In the lead-up to the 2014 FIBA World Cup of Basketball’s August 30 start date, we’ll be previewing each of the four groups at the big tournament—breaking down the top storylines, key players to watch and how we think the group stage will shake out. Today, Group C.
Teams
Dominican Republic, Finland, New Zealand, Turkey, Ukraine and USA
The Storylines
DeRozan evolving right before our eyes
Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan was selected for Team USA after an impressive camp where he emerged as a scoring threat for Mike Krzyzewski.
He only played in two games of America’s four exhibition games leading up to the roster selection, but made the most of his opportunity, scoring 16 and 13 points, respectively.
In both games, DeRozan looked calm, comfortable and assertive, taking the shots he’s supposed to and never over-passing. In short, he looked like he belonged. And, considering he was an all-star and a top-10 scorer last season, why wouldn’t he?
From what we’ve seen this summer, DeRozan’s game is continuing to mature. He’s been working on his ball-handling this off-season and it looks to have paid off as DeRozan made a number of crossovers and spin moves to get around defenders instead of just powering through guys on a straight line.
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As a result of this improved handle, the 25-year-old’s playmaking skills are also looking better. In pick-and-roll situations, DeRozan worked like a point guard at times: probing the defence a little after he turned the corner before making a pass or taking a shot.
It’s a small thing, but as he gets more comfortable he could be a major player for the U.S. More importantly for Raptors fans, his game could reach a whole new level just in time for the start of the 2014-15 season.
Wacky wild card
Group C features two of the four wild card entrants into the tournament. Turkey isn’t all that surprising a selection, but Finland? Over Canada?
Finland is No. 39 in the FIBA rankings, while Canada is 25th. What gives?
Many have argued that Finland was chosen because the team was backed by Rovio, the Finnish company responsible for the wildly popular Angry Birds video game franchise. According to a press release from the company, Rovio “agreed to provide advertising inventory in its ground-breaking mobile entertainment platform to the Wolfpack and the 2014 FIBA World Cup, if Finland is selected”. Money talks.
Finland did reach the second round of EuroBasket last year. So there’s that.
Three players to watch
DeMar DeRozan – USA
More proof of the improvement in DeRozan’s game:
Derrick Rose – USA
Derrick Rose looks like he’s finally healthy, and we can all be thankful for that. The injury-plagued former NBA MVP is set to make the FIBA World Cup his return party, previewing what will hopefully be a phenomenal regular season with the Chicago Bulls. For now though, check the D-Rose Team USA highlight reel:
The rest of Team USA
Let’s be honest, unless you’ve got a deep and abiding love for one of the other nations in Group C, you’re only watching America. This U.S. roster, in particular, is interesting because Coach Mike Krzyzewski opted to take four bigs with him instead of going perimeter heavy. Yes, that decision was mostly because of Paul George’s horrific injury and Kevin Durant’s withdrawal from the team, but it’s worth noting that Coach K also ended up cutting the U.S.’s best shooter in Kyle Korver.
Non-NBA player to look out for
Edgar Sosa – Dominican Republic
A former University of Louisville standout, Sosa is now playing professionally in Europe. In 2011, Sosa suffered a gruesome leg injury during a FIBA Americas game with Panama—similar to the one Paul George recently suffered. He has since recovered and is a key contributor off the bench for the Dominican.
Group Prediction
- USA
- Turkey
- Dominican Republic
- Ukraine
- New Zealand
- Finland
Bold prediction: Team USA will top Group C. Turkey, led by Omer Asik, should finish second but the rest of the group is a little more muddled (with the exception of Finland, who will likely finish last). The Dominican Republic should grab that third spot ahead of Ukraine because they boast slightly more talent on the roster, but Ukraine did surprise at Eurobasket (finishing sixth) and could conceivably go on a similar run.
FIBA World Cup of Basketball previews: Group A | Group B | Group C | Group D
