The field is set for the men’s Olympic basketball tournament in Paris after Greece, Puerto Rico, Brazil and Spain claimed the final four spots through Olympic qualifying tournaments held at the beginning of July. And now that we know how the three groups will shake out when the 2024 Paris Olympics kick off on July 27, it makes sense to size up how these teams rank against each other.
Obviously it’s no secret that the United States is in a league of its own in this competition. Even more so this year as USA men’s basketball director Grant Hill has built perhaps the best Olympic team since the 2008 “Redeem Team.” But as talented as that roster is, international basketball has never been in a better position to challenge the U.S.
France has twin Eiffel Towers in Victor Wembanyama and Rudy Gobert, and as the host country will have the strength of the fans during the Paris Games. Canada, on paper, has the most NBA-level talent next to Team USA, and should challenge them when the knockout rounds begin. There’s also Nikola Jokic and Serbia, as well as Giannis Antetokounmpo and Greece. It should be the most exciting men’s Olympic basketball tournament we’ve had in awhile just on name recognition alone.
As we prepare for the Paris Olympics to get going, here’s how the 12 teams competing in the men’s basketball tournament rank.
12. South Sudan
South Sudan will compete at the Olympics in men’s basketball for the first time ever, after finishing as the highest-ranked African country (17th) at the FIBA World Cup in 2023. They could have a roster that features Phoenix Suns center Bol Bol, who has been named as part of Sudan’s training camp roster for the Olympic Games. Bol would certainly have an impact on the defensive side of the ball, and he’s shown flashes of being able to handle the ball. If he suits up for Sudan in France, he’ll likely be joined by Carlik Jones, who had a standout performance during the World Cup last summer, where he led all players in assists per game (10.6).
11. Japan
Japan finished the highest of any Asian country in…
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