2018 World Championship with 32 teams?

[Dtown]

Who's to say that these 8 teams will still be mediocre by 2014 (2018)? It's clear that basketball has been improving every year. The real problem is that there's no continuity with NT which causes a lot of bad play. In order for WC to be competitive, players must be dedicated to their teams. 2010 WC proved that there's no dedication with NT.

I don't think anyone arguing against it is saying we should never go to 32 teams, but four years from now is too soon. Give it some time for the things you described to actually happen.

[asdzas]

They should raise the number of teams in the Olympics(only 2 or 4), not in the WC...

[Franz]

I don't think anyone arguing against it is saying we should never go to 32 teams, but four years from now is too soon. Give it some time for the things you described to actually happen.

I think a lot will be determined by the 2012 Olympics and somewhat by 2011 Eurobasket & other regional tournaments. If there is still low level of basketball, then there won't be 32 teams until 2018.

Judging by USA's potential team in 2012, there should be a similar result as 2008. However, the low probability has happen in the past. Everyone thought USA would win easily in 2004 and 2006. Look what happen. Most people thought USA wouldn't win in 2010. Look what happen.

So yeah, lets wait and see how the 2012 Olympics go because decision could be based on this.

[Srle]

Good now we can see more and more blow outs with the teams such as Vietnam, Vatican, San Marino etc

[Luíz for 3]

Good now we can see more and more blow outs with the teams such as Vietnam, Vatican, San Marino etc

You forgot Liechtenstein, Malta, Andorra and Faroe Islands

[leonesponce]

lets see

I think it would not be good in 2014, but from now till 2018 a lot of things can happen... Just look at Slovenia's raise in about 4-6 years! They didnt even played in euro 01!! and they almost made it to the semi-finals in this WC!! Turkey is another example... New Zealand... we can even made a case for Argentina... 10 years ago most people would not even give them a chance to succeed... and well all of them, execpt Slovenia have at least 1 semi-final appearance, Turkey and Argentina have medals... so who can assure that can not happen again? Teams like Macedonia, Montenegro, Britain, Latvia even Georgia are playing good basketball... There are some competitive teams in Africa who were not in this tourney, Nigeria and Senegal... Not saying anyone of those teams will play a semi-final in a world torunament in 10 years, but they will probably make it to one of those... so im all in for the expansion!!!

[leonesponce]

FIBA Americas

Eurobasket expanding to 24 teams proves that there is potential!

I think FIBA Americas should do the same... but to 12 teams... FIBA Americas is currently played with 10 teams... we kind of get sick of seeing the same things with almost the same kind of results year in and year out...

It should be expanded to 12 for the time being... and thus backing up a possible expansion in 2018 for the WC...

Teams like Jamaica, US Virgins Islands, Colombia, Mexico, Paraguay and Belize should be given a chance at a FIBA Americas... obviously they are miles behind, lets say Montenegro, Latvia, etc but in the Americas region they can be competitive against the likes of Uruguay, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Canada and Venezuela...

Obviously in Americas there are just 4 teams that can compete with anyone in the world, USA, Argentina, Puerto Rico and Brazil... but Canada and the Dominican Republic are not far behind, and Venezuela and Panama have played in recent worlds, so the Americas have potential to grow...

[sinobball]

let's put it this way

what would you rather watch?
Venezuela vs Argentina http://puertorico2009.fiba.com/pages...4042/game.html
or a Ivory Coast vs Argentina massacre

I prefer Ivory Coast vs Puerto Rico

[leonesponce]

I prefer Ivory Coast vs Puerto Rico

Ohhh your are mean!!!

That game broke my heart!!!

[leonesponce]

New Rankings

The new rankings are in!

Puerto Rico fell 5 spot to 15
Turkey jumped 12 spots to 6
USA regained top spot
Spain jumped to 2nd
Argentina fell to 3rd


Top 10

1. USA
2. Spain
3. Argentina
4. Greece
5. Lithuania
6. Turkey
7. Italy
8. Serbia
9. Australia
10. China

[CKR13]

It is in line for 2019, 2023 and beyond.

http://www.google.com/hostednews/epa/article/ALeqM5hZGDMuXwud-It7jb_HEMGxhnjn1w?docId=2180597&hl=es