Hosts Spain will have a tough task ahead of them as they look to advance from Group A, which headlined the draw for this year’s FIBA World Cup of Basketball in Barcelona.
The Spanish however will have a chance for revenge against Eurobasket winners France, who are also housed in Group A. The French eliminated Spain at the semi-final stage in Slovenia last September, en route to the gold. Spain, in the end settled for bronze.
The group also features Serbia, FIBA Asia winners Iran, Brazil, who got one of the four wildcard spots and Egypt.
World champions, the USA are in Group C and have got a relatively easy-going draw, but will have a rematch of the 2010 final to look forward to with Turkey, plus an intriguing contest with the Ukraine, who are coached by NBA broadcaster Mike Fratello.
The former coach of the Atlanta Hawks, Cleveland Cavaliers and Memphis Grizzlies, who was in attendance for the draw in Catalonia was seen with a smile on his face the moment his side were paired with the United States.
Wildcard nation Finland, who openly campaigned successfully for a spot in the World Cup, New Zealand and the Dominican Republic complete Group C.
The basketball-mad nation of the Philippines, appearing in their first World Cup since 1978 and after a suspension by FIBA between 2002-2006 are in Group B alongside Argentina, Senegal, Croatia, Puerto Rico and Greece.
Group D sees Lithuania and Slovenia fancying their chances of qualification as they are housed with Afrobasket winners Angola, Korea, FIBA Americas holders Mexico and Australia.
The FIBA World Cup begins on August 30 with the final in Madrid on September 14.
Group A: Spain; Egypt; Iran; Serbia; Brazil; France (Grenada)
Group B: Argentina; Senegal; Philippines; Croatia; Puerto Rico; Greece (Sevilla)
Group C: USA; Finland; New Zealand; Ukraine; Dominican Rep; Turkey (Bilbao)
Group D: Lithuania; Angola; Korea; Slovenia; Mexico; Australia (Gran Canaria)
