However, by analysing, the data and looking at the current landscape of basketball, we can make some educated guesses about who the top contenders will be for the FIBA World Cup 2023. According to a recent article by Pick and Roll, the FIBA World Cup 2023 is shaping up to be one of the most competitive events yet.

With team rankings constantly shifting and new talent emerging on the scene, it is anyone’s guess as to which teams will come out on top. Currently, two teams that stand out as strong contenders for the tournament are Australia and Spain. These teams are ranked among the top teams in the FIBA world rankings, indicating their relative strength in the global basketball landscape.

Spain is a perennial powerhouse in the world of basketball, having won two FIBA World Cups and three Olympic medals in recent years. One of their most impressive players is Marc Gasol, who has won two NBA All-Star awards and was also named to the All-NBA team in 2015.

Australia, on the other hand, has been steadily climbing up the rankings over the past few years and is currently ranked third in the world. With players like Patty Mills (who was instrumental in Australia’s fourth-place finish in the 2019 FIBA World Cup), Aron Baynes, and Joe Ingles, Australia is definitely a team to watch.

Another team that is worth keeping an eye on is Japan, who recently made history by qualifying for the FIBA World Cup for the first time in over a decade. Although they are not currently ranked among the top teams in the world, they have a young and talented squad that is sure to cause some upsets in the tournament. One of their key players is Yuta Watanabe, a versatile forward who has played for the NBA’s Memphis Grizzlies and has also represented Japan in several international tournaments. Japan’s qualification for the tournament is a testament to the growth of basketball in the country, and it will be interesting to see how they perform against some of the top teams in the world.

Of course, no conversation about the FIBA World Cup would be complete without discussing the United States men’s basketball team. The US has a rich history in basketball, having won 15 gold medals in the Olympics, four FIBA World Cups, and four gold medals in the FIBA Americas Championships. Although the US team had a disappointing showing in the 2019 FIBA World Cup (finishing in seventh place), they are still a formidable force in international basketball. With stars like Kevin Durant and LeBron James potentially joining the squad for the 2023 tournament, the US is undoubtedly one of the top contenders for the title.

Apart from these established teams, there are also a few up-and-coming squads that have the potential to cause some upsets in the FIBA World Cup. One of the most promising teams is Nigeria, who stunned the world by defeating the United States in a pre-Olympic exhibition game earlier. Nigeria has a young and hungry squad that is eager to make a statement on the international stage, and it will be interesting to see how they perform in the coming months.

Another team to keep an eye on is Canada, who have several talented players like RJ Barrett, Andrew Wiggins, and Jamal Murray. Although Canada has not traditionally been known as a basketball powerhouse, they have the potential to make some waves in the tournament.

When it comes to individual players, there are several who are sure to make a big impact on the FIBA World Cup. One of the most exciting prospects is Luka Doncic, who has been lighting up the NBA with his incredible playmaking abilities. Doncic is set to represent his home country of Slovenia in the tournament, and he will be looking to guide his team to some upsets against some of the top teams in the world.

 Another player to watch is Giannis Antetokounmpo, who has been dominating the NBA for the past few years with his incredible athleticism and versatility. Antetokounmpo is set to play for Greece in the tournament, and he will be hoping to lead his team to glory.

Among Australia’s finest we have not only the aforementioned but also, Xavier Cooks, Jock Lansdale, Josh Giddey, Matisse Thybulle who are still on top of their game.  Add to that, the Boomers, whose side has already been dubbed – “The greatest ever”  don’t have far to travel so they will certainly be fresh for the occasion and not to forget its fans.