Thunder players represent Oklahoma City throughout the course of the season and in the playoffs, but this summer, Serge Ibaka will have a chance to do so while also representing the Spanish National Team in the FIBA World Cup.
Thunder forward Serge Ibaka’s remarkable journey from a child in the Congo to a perennial NBA All-Defensive team performer has been an incredible and winding one. His path included a stop in Spain, where he became a citizen and played professionally before joining the Thunder.
Starting on Saturday August 30th, Ibaka and Team Spain will play five “group stage” games in the 24-team tournament to determine whether they will be advancing to the knockout round. Alongside Ibaka with Spain will be guard Alex Abrines, who the Thunder selected in the second round of the 2013 NBA Draft. The Thunder holds Abrines’ rights while he currently plays for FC Barcleona.
In Group A alongside Egypt, Serbia, France, Brazil and Iran, Team Spain will compete in Granada during group stage, and if it advances will play in Barcelona in the knockout round. The FIBA World Cup Finals will be held in Madrid. Below is the schedule for Ibaka, Abrines and Team Spain.
Saturday August 30th:
Spain vs. Iran at 3:00 p.m. CDT
Sunday August 31st:
Spain vs. Egypt at 3:00 p.m. CDT
Monday September 1st:
Spain vs. Brazil at 3:00 p.m. CDT (Tape-delayed on NBA TV at 6:00 p.m. CDT)
Wednesday September 3rd:
Spain vs. France at 3:00 p.m. CDT
Thursday September 4th:
Spain vs. Serbia at 3:00 p.m. CDT (Live on NBA TV)
Sunday September 7th:
Round of 16 (Live on NBA TV)
Tuesday September 9th and Wednesday September 10th:
Quarterfinals (Live on NBA TV)
Thursday September 11th and Friday September 12th:
Semifinals (Live on NBA TV)
Saturday September 13th:
Third Place Game (Live on NBA TV)
Sunday September 14th:
FIBA World Cup Final (Live on NBA TV)