THE 2023 FIBA Men’s World Cup is just days away from kicking off, with the first game set to take place on Friday evening AEST.

The best basketball countries from around the world have qualified for the ultimate tournament, which will see some of the best action in recent years.

In a field that looks as even as ever, there are a plethora of sides that could potentially win it all in the coming weeks.

The big names appear to be ready to hit the court this year in one of the most star-studded tournaments of the modern era. The likes of Luka Doncic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and even Australia’s own Joshua Giddey are suiting up for their respective sides in what will be must-watch action.

Rookie Me Central‘s group preview series wraps up today, with the tournament just hours away from kicking off.

Group G

Iran
Spain
Cote D’Ivoire
Brazil

Any group that contains Spain will have three other sides looking to upset the best team in the world, and that is the case for Group G.

Spain is currently sitting atop the Men’s FIBA rankings, looking as strong as ever coming into the 2023 tournament, and will take some stopping. The reigning champions after winning the 2019 instalment look a strong chance to defend their title.

Led by veterans Rudy Fernandez and Sergio Llull, while being accompanied by NBA talents such as Juan and Willy Hernangomez, Spain’s roster is still strong despite the loss of some key figures from the Golden generation, and its winning nature should come to the fore here.

However, it will have a serious contender in Group G with Brazil in some ripping form at the moment. Brazil knocked off the Boomers in Australia last week in an emphatic performance that was a clear indication of its intentions and goals at the World Cup. If Bruno Caboclo can replicate his impact from that game, Brazil may just challenge Spain at the top.

Iran has qualified for its fourth consecutive World Cup, and will be hoping to send veteran big man Hamed Haddadi off in style. The nation’s best ever center will be suiting up one last time, and although the team will be in need of a bit of a miracle to knock off the sides above, it will not be without motivation.

The underdog of the group is Cote D’Ivoire, who will be looking to win multiple games for the first time in its history. Its biggest hurdle to overcome is a lack of size, with majority of the nation’s best players operating in the backcourt, although speed may prove an advantage at times.

Group H

Canada
Latvia
Lebanon
France

Group H is touted as one of the most exciting in the tournament, with four intriguing sides set to face off in the first stage.

France will be the favourite here given its excellence in international basketball for the past decade, having sustained consistent podium finishes. With plenty of experienced talent in Evan Fournier (who dropped 29 against the Boomers earlier this week), Rudy Gobert and Nicolas Batum, France will be right in contention to make it right to the final round once again.

Canada has emerged as an up and comer ahead of the World Cup, stacking its roster with NBA talent and shooting into contention for a deep run in the tournament. Led by the likes of Gilgeous-Alexander, RJ Barrett and Dillon Brooks, Canada has one of the most talented lists in the world, and will be looking to utilise it ahead of a big clash with France this weekend.

Lebanon will be hoping of riding the wave of momentum that started with a second-place finish at the 2022 Asia Cup. Although facing a tough draw in the first stage, Lebanon has been competitive against powerhouse sides in the past thanks to strong team chemistry and could do so again.

Latvia has qualified for the World Cup for the first time on the back of some excellent perimeter shooting. With the dynamic duo of Kristaps Porzingis and Davis Bertans leading the way, Latvia’s shooting from behind the arc may just force it into the second round against some quality outfits.