VALENCIA (Spain) - Spain have not missed the Olympics since 1996 and gathered two silver medals and one bronze between 2008 and 2016. Sergio Scariolo's men have been forced to take an additional step to reach the 2024 Olympics but the European powers are still the clear cut favorites in Group A ahead of Angola and Lebanon.
The Favorite: Spain
Spain crashed out of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 Second Round stage as reigning champions and now have to play in the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament - though they will have the home court advantage.
The Iberians will have a loaded roster with both veteran leaders and superstar talents. And Spain will be extra motivated to silence any critics following the disappointment last summer.
The Underdog: Lebanon
Lebanon have long established themselves as one of the leading nations in Asian basketball. But the Cedars have struggled mightily against European competition - with just a 1-11 record in senior events (the sole victory being a 74-73 win over France at the FIBA World Cup 2006).
And Lebanon's win over Côte d’Ivoire at last summer's FIBA World Cup was their first over an African country.
The Pivotal Game: Angola v Lebanon
The last game of the group on Thursday July 4 will likely have the most drama as both Angola and Lebanon are expected to lose against hosts Spain on the first two days of the group stage. Should that be the case, the Angola v Lebanon winner can still dream of the Olympics and the loser will head home. Lebanon may have a minor advantage given that they play Spain on Tuesday July 2 while Angola face the Europeans on Wednesday July 3.
Angola and Lebanon have never played in a FIBA game and it's hard to imagine any game being more meaningful. One of the biggest factors in the showdown in Valencia will likely be Lebanon trying to deal with Angola's size in the paint.
The Open Question: Is Angola ready to challenge Europeans?
Angola have undergone a generational transfer, but the big question will be if the Africans can finally have some success against Europeans. Josep "Pep" Claros' team faces Spain in their opening game of Group A and awaiting in the Semi-Finals are one of Finland, Poland or Bahamas.
Angola have collected an uninspiring 2-23 record against European nations in senior FIBA events. The only two wins came against Spain (!) - at the 1992 Olympics - and Germany - at the FIBA World Cup 2010.
More?
Don't forget to check the Team Profiles for: Angola, Lebanon, Spain.
FIBA