SAN JUAN (Puerto Rico) - Group B has a pair of early favorites and a clear underdog looking to make a splash.
Since having sensational performances at the 2004 Olympics (where Italy took home silver and Puerto Rico scored a historic victory against United States before finishing 6th), both teams got sidetracked for a while.
Italy failed to qualify to the 2010 and 2014 FIBA Basktetball World Cups and only returned to the Olympics in Tokyo. The Boricuas’ Olympic drought is now at 20 years and, despite not missing any World Cups, they haven’t reached the Quarterfinals since 2002.
Both countries are now starting to taste success again and a ticket to Paris 2024 is their next great objective.
Meanwhile, Bahrain just doesn’t have the same experience at this level, but playing without any pressure could free them to explore their limits and see if they can upset their way to the next round.
The Favorite: Italy
Italy are coming off an 8th place finish at the World Cup last summer and a 5th spot at the Tokyo Olympics, so they’re clearly on the cusp of a breakthrough.
Their squad has some big absences (Simone Fontecchio, Matteo Spagnolo and Gabriele Procida, on top of Luigi Datome’s 2023 retirement), but Gianmarco Pozzecco still managed to assemble a solid roster.
If a 35-year-old Danilo Gallinari can work his magic one more time, he would really elevate a team that has productive veterans at every position, including Nicolo Melli, Marco Spissu and Achille Polonara.
The Europeans’ ceiling might not be the highest of the tournament, but they can make up for it with depth, defense and deep shooting.
The Underdog: Bahrain
Coming in at No. 67 in the FIBA World Ranking Presented by Nike, Bahrain arrives as the least-heralded them in the competition.
The dynamic duo of Mustafa Rashed and Muzamil Hamoda will try their best to keep Jad El Hajj’s team competitive, but the Asian nation has a steep climb to advance to the next round.
The Pivotal Game: Italy vs. Puerto Rico
While the game between Bahrain and Puerto Rico on July 3rd will likely determine who joins Italy in the Semi-Finals, the contest between Puerto Rico and Italy looms large in a way that has even bigger ramifications.
The winner of the matchup between host country and the Europeans is expected to determine who advanced in first place, therefore avoiding Group A favorites Lithuania in the Semi-Finals.
Who doesn't like a rematch of a game that was played less than a year ago?
The Open Question: How far can the home crowd carry Puerto Rico?
Nelson Colon’s squad is experienced and dangerous, but they haven’t been able to deliver a signature performance over the last decade.
That’s where the fans at Coliseum José Miguel Agrelot (known affectionally as “El Choli”) come in. The fervor in the stands of an island with the richest of basketball traditions could very well intimidate opponents and buoy the home cause.
José Alvarado, Tremont Waters and Jordan Howard play an exciting brand of ball that very much could feed off and be amplified by the fans’ support.
More?
Don't forget to check the Team Profiles for: Italy, Puerto Rico and Bahrain.
FIBA