FIBA World Cup Preview: Group H
On paper, this quartet appears to form the proverbial "Group of Death." Lithuania sits at No. 6 in the FIBA rankings, Australia comes in at No. 11, and although it ranks just 23rd, Canada, as a nation, boasts the highest number of NBA players born outside the United States.
Of course, Canada won't have its full talent pool available when Group H play begins in Dongguan, China on Sept. 1. Most of the big names - Jamal Murray, Andrew Wiggins, Tristan Thompson, Kelly Olynyk, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and RJ Barrett - have all bowed out. The 2019 squad still contains veterans with international experience, but it's certainly not as flashy as many had anticipated.
Meanwhile, both Australia and Lithuania are bringing rosters that closely resemble their A teams. Save for Philadelphia 76ers point forward Ben Simmons and Utah Jazz guard Dante Exum, the Boomers will field almost all of their current NBA talent.
Lithuania boasts a frontcourt-heavy roster that will be a major concern for smaller opponents.
Senegal isn't an easy out, having finished in the top four in each of the past three AfroBasket tournaments. While it's unlikely to advance past the group stage, Senegal could play spoiler.
Group schedule
| Date | Matchup | Time (ET) |
|---|---|---|
| Sept. 1 | Canada vs. Australia | 3:30 a.m. |
| Sept. 1 | Senegal vs. Lithuania | 7:30 a.m. |
| Sept. 3 | Australia vs. Senegal | 3:30 a.m. |
| Sept. 3 | Lithuania vs. Canada | 7:30 a.m. |
| Sept. 5 | Canada vs. Senegal | 3:30 a.m. |
| Sept. 5 | Lithuania vs. Australia | 7:30 a.m. |
Canada
Projected starting 5
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| PG | Cory Joseph |
| SG | Philip Scrubb |
| SF | Melvin Ejim |
| PF | Kyle Wiltjer |
| C | Khem Birch |
Key player
Cory Joseph didn't appear in Canada's recent pre-tournament exhibition games due to a knee injury, but he was ultimately still named to the final 12-man roster. Even at less than 100 percent, the Sacramento Kings guard ranks as Canada's best and most experienced player.
Beyond Joseph, Orlando Magic center Khem Birch is the only other current NBA player on the roster. He has a big opportunity to raise his stock with an impressive showing in China.
Australia
Projected starting 5
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| PG | Patty Mills |
| SG | Matthew Dellavedova |
| SF | Joe Ingles |
| PF | Jock Landale |
| C | Aron Baynes |
Key player
In addition to being a willing passer from the wing, Joe Ingles has been lights out from long range through five campaigns with the Utah Jazz. Over the past two seasons, in particular, the 31-year-old has averaged 5.3 assists per game while shooting 41.5 percent on 3-pointers. He's the perfect glue guy for a team lacking a true No. 1 star.
Lithuania
Projected starting 5
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| PG | Mantas Kalnietis |
| SG | Marius Grigonis |
| SF | Mindaugas Kuzminskas |
| PF | Domantas Sabonis |
| C | Jonas Valanciunas |
Key player
Jonas Valanciunas has carried water for Lithuania's senior men's team for years. He played a starring role at the 2014 World Cup, averaging a team-high 14.4 points, 8.4 rebounds, and a block in just under 25 minutes per game.
The 7-footer has recently added 3-point shooting to his arsenal - 36.1 percent over the past two NBA seasons - which will allow him to share the floor more aptly with Domantas Sabonis, who usually slots in at center for the Indiana Pacers.
Senegal
Projected starting 5
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| PG | Xane D'Almeida |
| SG | Lamine Sambe |
| SF | Maurice Ndour |
| PF | Mouhammad Faye |
| C | Youssou Ndoye |
Key player
The 27-year-old Maurice Ndour stands out among his less-heralded teammates due to a 32-game stint with the New York Knicks during the 2016-17 campaign. The 6-foot-9 forward averaged 9.6 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks in 18 EuroCup appearances with Russian side UNICS last season.