5 non-NBA players to watch in the FIBA World Cup
For the most part, FIBA World Cup supremacy will be determined by teams with a surplus of NBA talent. The USA obviously leads the way, but teams like Spain (5), France (4) and Brazil (4) aren't exactly short on talent.
However, despite a record number of NBA players appearing in the tournament, several overseas players will play key roles for their respective squads. Here are five non-NBA players to watch in the upcoming World Cup.
Ukraine - Pooh Jeter
As it should be obvious from his name, point guard Pooh Jeter is a naturalized citizen of Ukraine. The 30-year-old was actually born in California, but suited up for the Ukainians in Eurobasket 2013.
Under Jeter's watch, Ukraine managed an unexpected sixth-place finish. The speedy point guard averaged 13.5 points, 3.5 rebounds and 4.1 assists per game.
Jeter had a brief cup of coffee in the NBA back in 2011, when he appeared in 62 games for a wayward Sacramento Kings squad. He only managed per-game averages of 4.1 points and 2.6 assists, but a second strong showing for Jeter could have NBA squads calling once more.
Lithuania - Mindaugas Kuzminskas
Don't be surprised to hear Kuzminskas' name called in the NBA draft sometime in the near future. The 24-year-old small forward stands at 6-foot-9 and boasts a near 7-foot wingspan. He's a dogged defender and like most European-style players, Kuzminskas can also play on the wing.
Kuzminskas came off the bench in Lithuania's second place finish in Eurobasket 2013, but he figures to have a starting spot with incumbent Linas Kleiza hampered by injury. Lithuania's strength will be its frontline - which boasts NBA players Donatas Motiejunas and Jonas Valanciunas - but they'll need Kuzminskas' production to adequately counter-balance their paint-oriented offense.
Slovenia - Zoran Dragic
In a surprising twist of events, it was younger brother Zoran - not Phoenix Suns point guard Goran Dragic - that shined in Slovenia's 101-71 exhibition loss to the United States last week. Goran shot just 3-of-10 from the floor with four turnovers, while Zoran poured in 16 points and six rebounds.
Zoran has great size for a shooting guard, standing at 6-foot-5, and is a scorer by trade. In the Spanish ACB last season, Zoran averaged 10.4 points and 2.8 rebounds in just 18.2 minutes per game.
His impressive showing against Team USA has piqued the interest of several NBA teams. If he continues to shine alongside Goran in the tournament, look for Zoran to potentially end up on an NBA roster in the near future.
Croatia - Dario Saric
Philadelphia 76ers fans will have to wait at least a year before the 12th selection from this year's draft makes his way to the NBA. His rights were acquired along with a 2017 first round pick, in exchange for 10th pick Elfrid Payton.
Saric's talent should be worth the wait. The 6-foot-10 forward can play inside and out, and is gifted with a sweet outside stroke. The 20-year-old averaged 16.9 points, 9.7 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game in the Adriatic League last season.
Croatia will be counting on Saric to form a fearsome one-two alongside Brooklyn Nets guard Bojan Bogdanovic. For his part, Saric has already turned heads in exhibition play, especially after he tossed a no-look pass to a cutting teammate after taking the ball the length of the court. Expect more theatrics when tournament play tips off.
Spain - Juan Carlos Navarro
Although his one-year NBA appearance was brief, La Bomba certainly made an impression, averaging 10.9 points per game on 36.1 percent shooting from deep for the Memphis Grizzlies in 2007-08.
The upcoming World Cup will likely be Navarro's last, as the 34-year-old shooting guard's career is winding to a close. However, Team Spain will be counting on the reliable gunner one last time, as they remain short on wing depth.
For his part, Navarro can still contribute, especially as a scorer. In the 2012 Olympic gold medal game against Team USA, Navarro scored 21 points, including 4-of-9 from deep. His three-point shooting prowess will be counted upon to help open space for Spain's interior players.