The pinnacle event of FIBA’s basketball calendar, the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023, commenced on 25th August and is set to reach a thrilling conclusion on 10th September in Manila, where the winning nation will lift the coveted Naismith Trophy.
Here’s your comprehensive lowdown on the tournament.
Multi-Country Venues: A First in FIBA History
For the first time ever, the opening stages of the FIBA World Cup are being hosted across three countries: the Philippines, Japan, and Indonesia. Group-stage matches are split between the Smart Araneta Coliseum and the Mall of Asia Arena in the Philippines, the Okinawa Arena in Japan, and the Gelora Bung Karno Sports Complex in Indonesia. The final showdown will exclusively take place at Manila’s Mall of Asia Arena from 5th to 10th September.
The Teams and Format
A total of 32 international squads will lock horns in 92 matches over the course of 16 electrifying days. Teams are organised into eight groups, each containing four sides. The top two teams from each group will advance to the second round, whilst the others will compete for the 17th to 32nd spots in the Classification Round. The cream of the crop, the top eight after the second round, will make it to the quarter-finals.
Stream FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 🏀
— FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 🏆 (@FIBAWC) August 25, 2023
Watch the action live and on-demand on Courtside 1891 🔥
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Rulebook Differences: FIBA vs NBA
For those accustomed to the NBA, certain FIBA regulations may come as a bit of a surprise. For instance, basket interference and goaltending rules are quite distinct. In FIBA rules, once the ball has struck the rim, it’s fair game for both the attacking and defending sides, even within the cylinder. Other notable disparities include a nearer three-point line, a marginally smaller ball, and players being sent off after their fifth personal foul. Matches are also of shorter duration, with 10-minute quarters compared to the NBA’s 12.
Mark your diaries and prepare for a feast of global basketball action like no other.
Source: FIBA Basketball