5 things to look out for in November’s FIBA Continental Cup qualifiers
Continental qualifiers are back in November, and the stakes are getting higher. With teams able to book their tickets to the premiere continental competitions and basketball powerhouses with their backs against the wall, this window is sure to deliver moments to remember for basketball fans across the globe.
Below, find what we’re most excited about in the upcoming international window, from long-awaited homecomings to top-level NBA draft talent debuting on the global stage. All games from the upcoming qualifiers are available on Courtside 1891*
Are you there, Spain?
When Group C kicked off in Zaragoza, all the limelight was on Ricky Rubio’s long-awaited return to basketball.
Despite the playmaker’s return, Scariolo’s team surprisingly went 0-2 as already-qualified hosts Latvia yet again took a game from La ÑBA, with Rihards Lomazs and Andrejs Grazulis making it rain for Luca Banchi’s team to win on the road.
Spain then traveled to Charlerois to play Belgium, where they suffered yet another defeat, scoring only 53 points and going joint-bottom with Slovakia in Group C.
Will the defending EuroBasket champions be able to revert the current trend and get back to winning ways as they face winless Slovakia in an all-important double header, or will we witness another upset as teams fight for survival in their bid to EuroBasket qualification?
Nicolò Melli’s homecoming
He was only 16 when, in October 2007, Nicolò Melli debuted in Italy’s LegaDue (second division) at the Bigi. Little did the Reggio native know that he would go on to become one of the most decorated Italian basketball players ever.
The Fenerbahçe big man will go back to where it all started as 2-0 Italy face Iceland for a double header at the PalaBigi, with his home crowd ready to welcome their local hero back to his old court, for the first time with an Azzurri shirt on.
The Italy captain will look to channel his emotions positively as Gianmarco Pozzecco’s team keep their push for early EuroBasket qualification up as they travel to Iceland before making their way to Reggio Emilia for the home game.
Will it be a night to remember for Melli and the Reggiani? We’ve learned at Spain’s expense that emotions can work both ways when Ricky Rubio’s comeback ended in defeat, but Italy will hope to keep form going as they head into the 2nd FIBA EuroBasket Qualifying window.
Will the Akatsuki keep it going?
Japan had a tough time at the 2024 Paris Olympic games, finishing last in a tough Group B with world champions Germany, hosts France, and Brazil.
The Akatsuki finished last, not being able to contend defensively with their rivals, but their qualification alone was remarkable as Japan’s 2023 FIBA World Cup glory remains vivid in basketball fans’ memories.
This is why the Nikkan Arena Tochigi will witness another sellout as Josh Hawkinson and co get ready for their games against Mongolia and Guam.
Will Japan sweep yet another window after successfully defeating old rivals China for the first time in 88 years in Tokyo?
Brazil vs Uruguay – who will top Group B?
Both Brazil and Uruguay have looked solid ahead of their encounter, both sitting atop of Group B with a perfect 2-0 record.
It looks like the hosts are serious, having included former NBA player Raul Neto and Bruno Caboclo in their preliminary rosters.
Uruguay won’t be pushovers themselves, despite having lost each of the past 5 encounters with Aleksandar Petrovic’s team.
NBA Prospects on display as they suit up for teams across the globe
The international contingent for the 2025 NBA Draft looks yet even stronger than last year’s. This international window will give basketball fans the chance to take a first look at these exciting players in high-stakes contests.
France have called top-5 projected point guard Nolan Traorè and another projected top-10 pick in Noa Essengue as they start life post-Collet with Frédéric Fauthoux’s first call-up. An intriguing prospect as they get ready for a double-header against Cyprus.
Israel have called up Ben Saraf, another highly-rated point guard playing his basketball at Ratiopharm Ulm, a prospect that combines a lot of dynamism and basketball IQ, running Ulm’s offense and showing maturity beyond his 18 years of age.
Rocco Zikarsky comes from the NBL, and he’s also tipped to be a first-round selection for the 2025 NBA draft. Despite his crafty skills with a basketball in his hands, Zikarsky’s size is what makes him stand out.
At 7’3, the Australian is bringing presence on both ends of the floor and will be looking to make his name for the Boomers in their two games against Thailand and South Korea.
Croatia are calling up 6’10 Michael Ruzic, another big man product of the country’s successful basketball tradition. With great decision making for his age and fluidity of movement for a big man, Ruzic has quietly been making a name for himself at Joventut Badalona in the ACB and EuroCup.
Sergio Scariolo has called up Izan Almansa, a late scratch from the 2024 NBA draft, currently playing for the Perth Wildcats. Another nod from an NBL player tipped to make the trip across the world to help Spain get back in the race for EuroBasket qualification.
*Game availability is subject to broadcaster agreements depending on your region. Check our blackouts page to see which games are available to you in your region.
