As most basketball fans around the world are focussed on their domestic league competitions, the 2010 FIBA World Championships are shaping up nicely. During yesterday’s meeting of the FIBA Central Board, the four Wild Card entrants were announced. Joining the 20 other countries in Turkey next year will be:
- Russia
- Germany
- Lebanon
- Lithuania
All four of the Wild Cards are strong countries who will do their fair share of damage in the tournament. There has been a huge battle in the lead-up to this announcement as numerous countries have put forward their bid to be included in the 24-team tourney, despite not qualifying through the usual means in the their area groups.
FIBA Secretary General & IOC Member Patrick Baumann says that the decision was not an easy one, but that the Board is happy with the four countries chosen:
Meanwhile Australian Bob Elphinston, President of FIBA, says that the teams chosen truly strengthen the field in 2010:
The all-important draw for the tournament will take place on Tuesday 15th December (11:30AM local time) in Istanbul. Many teams will be resting their hopes on a favourable draw in order to progress past the first round. The 24 teams in the World Championships will be:
|
Angola
Argentina
Australia
Brazil
Canada
China
|
Croatia
France
Germany
Greece
Iran
Ivory Coast
|
Jordan
Lebanon
Lithuania
New Zealand
Puerto Rico
Russia
|
Serbia
Slovenia
Spain
Tunisia
Turkey
USA
|
