www.fiba.basketball/basketbal...y#tab=boxscore
http://www.fiba.basketball/basketbal...d#tab=boxscore
http://www.fiba.basketball/basketbal...a#tab=boxscore
Standings: Lithuania 7-0, Italy 5-2, Hungary 4-3, Netherlands 3-4, Croatia 3-4, Poland 3-4

Pre-qualifying continued in West Asia as well. Palestine advanced with a 112-50 win over Sri Lanka as naturalized player Mark Hill had 14 points and 6 assists and former collegian Jamal Abu-Shamala had 11 points, 6 rebounds, and 9 assists. Current college player Praneeth Udumalagala had 20 points in the loss. Saudi Arabia beat hosts Bahrain 83-70 as both teams will advance.
http://www.fiba.basketball/asiacup/2...a#tab=boxscore
http://www.fiba.basketball/asiacup/2...n#tab=boxscore

[awhom111]

Elizabeth Williams played 13 minutes as the United States beat Canada 84-68 in an exhibition. The team has two more players and expects the rest in the middle of the week.
http://www.fibalivestats.com/u/FFBB/.../bs_en_AU.html

Qualification continued in Africa as the other regions had a day of rest. In Group E, Cameroon beat Morocco 84-74 with 18 points from former collegian Arnaud William Adala Moto while former collegian Mohamed Hachad had 10 points in the loss. Hosts Tunisia remained undefeated with a 69-47 win over Egypt as their NBA player Salah Mejri had 13 points and 9 rebounds while former collegian Assem Marei had 14 points in the loss. Angola beat Chad 75-33 to end the day as a couple players who spent time in school in the United States had good games as Carlos Morais had 23 points and Yanick Moreira had 12 points and 6 rebounds.
http://www.fiba.basketball/basketbal...#|tab=boxscore
http://www.fiba.basketball/basketbal...t#tab=boxscore
http://www.fiba.basketball/basketbal...a#tab=boxscore
Standings: Tunisia 8-0, Angola 6-2, Senegal 5-3, Egypt 4-4, Morocco 3-5, Chad 2-6

In Group F, Senegal beat Mali behind the duo of Youssoupha Ndoye, who had 23 points and 9 rebounds, and Gorgui Dieng, who had 20 points and 8 rebounds while former collegian Ibrahim Djambo had 15 points and 8 rebounds in the loss. The Ivory Coast beat Rwanda 71-53 with collegians leading the way as Charles Abouo had 15 points and 7 rebounds, Tiegbe Bamba had 12 points, and Baru Adjehi had 11 points and 7 rebounds. Hosts Nigeria beat Tunisia 114-69 to end the day. As usual, those with American roots led the way as Ike Iroegbu had 18 points, Ben Uzoh and Ike Nwamu had 16 points each, Al-Farouq Aminu had 12 points and 8 rebounds, and Stan Okoye and Alade Aminu had 11 points each. Former collegian Destin Damachoua had 14 points in the loss.
http://www.fiba.basketball/basketbal...l#tab=boxscore
http://www.fiba.basketball/basketbal...e#tab=boxscore
http://www.fiba.basketball/basketbal...F#tab=boxscore
Standings: Nigeria 8-0, Senegal 7-1, Central African Republic 3-5, Rwanda 3-5, Ivory Coast 3-5, Mali 3-5

West Asian pre-qualification finished in Bahrain as there was no further impact on which teams advanced. Saudi Arabia beat Bangladesh 109-56 to remain undefeated. Palestine finished behind them as naturalized player Mark Hill had 21 points and 9 assists in their 77-57 win over the hosts.
http://www.fiba.basketball/asiacup/2...a#tab=boxscore
http://www.fiba.basketball/asiacup/2...e#tab=boxscore
Standings: Saudi Arabia 4-0, Palestine 3-1, Bahrain 2-2, Sri Lanka 1-3, Bangladesh 0-4

[awhom111]

Elizabeth Williams had 4 points in 9 minutes as the United States beat Senegal 109-58 in an exhibition.
http://www.fibalivestats.com/u/FFBB/.../bs_en_AU.html

The day of qualifiers began in Africa again as this set of games finished up in Group E. Chad and Morocco are now both at the bottom after Chad won their matchup 69-63. Tunisia already advanced, but decided to entertain the home fans instead of helping out Angola, wining 84-64 with 12 points and 6 rebounds from naturalized player Michael Roll. Naturalized player Reggie Moore had 18 points and former collegian Yanick Moreira had 17 points and 7 rebounds for the visitors. Former collegian Omar Oraby had 10 points as Egypt beat Cameroon 62-58 to pull even in the standings as both will be in contention for the finals spots.
http://www.fiba.basketball/basketbal...o#tab=boxscore
http://www.fiba.basketball/basketbal...a#tab=boxscore
http://www.fiba.basketball/basketbal...t#tab=boxscore
Standings: Tunisia 9-0, Angola 6-3, Egypt 5-4, Cameroon 5-4, Chad 3-6, Morocco 3-6

The day started in Group F as the Ivory Coast beat Mali 69-59 to pull ahead as the teams at the bottom all played each other. Former collegians featured on both sides as Guy Landry Edi had 14 points and Mohamed Kone added 12 points and 6 rebounds in the win while Ibrahim Djambo had 13 points and 10 rebounds. Central African Republic also kept themselves in the mix as they won 68-61 with former collegian Destin Damachoua providing 18 points while Adonis Rwabigwi, who just finished his scholastic career, led Rwanda with 16 points. Nigeria had also qualified, but did not help Senegal clinch a spot as they won 89-61 with the usual names as Ike Diogu had 17 points and 9 rebounds, Al-Farouq Aminu had 12 points and 8 rebounds, and Ike Iroegbu had 10 points. Gorgui Dieng had 17 points and 9 rebounds for the visitors, who will now need to finish the job without him.
http://www.fiba.basketball/basketbal...e#tab=boxscore
http://www.fiba.basketball/basketbal...F#tab=boxscore
http://www.fiba.basketball/basketbal...l#tab=boxscore
Standings: Nigeria 9-0, Senegal 7-2, Central African Republic 4-5, Ivory Coast 4-5, Rwanda 3-6, Mali 3-6

Two groups in Europe continued qualification. In Group K, Russia bounced back in Moscow with a 77-73 win over Bulgaria thanks to their ex-NBA player as Alexey Shved had 22 points and 7 rebounds and Sergey Karasev had 13 points while former draft pick Sasha Vezenkov had 22 points and 12 rebounds in the loss. Alex Murphy and Finland lost to an angry French side 83-67 in Montpellier, although he did have 14 points in 21 minutes. Nicolas Batum had 14 points in the win as he will return to the NBA and former draft pick Mathias Lessort had 13 points and 6 rebounds while former draft pick Petteri Koponen had 14 points and former collegian Shawn Huff had 10 points and 7 rebounds for the visitors. I don't feel like doing the confirming math, but the Czech Republic's 85-80 win in Sarajevo means that they have qualified. They were led by their NBA player Tomas Satoransky, who had 22 points, 9 rebounds, and 6 assists while naturalized player Blake Schilb had 20 points. Bosnia and Herzegovina now sits in last place and will not get to have their NBA players as Jusuf Nurkic had 19 points and 15 rebounds and Dzanan Musa had 15 points.
http://www.fiba.basketball/basketbal...a#tab=boxscore
http://www.fiba.basketball/basketbal...d#tab=boxscore
http://www.fiba.basketball/basketbal...c#tab=boxscore
Standings: France 7-1, Czech Republic 7-1, Russia 4-4, Finland 4-4, Bulgaria 3-5, Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-6

In Group L, Greece needed a big second half to leave Tbilisi with a 86-85 win to clinch their berth as Nick Calathes had 31 points and 7 assists and another ex-NBA player Kostas Papanikolaou had 15 points. For Georgia, ex-NBA player Tornike Shengalia had 22 points and 13 rebounds and naturalized player Matt Janning had 17 points. It was also a dramatic win for Germany to clinch as they came back to force overtime in Leipzig to prevail 112-98 with their NBA players leading the way again as Dennis Schroder had 30 points and 13 assists and Maxi Kleber had 13 points and 8 rebounds. Former collegian Jake Cohen led a young Israel team with 23 points and 8 rebounds. Serbia beat Estonia 91-65 in Belgrade to be in solid position as Nemanja Bjelica had 14 points and 6 rebounds and another player with NBA experience in Miroslav Raduljica had 10 points.
http://www.fiba.basketball/basketbal...e#tab=boxscore
http://www.fiba.basketball/basketbal...l#tab=boxscore
http://www.fiba.basketball/basketbal...a#tab=boxscore
Standings: Germany 8-0, Greece 8-0, Serbia 5-3, Georgia 3-5, Israel 3-5, Estonia 2-6

It was only a partial day of pre-qualifiers in Europe as Eric Boateng and Great Britain had their Group D game with Cyprus pushed back to the second window because of how late the changes to the group were made. Denmark should feel good in Group A after beating Sweden 76-72 in Copenhagen as former collegians helped out with Kevin Larsen providing 24 points and 11 rebounds and Chanan Colman adding 10 points and 6 rebounds. Former ESPN announcer name favorite Chris Czerapowicz had 27 points and 7 rebounds for the visitors. In Group B, Macedonia got 14 points and 7 rebounds from naturalized player Richard Hendrix as they beat Romania 90-76 in Skopje to also be in a strong position while naturalized player Giordan Watson had 17 points in the loss. Portugal withstood a late charge from Iceland in Sines to pick up their first Group C win 80-77. A few former collegians led the visitors as Martin Hermansson had 20 points and 8 assists and Elvur Fridriksson and Kari Jonsson had 11 points each.
http://www.fiba.basketball/eurobaske...n#tab=boxscore
http://www.fiba.basketball/eurobaske...a#tab=boxscore
http://www.fiba.basketball/eurobaske...d#tab=boxscore

Only one game in the Americas Group F was played as the US Virgin Islands did not play in Brazil. That game went to overtime as Venezuela fended off the Dominican Republic 79-78 in Valencia as former collegian Nestor Colmenares had 16 points. Former collegians also featured in the loss as Eulis Baez had 17 points and Edgar Sosa had 10 points.
http://www.fiba.basketball/basketbal...c#tab=boxscore

[awhom111]

Elizabeth Williams played 4 minutes as the United States finished up their official exhibition games with a 77-60 win over France.
http://www.fibalivestats.com/u/FFBB/.../bs_en_AU.html
After the game, she was kept as a finalist for the roster with one more cut to be made:
https://www.usab.com/news-events/new...finalists.aspx
It is unclear how healthy Elena Delle Donne is right now, which could be a factor. The team is also awaiting three WNBA champions.

The USA Men's team did not have as big a margin this time, but took care of business in Panama City with a 78-48 win. Former collegians led the hosts as Javier Carter had 16 points and CJ Rodriguez had 13 points.
http://www.fiba.basketball/basketbal...A#tab=boxscore

The other teams in Group E also played. Uruguay's gamble of tanking the game against the United States paid off as a rested ex-NBA player in Esteban Batista led them to a 63-60 win in Montevideo with 18 points and 8 rebounds. Mexico was led by their ex-NBA player Gustavo Ayon, who had 21 points and 8 rebounds along with their former Wyoming duo as Pako Cruz had 18 points and Luke Martinez had 10 points. Argentina beat Puerto Rico 106-84 in Formosa with their ex-NBA players as Nicolas Laprovittola had 21 points and Luis Scola had 20 points and 9 rebounds. J.J. Barea had 24 points for the visitors who had a roster full of experience on the mainland as Gian Clavell had 13 points and David Huertas had 10 points.
http://www.fiba.basketball/basketbal...o#tab=boxscore
http://www.fiba.basketball/basketbal...o#tab=boxscore
Standings: United States 7-1, Argentina 7-1, Puerto Rico 5-3, Uruguay 5-3, Mexico 3-5, Panama 3-5

There was only one Group F game, moved to accommodate the longest trip possible when Canada went to Valdivia to beat Chile 84-61. They rested most of their big names, but Joel Anthony had 17 points, Brady Heslip had 12 points, and Justin Jackson had 10 points and 6 rebounds. The hosts had a few players who played in college last season as Felipe Haase had 11 points and 6 rebounds and Manny Suarez had 10 points.
http://www.fiba.basketball/basketbal...a#tab=boxscore
Standings: Canada 7-1, Venezuela 7-1, Brazil 6-2, Dominican Republic 5-3, US Virgin Islands 2-6, Chile 1-7

Asian Qualifiers were held on the first and last days of this window in order to give teams time to travel between West and East Asia as the eastern half hosted this set of games. In Group E, New Zealand slipped past Lebanon 63-60 in Rotorua as the Webster brothers were both involved with Tai providing 13 points and 7 rebounds and Corey adding 11 points as another former collegian in Isaac Fotu had 10 points and 7 rebounds. For the visitors, naturalized player Ater Majok had 16 points and 11 rebounds and former collegian Ahmad Ibrahim had 11 points. South Korea got 41 points and 17 rebounds from naturalized player Ricardo Ratliffe to beat Syria, which got 33 points and 11 rebounds from their naturalized player Justin Hawkins, 103-66 in Goyang. China is still looking to play spoiler as they beat Jordan 88-79 in Beijing despite 23 points from naturalized player Dar Tucker.
http://www.fiba.basketball/basketbal...n#tab=boxscore
http://www.fiba.basketball/basketbal...a#tab=boxscore
http://www.fiba.basketball/basketbal...n#tab=boxscore
Standings: New Zealand 7-1, Lebanon 6-2, South Korea 6-2, Jordan 5-3, China 4-4, Syria 2-6

In Group F, Japan beat Iran 70-56 in Tokyo with their big stars leading the way as Rui Hachimura had 25 points and 7 rebounds and Yuta Watanabe had 18 points. Australia beat Kazakhstan 94-41 in Bendigo with former collegians contributing again as Nathan Sobey and Mitch McCarron had 15 points each, Daniel Johnson had 14 points, and Nick Kay had 13 points. The Philippines hosted Qatar behind closed doors in Manila as a result of the brawl and took a while to get going before winning 92-81 with former collegians leading the way as Japeth Aguilar had 16 points and 9 rebounds, Alex Cabagnot had 16 points, and Stanley Pringle had 13 points and 6 rebounds. In the loss, naturalized player Tanguy Ngombo had 17 points and 10 rebounds and former collegian Nasser Al-Rayes had 17 points and 6 rebounds. Those results completed a perfect day for the teams from the East Asia section.
http://www.fiba.basketball/basketbal...n#tab=boxscore
http://www.fiba.basketball/basketbal...n#tab=boxscore
http://www.fiba.basketball/basketbal...r#tab=boxscore
Standings: Australia 7-1, Iran 6-2, Philippines 5-3, Japan 4-4, Kazakhstan 3-5, Qatar 2-6

In Europe, Group I continued in Madrid as Spain outlasted Latvia 85-82 despite 20 points and 7 rebounds from former draft pick Janis Timma. Slovenia got 24 points and 12 rebounds from naturalized player Anthony Randolph and 10 points from former draft pick Vlatko Cancar, but are in a tough spot after an 86-77 loss to Turkey in Ljubljana. The visitors got 22 points from naturalized player Scottie Wilbekin and big games from their NBA contingent as Furkan Korkmaz had 24 points, Cedi Osman had 19 points and 11 rebounds, and Ersan Ilyasova had 14 points and 6 rebounds. Montenegro got 26 points and 8 rebounds from former draft pick Bojan Dubljevic and 11 points from former collegian Nemanja Djurisic to beat Ukraine 90-84 in Niksic, leaving both teams just outside the last spot. The visitors were led by their NBA players as Svi Mykhailiuk had 15 points and Alex Len had 13 points and 7 rebounds with former draft pick Sergii Gladyr adding 12 points and 6 rebounds.
http://www.fiba.basketball/basketbal...a#tab=boxscore
http://www.fiba.basketball/basketbal...y#tab=boxscore
http://www.fiba.basketball/basketbal...e#tab=boxscore
Standings: Spain 7-1, Turkey 6-2, Latvia 5-3, Montenegro 4-4, Ukraine 4-4, Slovenia 2-6

In Group J, Italy put themselves in a solid position after beating Hungary 69-63 in Debrecen as ex-NBA player Luigi Datome had 18 points and 7 rebounds. Lithuania wanted to make sure that the home fans in Vilnius savored every moment of securing qualification, finally getting the win after the second overtime 95-93 against the Netherlands as ex-NBA player Mindaugas Kuzminskas had 10 points. Former collegians led the visitors as Charlon Kloof had 19 points, Thomas van der Mars had 16 points, Shane Hammink had 13 points, and Jito Kok had 10 points and 9 rebounds. Croatia's full NBA contingent failed to get them a win again as they fell 79-74 to Poland in Gdansk despite 22 points from Bojan Bogdanovic, 17 points and 7 rebounds from Dario Saric, and 13 points and 8 rebounds from Ante Zizic. The hosts got 14 points and 9 rebounds from former collegian Adam Hrycaniuk and 12 points from naturalized player A.J. Slaughter.
http://www.fiba.basketball/basketbal...y#tab=boxscore
http://www.fiba.basketball/basketbal...s#tab=boxscore
http://www.fiba.basketball/basketbal...a#tab=boxscore
Standings: Lithuania 8-0, Italy 6-2, Poland 4-4, Hungary 4-4, Netherlands 3-5, Croatia 3-5

[awhom111]

As was largely expected, Elizabeth Williams was the final cut for the United States once the other players proved that they were healthy:
https://www.usab.com/news-events/new...eam-named.aspx

Duke still has representation as trainer Summer McKeehan will be there.

[awhom111]

The USA World Cup for Women opener started slowly as Brittney Griner was out, but they won. I recapped all the day's action here:
http://www.womensbasketball247.com/2...eptember-22nd/

These are the rosters of the other fifteen teams:

Canada:
Miah-Marie Langlois, Dynamo Novosibirsk (Russia)
Kia Nurse, Connecticut/New York Liberty
Bridget Carleton, Iowa State
Nayo Raincock-Ekunwe, Nantes (France), Simon Fraser (DII) and WNBA (2017)
Kim Smith, Mondeville (France), Utah and WNBA (2006-2008)
Miranda Ayim, Landes (France), Pepperdine and WNBA (2011)
Nirra Fields, Gyor (Hungary), UCLA and WNBA (2016)
Natalie Achonwa, Woori Bank (South Korea)/Indiana Fever, Notre Dame
Jamie Weisner, Ferrol (Spain), Oregon State and WNBA (2016)
Shay Colley, Michigan State
Michelle Plouffe, Tarbes (France), Utah
Ruth Hamblin, Adelaide Lightning (Australia)/Bourges (France), Oregon State and WNBA (2016)

France:
Olivia Epoupa, Galatasaray (Turkey)
Endy Miyem, Schio (Italy)/Minnesota Lynx
Sandrine Gruda, Yakin Dogu University (Turkey), WNBA (2008-2010, 2014, 2016-2017)
Helena Ciak, Dynamo Kursk (Russia)
Sarah Michel, Bourges (France)
Valeriane Ayayi, Bourges (France), WNBA (2015)
Alexis Chartereau, Bourges (France)
Marine Johannes, Bourges (France)
Marieme Badiane, Lyon (France)
Alix Duchet, Nice (France)
Romane Bernies, Lattes Montpellier (France)
Diandra Tchatchouang, Bourges (France), Maryland and Drafted 20th in 2013 by San Antonio Stars

Greece:
Evdokia Stamati, Olympiakos (Greece)
Lolita Lymoura, PAOK (Greece)
Anna Spyridopoulou, Olympiakos (Greece)
Pinelopi Pavalopoulou, Washington State
Evanthia Maltsi, Olympiakos (Greece), WNBA (2007)
Angeliki Nikolopoulou, Olympiakos (Greece)
Katerina Sotiriou, Olympiakos (Greece)
Afroditi Kosma, Olympiakos (Greece)
Artemis Spanou, Polkowice (Poland), Robert Morris
Styliani Kaltsidou, Olympiakos (Greece)
Eleanna Christinaki, Maryland
Mariella Fasoula, Vanderbilt

South Korea (family name first when applicable):
Park Ha-Na, Samsung Life (South Korea)
Park Ji-Hyun, Soongeui Girls' High School (South Korea)
Kang Lee-Seul, KEB-Hanabank (South Korea)
Sim Sung-Young, Korea Bank (South Korea)
Choi Eun-Sil, Woori Bank (South Korea)
Park Hye-Jin, Woori Bank (South Korea)
Baek Ji-Eun, KEB-Hanabank (South Korea)
Kim Dan-Bi, Shinhan Bank (South Korea)
Lim Yung-Hui, Woori Bank (South Kora)
Kim Jung-Eun, Woori Bank (South Korea)
Park Ji-Su, Korea Bank (South Korea)/Las Vegas Aces
Kim Roberson, Samsung Life (South Korea), Indiana

Argentina:
Macarena Rosset, Obras (Argentina)
Macarena Durso, Presidente Venceslau (Brazil)/Berazategui (Argentina)
Victoria Llorente, Gernika (Spain)/Velez Sarsfield (Argentina)
Andrea Boquete, Obras (Argentina)
Celia Fiorotto, Berazategui (Argentina)
Agostina Burani, Union Florida (Argentina)
Melisa Gretter, Vera Cruz Campinas (Brazil)/Union Florida (Argentina)
Ornella Santana, Tias (Spain)/Berazategui (Argentina)
Debora Gonzalez, Napoli (Italy)/Velez Sarsfield (Argentina)
Mara Marchizotti, Bishop's University (Canada)/Tomas Rocamora (Argentina)
Agustina Leiva, Presidente Venceslau (Brazil)/Berazategui (Argentina)
Natacha Perez, Las Heras Mendoza (Argentina)

Australia:
Jenna O'Hea, Melbourne Boomers (Australia), WNBA (2011-2016)
Steph Talbot, Mondeville (France)/Phoenix Mercury
Tess Madgen, Dandenong Rangers (Australia), WNBA (2015)
Liz Cambage, Melbourne Boomers (Australia)/Dallas Wings
Bec Allen, Lyon (France)/New York Liberty
Katie-Rae Ebzery, Sydney Flames (Australia)
Alanna Smith, Stanford
Alex Bunton, no club
Ezi Magbegor, Canberra Capitals (Australia)/Diamond Valley Eagles (Australia)
Tessa Lavey, Dandenong Rangers (Australia)/Dandenong Rangers (Australia)
Cayla Francis, Townsville Fire (Australia)/Dallas Wings
Sami Whitcomb, Perth Lynx (Australia)/Seattle Storm, Washington

Nigeria:
Sarah Ogoke, Celta Vigo (Spain), Southern Polytechnic (NAIA)
Nkechi Akashili, First Bank (Nigeria)
Aisha Mohammed, Istanbul University (Turkey), Virginia
Promise Amukamara, Alexandria (Romania), Arizona State
Adaora Elonu, Avenida (Spain)/Atlanta Dream, Texas A&M
Elo Edeferioka, Georgia Tech
Evelyn Akhator, Dynamo Novosibirsk (Russia), Kentucky and WNBA (2017)
Nkem Akaraiwe, First Bank (Nigeria)
Atonye Nyingifa, Manati Athenians (Puerto Rico)/Hapoel Ironi Rishon Lezion (Israel), UCLA
Ezinne Kalu, Vasas (Hungary), Savannah State
Sarah Imovbioh, Pecs (Hungary), South Carolina
Cecilia Okoye, Oviedo (Spain), McNeese State

Turkey:
Asena Yalcin, Mersin (Turkey)
Ayse Cora, Fenerbahce (Turkey)
Olcay Cakir, Yakin Dogu University (Turkey), Drafted 27th in 2013 by New York Liberty
Cansu Koksal, Yakin Dogu University (Turkey)
Bahar Caglar, Yakin Dogu University (Turkey)
Isil Alben, Galatasaray (Turkey)
Tugce Canitez, Fenerbahce (Turkey), Westmont (NAIA)
Quanitra Hollingsworth, Yakin Dogu University (Turkey), VCU and WNBA (2009-2011, 2013, 2015)
Tilbe Senyurek, Fenerbahce (Turkey)
Merve Aydin, Hatay (Turkey)
Ilayda Guner, Istanbul University (Turkey)
Esra Ural, Fenerbahce (Turkey)

Belgium:
Kim Mestdagh, Avenida (Spain), Colorado State
Antonia Delaere, Braine (Belgium)
Hatty Nahwezhi, Iraurgi (Spain), Northwestern Oklahoma A&M (JC)
Marjorie Carpreaux, Braine (Belgium)
Emma Meesseman, Ekaterinburg (Russia), WNBA (2013-2017)
Ann Wauters, Yakin Dogu University (Turkey), WNBA (2000-2002, 2004-2005, 2008-2009, 2012, 2016)
Kyara Linksens, Nymburk (Czech Republic)
Hanne Mestdagh, Namur (Belgium), Colorado State
Heleen Nauwelaers, Mondeville (France)
Julie Vanloo, Lyon (France)
Jana Raman, Willebroek (Belgium)
Julie Allemand, Lyon (France), Drafted 33rd in 2016 by Indiana Fever

Japan:
Moeko Nagaoka, Antelopes (Japan)
Manami Fujioka, Sunflowers (Japan)
Saki Mizushima, Antelopes (Japan)
Maki Takada, Iris (Japan)
Rui Machida, Red Wave (Japan)
Nako Motohashi, Vickies (Japan)
Mika Kurihara, Antelopes (Japan)
Evelyn Mawuli, Antelopes (Japan)
Haruno Nemoto, Koalas (Japan)
Yuki Miyazawa, Sunflowers (Japan)
Himawari Akaho, Iris (Japan)
Monica Okoye, Iris (Japan)

Puerto Rico:
Jennifer O'Neill, Bydgoszcz (Poland), Kentucky and WNBA (2015)
Tayra Melendez, Aguada Santeras (Puerto Rico), Rhode Island
Anushka Maldonado, club unknown, Southern Oregon (NAIA)
Pamela Rosado, Morovis Mountaineers (Puerto Rico)
Ali Gibson, club unknown, Oregon State
Michelle Gonzalez, Morovis Mountaineers (Puerto Rico), FIU
Dayshalee Salaman, Aguada Santeras (Puerto Rico)/Obras (Argentina), Lincoln Memorial (DII)
Mari Placido, Aguada Santeras (Puerto Rico)
Ashley Perez, no club, James Madison
Yolanda Jones, Carolina Giants (Puerto Rico), Louisiana-Lafayette
Jazmon Gwathmey, KEB Hanabank (South Korea)/Indiana Fever, James Madison
Isalys Quinones, Dartmouth

Spain:
Laura Nicholls, Avenida (Spain)
Cristina Ouvina, Bourges (France)
Silvia Dominguez, Avenida (Spain)
Alba Torrens, Ekaterinburg (Russia), Drafted 36th in 2009 by Connecticut Sun
Laia Palau, Dandenong Rangers (Australia)/Bourges (France)
Marta Xargay, USK Prague (Czech Republic), WNBA (2015-2016)
Laura Gil, Avenida (Spain)
Anna Cruz, Dynamo Kursk (Russia), WNBA (2014-2016)
Queralt Casas, Landes (France)
Belen Arrojo, Sant Adria (Spain)
Bea Sanchez, Ferrol (Spain)
Astou Ndour, Ragusa (Italy)/Chicago Sky

China (family names first):
Yang Liwei, Guangdong (China)
Li Yuan, Shandong (China)
Wang Siyu, Shandong (China)
Shao Ting, Beijing (China)
Wang Xuemeng, Bayi (China)
Li Meng, Shenyang (China)
Ma Xueya, Shanxi (China)
Huang Sijing, Guangdong (China)
Liu Jiacen, Heilongjiang (China)
Sun Mengran, Bayi (China)
Li Yueru, Guangdong (China)
Han Xu, Tsinghua University (China)

Latvia:
Dita Rozenberga, Battipaglia (Italy)
Elina Babkina, Sleza Wroclaw (Poland), Drafted 29th in 2011 by Los Angeles Sparks
Gunta Basko, TTT Riga (Latvia), Siena
Aija Putnina, Mersin (Turkey), Colorado
Anete Steinberga, Braine (Belgium), UTEP
Aija Brumermane, Landerneau (France)
Ieva Krastina, TTT Riga (Latvia)
Kristine Vitola, Gdynia (Poland), UTEP
Kitija Laksa, South Florida
Kate Kreslina, TTT Riga (Latvia), Fordham
Baiba Eglite, TTT Riga (Latvia), UTEP
Digna Strautmane, Syracuse

Senegal:
Ndeye Khadidiatou Dieng, Dakar University (Senegal), Auburn
Oumou Khairy Thiam, Santa Maria (Ecuador), Southern Nazarene (DII)
Oumou Khairy Sarr, Gipuzkoa (Spain)/Santa Maria (Ecuador)
Bintou Dieme, Hainaut (France)
Mame Diodio Diouf, Gran Canaria (Spain)
Astou Traore, Girona (Spain)
Maimouna Diarra, Zamarat (Spain), WNBA (2017)
Mame Marie Sy, Villeneuve (France)
Yacine Diop, Pitt
Aminata Fall, Geneva (Switzerland), Southern Nazarene (DII)
Ndeye Fatou Ndiaye, Dakar University (Senegal)
Aicha Sidibe, Ville de Dakar (Senegal)

[awhom111]

The United States beats China 100-88 to advance and take care of business even if its not by overwhelming margins. I wrote a full recap of the day of World Cup for Women games here:
http://www.womensbasketball247.com/2...eptember-23rd/

[awhom111]

The United States already clinched their spot in the next round of the Women's World Cup so they rested a couple of players for their 102-76 win over Latvia. The two European powers were upset and will now need to play one extra game to reach the quarterfinals. I recapped the day's games here:
http://www.womensbasketball247.com/2...eptember-25th/

Bracket:
Canada vs. winner of Spain vs. Senegal
Australia vs. winner of China vs. Japan
Belgium vs. winner of France vs. Turkey
United States vs. winner of Nigeria vs. Greece