2023 FIBA World Cup

Final thoughts on 2023 FIBA World Cup

Germany becomes World Cup champions for the 1st time in history as traditional powerhouses such as USA & France fall short.

Luke Akinsola, for NBA.com

Germany won the 2023 FIBA World Cup on Sunday, defeating Serbia in the championship game.

The 2023 FIBA World Cup concluded Sunday with Germany defeating Serbia 83-77 and basketball fans across the globe took in a holistic view of the sport from an international lens.

Competition was at an all-time high over the 17-day tournament. Luka Doncic showcased his Luka Magic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander proved he’s a superstar and Dennis Schroder was rock-solid for Germany the entire tournament, claiming MVP honors.  

While there are many moments from this year’s tournament worth calling out, we’ve spotlighted the most notable highlights below.

FIBA World Cup Award Winners

First Team All-Tournament

• Dennis Schroder, Toronto Raptors – Germany

• Bogdan Bogdanovic, Atlanta Hawks – Serbia 

• Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves – USA 

• Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder – Canada 

• Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks – Slovenia

Second Team

• Mikal Bridges, Brooklyn Nets – USA 

• Josh Giddey, Oklahoma City Thunder – Australia 

• Carlik Jones, Chicago Bulls – South Sudan

• Nikola Milutino – Serbia 

• Karl-Anthony Towns, Minnesota Timberwolves – Dominican Republic

Defensive Player Award

• Dillon Brooks, Houston Rockets – Canada

Rising Star Award

• Josh Giddey, Oklahoma City Thunder – Australia

Best Coach Award

• Luca Banchi – Latvia

Germany becomes World Champions

Bogdan Bogdanovic and Serbia have a lot to celebrate claiming the Silver medal. The Serbs played inspiring basketball the entire tournament and their effort was more than commendable. But Germany was the better team Sunday and the best unit throughout the tournament, sitting on top of the World Cup standings at 8-0.

The international game is drastically different from NBA competition and Germany put on a masterclass over the course of tournament play displaying some of those intricacies. Their overall experience and familiarity with playing with one another was so evident, especially on the offensive side for the Germans.

Schroder led the charge but the supporting cast of the Wagner Brothers (Franz and Moritz), Andreas Obst and Daniel Theis separated the Germans from the pack.

USA Underwhelmed 

The United States failed to medal in the 2023 FIBA World Cup but did qualify for the 2024 Olympics.

Team USA failed to medal in their second straight World Cup. 

Injuries to stars Brandon Ingram, Paolo Banchero and Jaren Jackson Jr., recurring defensive lapses and a lack of size in the frontcourt are valid reasons for the Americans losing three games during the World Cup.

Never mind the dominant effort from Jonas Valanciunas in the Americans first loss to Lithuania, or the clutch shooting from Andreas Obst in Germany’s 113-111 win in the semifinal – not to mention, Dillion Brooks torching Team USA for 39 points in Canada’s 127-118 victory to claim the bronze medal.

Anthony Edwards was the best player for Team USA in Manilla. Austin Reaves and Mikal Bridges were also bright spots for the American squad.

Expectations weren’t met, which should fuel Grant Hill and Steve Kerr’s outlook as Team USA’s roster will likely be reconstructed ahead of the 2024 Olympics in Paris next Summer.

The Rise of South Sudan

The story of South Sudan is simply remarkable and a testament to the growth and impact of basketball in Africa. The country has only been an independent republic for 12 years and was ranked 62nd in the world prior to the World Cup – the lowest seeded team to qualify for the Olympics in almost 20 years.

Current General Manager and former NBA All-Star Luol Deng has led the charge for his native country from the front office, appointing Houston Rockets assistant Royal Ivey as the team’s head coach.

Reigning G League MVP Carlik Jones was the best point guard in the tournament not named SGA, averaging 20 points and 10 assists for South Sudan.

The Bright Stars were the only African team to win three games at the World Cup, going 3-2 overall and officially punching their ticket to Paris after a 101-78 win over Angola. 

Powerhouses upset

Australia and France have been international powerhouses for decades, with both teams ranking among the top five in the world prior to August 25.

NBA veterans Rudy Gobert and Evan Fournier were the guys for France all tournament, while Patty Mills and Josh Giddey steered the ship for the Boomers.

But having experienced rosters loaded with NBA talent wasn’t enough for either nation in the World Cup, as both teams failed to reach the knockout round. This was particularly surprising considering Australia’s second-place finish in 2019 and France’s overall pedigree.

Both teams will compete in the 2024 Olympics despite their underwhelming effort during the World Cup.

Thrill in Manilla: Rondae Hollis-Jefferson edition

One of the most memorable moments of the World Cup came in the Mall of Asia Arena when thousands of fans chanted “Kobe, Kobe, Kobe” at the top of their lungs after Jordan’s Rondae Hollis-Jefferson scorched New Zealand for 39 points (12-for-24 shooting) in the first round. 

The lefty was locked in the entire World Cup, emulating the late great Kobe Bryant with his style of play and even jersey number.

Jordan didn’t win a game the entire tournament but Hollis-Jefferson channeled his personal mamba mentality – including his stat line. He averaged 24 points, 8 rebounds, and four assists – and the fans in the Philippines embraced every second of it.

Simone Fontecchio shines

Italy’s Simone Fontecchio might have been the most surprising player coming out of the World Cup.

The Utah Jazz forward is entering his second year in the NBA, but played a decade of professional basketball overseas before his stint in the association.

The 6-foot-7 wing displayed his prowess offensively and as a leader, leading Italy to the quarterfinals. He impressed all World Cup, averaging 18 points and six rebounds, and proved to be a capable three-level scorer. Don’t be surprised if the 27-year-old has an increased role for the Jazz during the 2023-24 season. 

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