FIBA World Cup 2014: Breaking Down Top Teams in Round of 16
The 2014 FIBA World Cup is beginning to distinguish the true contenders for the gold medal entering the round of 16.
Several teams are entering this phase of the international basketball tournament with perfect 5-0 records, including the United States and Spain. The two countries have accounted for the past two titles, so they figure to be the prohibitive favorites and are on a collision course for the championship game.
But could there be any team that plays spoiler along the way? A number of countries that aren't as heralded have plenty of talent and could surprise in this one-and-done format, which is unlike the previous pool play.
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Here is a closer look at Team USA and Spain, along with another dark horse that has been impressive thus far.
Note: Statistics and information are courtesy of FIBA.com.
United States (5-0 in Group C)
There was some cause for concern when Cleveland Cavaliers star Kyrie Irving went down against Ukraine. Irving has struggled to stay healthy in his NBA career and would have been quite a loss.
However, despite how generally fragile Irving has been, he claimed he is fine:
Those circumstances summarize why some USA players such as LeBron James, Kevin Durant and Chris Paul opted not to be on this team. Risking injury in an offseason competition that the Americans are favored in outweighs the benefit of representing one's country in some instances.
Paul George broke his leg in an exhibition game, so there's a legitimate argument to be made in that context.
The roster is thus not as formidable as it could be, yet Team USA is still the favorite to take home the top hardware in the FIBA World Cup. The Americans have the best combination of inside-out basketball, with Irving and Derrick Rose being able to blow by anyone, and a flexible frontcourt rotation loaded with talent.
Kenneth Faried of the Denver Nuggets has brought a chip on his shoulder and an undeniable, energetic boost to this team. Tom Haberstroh of ESPN noted Faried's amazing numbers even before Thursday's final matchup with Ukraine in which Faried had 10 points and eight rebounds:
Young New Orleans Pelicans star Anthony Davis is a nightmare matchup for anyone with his guard-like handling and passing skills. It goes well with elite defense in the post and rare range in terms of the ground he can cover.
When Turkey gave the U.S. problems in group play, Davis put up 19 points in the second half to spark the Americans to an eventual 98-77 blowout win. That was an indication that the former No. 1 overall pick is continuing to evolve and coming closer reaching his immense potential.
All these ingredients combine to make the U.S. favorites, and until someone makes a big statement, the Americans' status won't change.
Spain (5-0 in Group A)
The Brothers Gasol give Spain an excellent chance to run the table on its side of the round-of-16 bracket.
A rematch with France looms in the quarterfinals, which has to be good news for Spain since it dominated the French 88-64 in Group A. Marc and Pau Gasol combined for 32 points and 10 rebounds in that contest.
ESPN.com's Ethan Strauss praised Pau Gasol for his brilliant play, as he's tied for third in the FIBA World Cup with 21.2 points per game on 61.9 percent shooting:
But Spain has had help from its other NBA stars.
Minnesota Timberwolves point guard Ricky Rubio runs the show, and his backup in New York Knicks standout Jose Calderon is no slouch, either. Oklahoma City Thunder power forward Serge Ibaka also comes off the bench to give Spain a magnificent front line.
That Spain is the host nation for the FIBA World Cup also helps its cause to produce an ultimate winner. Until the semifinals roll around, no one looks capable of even remotely challenging this NBA-laden squad.
Brazil (4-1 in Group A)
As important as guard and perimeter play tend to be in international basketball, having a stout frontcourt can neutralize penetrating guards seeking to drive and dish for open shots from beyond the arc.
That is what Brazil brings to the table. Headlined by Cleveland Cavaliers hustling extraordinaire Anderson Varejao, Brazil boasts the likes of Washington Wizard Nene and San Antonio Spurs center Tiago Splitter.
Where the difference lies in the big men between the USA and Spain is that Brazil lacks the finesse of the two superior squads. Neither Varejao, Nene nor Splitter can extend to the three-point line, which would be invaluable to create better spacing.
Zach Lowe of Grantland hinted at this in his analysis, where he described how well Pau Gasol extended to the three-point line in Spain's 82-63 victory over Brazil:
The X-factor for Brazil figures to be Leandro Barbosa, a veteran NBA swingman whose athleticism, length and dribbling ability allow him to play any position on the perimeter. Barbosa brings leadership to a backcourt not used to being tested by NBA-caliber players, but it won't be enough for Brazil to get past the semifinals.
In Spain's previous triumph, it was evident that Brazil's athleticism up front was not quite up to par, as Gasol lit it up for 26 points on 11-of-15 shooting, including three three-pointers. A big first quarter allowed Spain to jump out on top early, but Brazil's physicality did keep them in it after trailing 30-14.
Playing the role of underdog and banging bodies as much as possible will be Brazil's ticket to an upset over Spain in the semifinals, which it should be able to advance to. But in order to defeat Spain or the USA, Brazil needs something extraordinary from Barbosa and proficient guard Alex Garcia to have any hope of the gold medal.
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