Group B Preview: China, Puerto Rico, South Sudan likely to battle it out for second place behind Serbia

MANILA (Philippines) – Serbia are the clear favorite going into play in Group B of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023, but the second spot in the Second Round seems up for grabs between a regular presence Puerto Rico, a high-flying newcomer South Sudan and a rebuilding China.

The Favorite – Serbia

Serbian leader Bogdan Bogdanovic

Serbia are the clear favorite going into Group B and actually can be considered at least a darkhorse candidate to win the whole tournament. They are missing some big names but that fact actually might ease the pressure head coach Svetislav Pesic’s team faces in the tournament. They still have a loaded squad, topped by Bogdan Bogdanovic along with Nikola Jovic, Nikola Milutinov and Vanja Marinkovic among others.

They could end up with a better result than at last year’s EuroBasket.

The Underdog – South Sudan

South Sudan look to continue the fun at their first World Cup

Speaking of no pressure, that is the situation for South Sudan as FIBA’s youngest member nation are set to make their debut at the World Cup. South Sudan are seen by many as a major unknown, but they definitely deserve their spot on the global stage and will not be in Manila to just make up the numbers.

First off, the Bright Stars rolled through the African Qualifiers with an 11-1 record, beating many of Africa’s top teams, including reigning FIBA AfroBasket champs Tunisia twice. South Sudan Federation boss Luol Deng then added some major reinforcements to the team. All teams should be warned against taking South Sudan lightly.

The Pivotal Game – South Sudan v Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico cannot take South Sudan lightly in the group opener

And the first team that should heed that warning is Puerto Rico as the Caribbeans face South Sudan in the first game of the group. Puerto Rico definitely intend on reaching the second group stage, but those chances would take a major hit if they lose the opener to the up-and-coming side from Africa.

South Sudan know if they want to advance from the First Round that they really need to beat Puerto Rico and, of course, it would be great to win your very first game in your very first World Cup. With everything that goes along with the game – opener for both teams, the importance of it in order to advance – an added dynamic is the opposing style of plays that both teams play.

The Open Question – Can Kyle Anderson-Li Kaier help China take a step forward?

Aleksandar Djordjevic

China have struggled for many years – even at the continental level – and the federation brought in a big name in head coach Aleksandar Djordjevic to try to change the direction of the team. Kyle Anderson – who also goes by his Chinese name, Li Kaier – joined the team in hopes the NBA veteran can give the Asians a boost.

It remains to be seen how much the 29-year-old will help the team, which does have some strong young low-post players but has question marks at the point guard spot.

FIBA