2023 FIBA World Cup Preview: Who will win the gold medal?

Group G: Raul Neto, Hamed Haddadi, Mo Bamba, and Santi Aldama will be trying to lead their countries to the next phase of play

Brazil

Head Coach: Gustavo De Conti

NBA Players: Raul Neto (signed with Fenerbahce for next season)

Other Notable Players: Marcelo Huertas, Yago Dos Santos, Vitor Benite, Didi Louzada, Gui Santos, Bruno Caboclo, Felipe Dos Anjos, Cristiano Felicio

Do we expect them to advance? Yes.

Why or why not? They don’t have anyone slated to play in the NBA next season, but they still have a lot of talent. They’ve also got size that can shoot and provide a vertical threat, paired with wings that knock down open shots, and a trio of guards who are excellent at weaving into the paint via the pick-and-roll and making the right read. They will struggle on the defensive end, but be very entertaining.

Iran

Head Coach: Hakan Demir

NBA Players: None

Other Notable Players: Hamed Haddadi, Mohammad Amini

Do we expect them to advance? No.

Why or why not? They don’t have enough talent.

Ivory Coast

Head Coach: Dejan Prokic

NBA Players: Mo Bamba

Other Notable Players: Charles Abduo, Sanogo Ismael, Matt Costello, Alex Poythress, Aboubacar Traore

Do we expect them to advance? No.

Why or why not? Decent size and some talent, but not nearly enough balance to beat Brazil or Spain.

Spain

Head Coach: Sergio Scariolo

NBA Players: Santi Aldama, Usman Garuba

Other Notable Players: Alberto Diaz, Sergio Llull, Alberto Abalde, Alex Abrines, Dario Brizuela, Joel Parra, Rudy Fernandez, Victor Claver, Willy Hernangomez, Juancho Hernangomez, Juan Nunez

Do we expect them to advance? Yes.

Why or why not? Do they really need an explanation? Their golden generation has passed us by, but this team is still very talented, very deep, and very experienced. They’ll be a tough out for anyone.