(CNN Philippines, December 12) — The three hosts of the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup — the Philippines, Japan, and Indonesia — have selected their preferred teams to play the group phase in their respective countries.
After consultation with the host nations, FIBA’s central board confirmed on Monday that Team USA will play in the Philippines, Slovenia will go to Japan, and Canada will fly to Indonesia.
As the tournament host for the group phase and final phase, the Philippines will be placed in Pot 1 for the draw.
Team USA is not expected to play Gilas Pilipinas in the group phase as the two teams will be placed in two different groups out of the four that will be held at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City and Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
USA will look to bounce back in next year’s global hoops expo as it is expected to bring in a slew of NBA stars in a bid to improve on its disappointing seventh-place finish in the 2019 FIBA World Cup in China.
Slovenia and Canada have already qualified for the FIBA World Cup, while USA is on the verge of securing tournament seat in the last window of the qualifiers.
Japan picked world No. 7 Slovenia, headlined by Dallas Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic, to play its group games in Okinawa. Meanwhile, Indonesia chose Canada, which is likely to be bannered by NBA All-Star Andrew Wiggins and RJ Barrett, and hold the group stage games in Jakarta.
The full draw for the FIBA World Cup will be held in Manila on April 29, 2023, once the 32 qualified teams are determined at the end of the sixth qualifying window in February.
