Olympic Basketball 2012: Men's Teams Sure to Overachieve at London Games

There have been a number of early surprises on the London hardwood this summer at the 2012 Summer Olympics.

Although the United States continues to dominate the competition as anticipated, several squads have emerged as potential medal contenders alongside Team USA. 

Once the knockout stages begin, these teams could make a deep run that few, if any, saw coming. 

Let's take a look at the three teams sure to overachieve at the London Games this summer.

France

Despite opening up the 2012 Olympics with a 27-point loss to the United States, France is slowly climbing back into the thick of things in Pool A. The French pulled off a surprising upset of Argentina on Tuesday, holding the world's No. 3 team to just 64 points.

The key for the French is superstar point guard Tony Parker, who showed why he was an NBA MVP candidate last season with his superb play against Argentina. Parker scored 17 points and dished out five assists for France. Although the FIBA rankings say France is just the 12th-best team in the world, the play of their elite floor general will determine just how far they go in London.

If Parker can continue to produce and the French role players can keep up their contributions, then France could be poised for an unthinkable podium finish in 2012. France has not won a medal in men's basketball at the Summer Games since they won silver in 2000. 

Russia

Led by NBA veteran Andrei Kirilenko, the Russian men's basketball team has reeled off two big wins to start group play at the 2012 Games. Kirilenko dropped 35 points on Great Britain in the opener and then 16 on China. The 11th-ranked team in the world wasn't considered to be a medal threat before the tournament began, but Kirilenko is quickly changing minds.

Russia's average margin of victory through its first two matchups is 19.5 points. If they can continue to set the pace in Pool B, then they will be a threat to the silver medal without question, assuming that no nation can compete with Team USA for gold. 

The Russian men have never won a basketball medal at the Olympics, but look perfectly capable of breaking through this summer. As long as Kirilenko can play like an MVP, the Russians will in the hunt.

Brazil

It's hard to believe that FIBA thought Brazil was the 13th-best men's basketball team coming into the 2012 Olympics in London. Through two games this summer, the Brazilian men are 2-0 and have already survived some narrow battles. Brazil edged Australia by four points before topping host nation Great Britain by five on Tuesday despite scoring just four points in the first quarter.

Brazil boasts a number of talented NBA players, including Tiago Splitter and Leandro Barbosa. Splitter led Brazil against Great Britain, scoring 21 points on 9-of-11 shooting from the field. Barbosa led the Brazilians in their opener against the Aussies, scoring 16 big points.

The true sign of a solid team is versatility and boasting a number of threats. Brazil fits the mold perfectly, as a different player can lead them on any given day. That being said, the Brazilians are sure to soar at the London Games, lifting their game and country to new heights.

Follow Bleacher Report Featured Columnist Patrick Clarke on Twitter for more reaction on the 2012 London Olympics this summer.