ARGENTINA and Russia sound like the biggest names in Group B, but they will not yet book their tickets from Wuhan to Foshan and the second round of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019. Nigeria and South Korea are also here and may fancy their chances of going deep in this event.
With injuries slowing down Russia’s progress, and Nigeria looking more impressive than ever in its training camp, it seems like the two could be in the battle for the second spot in the group behind the presumed front-runners from South America. But that doesn’t mean Argentina is safe and sound, nor that South Korea is without a chance in Wuhan.
Team to beat: Argentina
The winners of the inaugural FIBA Basketball World Cup in 1950 are looking strong again and eyeing more silverware in China, with three podium finishes already next to their name. In addition to winning the first event ever, they also finished second in 2002, and with a pair of Olympic medals also arriving in the 2000s, Argentina is a certified juggernaut in the basketball world.
Key matchup:
Argentina vs. Russia
Even though Russia and Nigeria could’ve gotten the nod in this part of the preview, the historical component of Argentina and Russia is too big to be ignored. In fact, in four of their five matchups in the FIBA Basketball World Cup and the Olympics, the winner of Argentina vs Russia ended up on the podium!
Star: Facundo Campazzo (Argentina)
Real Madrid’s point guard is a lively character, both on and off the court. Campazzo started his career with Penarol in Argentina, picking up four Argentine League titles and two Finals MVP awards, before making the trip to Europe in 2014.
But his early years in Real Madrid were hard, and a two-year loan to UCAM Murcia was the solution to get him back to his best. He returned to Madrid in 2017, and nowadays it is hard to imagine Real playing without the Argentine magician running the show.