[the barronParticipant]

Before the FIBA tournament I posted some previews for each group on this site. Well know the first round is over and this tourney has had its fair share of surprises. Here’s how the groups turned out and what I thought about them.

Group A: 1. Serbia 2. Argentina 3. Australia 4. Angola 5. Germany 6. Jordan
This was an interesting group with the highlight coming in a great game between Angola and Germany for the last spot to the knockout round. The African squad won in overtime and will play Team USA next. Argentina clearly isn’t the team of the past decade as they lost to a young, but talented, Serbia squad. Australia ended group play well and will be dangerous in the knockout round. Jordan, well they weren’t expected to do much and they were actually competitive in some games so that was good for them. Overall a tight group in which 5th place and eliminated Germany was able to beat 1st place Serbia.

Group B: 1. USA 2. Slovenia 3. Brazil 4. Croatia 5. Iran 6. Tunisia
There was never any doubt of the 4 teams that would advance from this group. Team USA cruised in 4 of its 5 games but that thrilling game against Brazil showed they were vulnerable and how good Brazil can be. Slovenia was solid, it just seemed they were way out of their game against the US. A young Croatia squad showed some good signs and should give group A winner Serbia a tough game. Iran had its moments but lacked overall talent and Tunisia well they seemed happy to just be here.

Group C: 1. Turkey 2. Russia 3. Greece 4. China 5. Puerto Rico 6. Ivory Coast
What happened to Puerto Rico!!! You just don’t lose to the Ivory Coast. What a gigantic dissapointment. I liked this team going in and instead they were beaten by one of the bottom teams in the tourney. Greece has also have to be somewhat dissapointed for getting 3rd place. I know they had some players suspended but still they should have beaten Russia. Russia is overachieving right now and this young team is gaining confidence. Turkey has looked good. As of right now this is the 2nd best team in the tourney behind the US. China got lucky when Ivory Coast beat PR. They have some issues but they did manage some good games and is the only team to advance to the knockout round winning only 1 game(Ivory Coast). Last place Ivory Coast had some blow outs but they will remember beating Puerto Rico at the Worlds. A young squad that has the potential to take part in more major tourneys like this.

Group D: 1. Lithuania 2. Spain 3. New Zealand 4. France 5. Lebanon 6. Canada
A strange group. Spain played poorly but managed to win 3 games in a group where they should have won all 5 games by double digits. New Zealand played excellent behind Kirk Penney and finished with a 3-2 record. The French started hot but their inconsistency has shown especially after loosing to the Kiwis. Lebanon was competitive but couldn’t manage to win the big games. Canada just like fellow Americas team Puerto Rico was a huge dissapointment, they didn’t even win a game. Props to Lithuania for winning every game and truly looking like a contender.

[Ahkasi ClayParticipant]

Nice quick break down, Thank You
I am in excited by what Lithuania was able to do in their group, ( I would have thought Spain would have been the one to run the table there, but the have been very inconsistent.)
My dark horse coming in was the Serbia team, I don’t think they can win it all, but think they can upset one of the bigs!
and was hoping for a better showing from China.

[Ahkasi ClayParticipant]

Nice quick break down, Thank You
I am in excited by what Lithuania was able to do in their group, ( I would have thought Spain would have been the one to run the table there, but the have been very inconsistent.)
My dark horse coming in was the Serbia team, I don’t think they can win it all, but think they can upset one of the bigs!
and was hoping for a better showing from China.

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