The groups are set for the first round of the 2019 FIBA World Cup. The Philippines are in group D, together with Angola, Serbia and Italy.
As per coach Yeng Guiao, we can consider the group as a near-death group because Serbia is the 4th best team in the World, while Italy is the 13th and Angola won the 2017 Afrobasket.
If you are an NBA and a PBA fan at the same time, I am pretty sure you are not only excited to hope for a miracle but also to watch NBA players against our national team. Who are the top 5 NBA players that we could face in the World Cup?
Here is the list!
#5 Marco Belinelli
Marco has been one of the most lethal shooters in the NBA for the past few years. He is adept at running off-the-ball and then launching a three in any shape-or-form. He is currently playing for San Antonio Spurs for his 12th season in the NBA. For his career, he shot 37.8% from beyond the arc. He will be one of the premier players for Italy. Will we see a shootout between Marcio Lassiter and Marco?
#4 Nemanja Bjelica
Nemanja Bjelica exemplifies the modern power forward role that is becoming popular in the NBA. Nemanja is a multi-skilled forward. He can pass, rebound, make plays for others, score and most importantly, shoot. This season, he is contributing 9.7 points, 5.9 rebounds, 1.9 assists 46.8% FG and 40.4% 3FG per game to the Sacramento Kings.
#3 Bogdan Bogdanovic
I do know that his name is hard to pronounce and memorize but you better take note of him because he could be the torturing master of Serbia with his handle and ability to score and shoot. Bogdan is a 6'6 guard who can fill-up the statsheet. He is currently producing 14.2 points, 3.6 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 1.1 steals and 41.4% FG per game for the Sacramento Kings.
With his size, we better pray that Jordan Clarkson will be allowed to play for us because there is no way our point guards like Jayson Castro can keep up with him.
#2 Danilo Gallinari
Los Angeles Clippers is one of the most shocking playoff team this season in the NBA because they lack a superstar. So, who is their best player? Majority of the fans and analysts are pointing to Gallinari who is having a breakout season with his 19.5 points, 6.0 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 43.8% 3FG per game.
He is one of the top 5 shooters in the NBA this year with his efficiency and 2.4 three-pointers made per game. Imagine him with Marco Belinelli on the floor and you will see how much space the offense of Italy have.
#1 Nikola Jokic
Our national team will be playing a certified NBA Most Valuable Player contender in Jokic, or more popularly known as the Joker. Everyone thought Golden State Warriors will dominate the elimination round and will easily claim the #1 seed in the West but Denver Nuggets, carried by Nikola, is giving them a good fight.
Jokic is well-known for his passing ability that a lot of analysts are already claiming that he is the greatest bigman passer in the history of the league. His 7.5 assists per game are currently 8th in the league, higher than that of Kyrie Irving, Damian Lillard and most of the superstar guards in the league.
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