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Perhaps one of the most shocking and recent news in the Basketball world is the USA finishing 4th in the FIBA World Championships. Germany finished with the gold medal by defeating Serbia, who settled for silver. Canada won the bronze in OT against Team USA. The recent FIBA results are a testament that basketball is now truly a global game.However, it can’t be denied that many teams, even those finishing with medals, have NBA talents on their roster. With that said, let’s look at some of the international stars making waves not only in the NBA but on the global stage as well.
Dennis Schröder – Germany
Dennis Schröder, a talented point guard from Germany, has consistently proven himself as a valuable contributor to his teams. Known for his lightning-quick speed and relentless work ethic, Schröder can create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates. He played a significant role for the Los Angeles Lakers during their 2020 championship run, which many NBA betting” fans delighted in.
Schröder’s scoring ability and defensive tenacity have made him an asset for any team he’s been a part of. Backed by fellow NBA players such as Daniel Theiss and the Wagner Brothers, Schröder’s style of play immediately showed why Germany finished as FIBA World Champions.
Luka Doncic – Slovenia
As a young talent, Luka Doncic has taken the league by storm. He demonstrates a level of poise and basketball IQ that’s rarely seen in players of his age. And it’s not his IQ that many defenders worry about. Luka’s scoring prowess is a sight to behold, as he can virtually score from anywhere on the floor. From this point, Luka is only getting better.
Slovenia made an impressive run in the recent FIBA World Cup but fell short of getting a medal. However, Luka Doncic’s full talent was on display on the world stage. At the end of the tournament, Luka led all scorers by averaging 27 points per game. He was among the most popular players in the recent World Cup, having drawn cheers from fans of all nationalities.
Jordan Clarkson – Philippines
Jordan “JC” Clarkson, a Filipino-American, is a scoring machine in the NBA, known for his dynamic offensive skills. He was born in Tampa, Florida, but has proudly represented the Philippines in international competitions. Clarkson’s scoring prowess and ability were on full display on the world stage.
Although the Philippines only had one win in the FIBA World Cup, Jordan Clarkson finished with the second-best scoring average in the tournament (second only to Luka Doncic) with 26 points per game.
In their win against China, Clarkson went on a rampage by scoring five straight 3-pointers late in the 3rd quarter. With JC’s scoring and Gilas Pilipinas’ perseverance, they dominated China with a final score of 96-75.
Bogdan Bogdanovic – Serbia
Serbia has been a consistent producer of top-tier basketball talent, and Bogdan Bogdanovic is no exception. A sharpshooter with an array of scoring skills, Bogdanovic has made a name for himself as a clutch performer. Bogan Bogdanovic has shown that his ability to stretch the floor and hit big shots in crucial moments is a nightmare for many defenders, not just on the world stage but in the NBA as well.
With Nikola Jokic’s absence from the Serbian team, Bogdanovic stepped up and showed that he can lead a team to good results. Although the Serbs lost and settled for second place, the future is indeed bright for Bogdanovic and Serbia.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander – Canada
SGA or Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, hailing from Canada, is an exciting young talent who has been making waves in the NBA. Many have been doubting his talent, but the recent world stage has shown that SGA is ready to carry his team deep into the playoffs.
Shai’s development and progression have been evident, and he’s become a leader for the Oklahoma City Thunder and Team Canada in the FIBA World Cup. With SGA’s scoring and good play from NBA talent, Canada managed to upset Spain and send them packing. The Canadians also beat Team USA for the bronze medal, denying them a medal finish.
Karl-Anthony Towns – Dominican Republic
Being one of the most versatile and skilled big men in the NBA, KAT or Karl-Anthony Towns, has shown a big improvement in his play. His unique combination of size, athleticism, and perimeter skills has made him a dominant force on both ends of the floor.
Towns is a highly efficient scorer, with the ability to stretch the floor with his three-point shooting, post up, and finish at the rim. In their first game in the 2023 FIBA World Cup against Gilas Pilipinas, KAT also showed his composure as a leader. Leading the Dominican Republic’s defense and offense, they managed to fend off a desperate Philippine team on their home court.
Conclusion
As the NBA continues to embrace international talent, the game is experiencing a global transformation. The athletes mentioned above exemplify the beauty of diversity in basketball and the exciting potential it holds for the future. It’s safe to say that the NBA is truly a global game, and its international stars are at the forefront of this thrilling evolution.