Olympic Basketball 2012: Non-American Players Set to Thrill Fans in London

LeBron James, Kevin Durant and Kobe Bryant won't be the only ones getting fans out of their seats at the 2012 London Olympics this summer.

There are a plethora of international players competing for Olympic gold in 2012 that will be every bit as entertaining to watch as King James and the Black Mamba. 

Let's take a look at some non-American Olympians set to thrill fans in London over the next two weeks. 

Manu Ginobili, Argentina

The 34-year-old Argentine will be at his very best in London this summer. Manu Ginobili has made his name in the sport by providing consistent production off the bench for the San Antonio Spurs for most of his NBA career. Ginobili averaged 14.4 points and four assists per game during the Spurs' deep postseason run in the 2012 NBA Playoffs, and will look to lead Argentina to a medal performance.

The three-time NBA champion won Olympic gold in Athens at the 2004 Games, but had to settle for bronze four years ago in Beijing. Ginobili's shooting prowess and ability to create from almost anywhere on the floor make him one of the world's most exciting and entertaining players. 

Patty Mills, Australia 

Manu Ginobili's Spurs teammate, Patty Mills was one of the Boomers' best players at the 2008 Games in Beijing. Mills averaged 10.3 points last season with San Antonio, but will see much more playing time with the Australian Olympic team this summer. Mills' quickness with the ball in his hands and his strength from beyond the arc will be a huge lift for the Aussies, who are sure to be competitive in London.

The 23-year-old guard will likely take over superstar duties for Australia, which will make him one of the most entertaining players to watch on the Olympic hardwood. In San Antonio, Mills only has so much freedom to take the reins of the offense, but on the international stage, he can play free and loose, just the way fans like it. 

Serge Ibaka, Spain

Although shot-blocking guru Serge Ibaka was born in the Republic of the Congo, he moved to Spain as a teenager and will suit up for La Roja this summer in London. Ibaka will be especially competitive and fun to watch when he goes up against Team USA in the knockout stages considering that three of his Oklahoma City Thunder teammates, Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and James Harden are all playing for the United States. 

Ibaka's consistent energy and pogo stick-like style of play makes him one of the better big men in London this summer, and certainly one worth watching on the defensive end. Ibaka blocked 3.7 shots per game last season with the Thunder, most in the NBA. Ibaka will attempt to shut down the opposition at the rim in hopes of leading the 2008 silver medal winners to gold in 2012.

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