The National Teams

QUALIFIED

As the host country, Japan qualified while Argentina was the champion in the 2004 Olympics.  Italy, Puerto Rico, Serbia & Montenegro, and Turkey gained FIBA wild-card invitations. The remaining 18 countries qualified through their continents' qualifying tournments.  

NBA HOTTESTS (HOT TEST)

In 2004 FIBA, US only made it to the unexpected 6^th place. Now, with its roster of hot players, everyone’s anticipating the performances of the chosen 15. 

Dwyane Wade of the Miami Heat tops the list in the main attraction, along with Lebron James (Cleveland Cavaliers), Carmelo Anthony (Denver Nuggets), Gilbert Arenas (Washington Wizards), Shane Battier (Houston Rockets), Chris Bosh (Toronto Raptors), Bruce Bowen (San Antonio Spurs), Elton Brand (Los Angeles Clippers), Kirk Hinrich (Chicago Bulls), Dwight Howard (Orlando Magic), LeBron Antawn Jamison (Washington Wizards), Joe Johnson (Atlanta Hawks), Brad Miller (Sacramento Kings), Chris Paul (New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets) and Amaré Stoudemire (Phoenix Suns).

Unfortunately, LA Laker’s star, Kobe Bryant didn’t make it on the list due to a right knee surgery. Bryant needs to undergo 8 to 12 weeks recovery period, although (as of press time) he will still attend part of the training camp and will travel with the team in Asia for some training exhibitions.  American Managing Director Jerry Colangelo admits, “Kobe being with the squad will add to our team chemistry and his presence will help provide valuable off court leadership.”

ARGENTINA WITH GINOBILI

They were the 2004 Olympic Champs, and now Argentina is once again putting its best feet forward toward the FIBA Championship. After all, it is headed by its most prized player, Manuel Ginobili of the San Antonio Spurs.

Ginobili was the key player to lead his country to its Olympic gold medal. Only at 6 feet, he proves to be a superb player, outstanding as a shooting guard, dunker, passer and behind-the-back mover. With his versatility, Argentina is a strong team to watch out for.

AUSTRALIA WITHOUT NIELSEN

Bad news for Australian fans as Matthew Nielsen won’t be able to play in the World Championship due to contract restrictions. Nielsen has been with the Boomers since 1998 and also represented his country in the Athens Olympics in 1994.

Reports say that Nielsen’s three-year contract with Lietuvos Rytas of Lithuanian Basketball Club incurred insurance problems, forcing Nielsen out of the Boomers team.  

“We must know that the insurance premium to cover his international contract is almost the same as what it is to cover the entire team of 12 players including NBA player, Andrew Bogut,” said Australian basketball chief, Scott Derwin.  

Will successful negotiations with the insurance parties bring back Nielsen in the squad?