Rob Horgan
GRANADA is poised to host Spain’s opening fixture of the FIBA Basketball World Cup against Iran today.
The home nation go into the competition favourites to top Group A, with Brazil expected to take the second qualifying spot.
Once through the preliminary rounds, Spain will fancy their chances at reaching the final as the draw means the will avoid the USA until the final.
Even then La Roja have more than a decent shot of taking on the dominant United States with a host of big names missing.
The likes of Kobe Bryant, LeBron James and Kevin Durant – who tormented Spain in the London 2012 final – will not make the trip and new boy Paul George has also had to withdraw.
The tournament runs from August 30 until September 14 with the final taking place in Madrid.
Joining Spain in Group A are European champions France, Serbia, Brazil, Iran and Egypt – with the teams playing each across six days.
Spanish squad:
Guards: Juan Carlos Navarro, Ricky Rubio, Sergio Llull, Sergio Rodriguez, Jose Calderon
Forwards: Rudy Fernandez, Pau Gasol, Victor Claver, Serge Ibaka
Centers: Feliper Reyes, Marc Gasol
Awful organization, no one seems to be talking about this tournament as this country’s Real Madrid / Barca obsessed media talk just that. Spain’s first 2 opening games are at the same time as the main attraction the USA play and at same time as Atletico Madrid play on Saturday and Real Madrid play on Sunday , round of a applause for those organizing this tournament.
I had to laugh recently when Malaga’s first game of the season was at 7, I mean come on!!!! It’s August when everyone is on the Beach and it’s hot. Why not put game on at 10 and guarantee a full house, clueless