Mavericks’ point guard Luka Dončić will begin EuroBasket play on Thursday at 10:15 a.m., Dallas time, as the Slovenia national team takes on Lithuania on the first day of competition.
The Slovenians are the reigning EuroBasket champions, having won this event in 2017. The EuroBasket tournament has been on hiatus since then, primarily because of COVID-19 complications.
Following is a tutorial for what EuroBasket is all about:
WHAT’S AT STAKE: After the FIBA World Cup and the Olympics, this is the biggest international tournament in Europe. It has been staged since 1935, typically in odd years, although the format was changed to every fourth year after the 2017 event, then was delayed further by COVID-19. Starting in 2025, it will be staged every four years.
QUALIFYING: There are 24 teams in the tournament. Latvia, with Davis Bertāns and Kristaps Porzingis, did not make it through qualifications this time around. But there are roughly 35 NBA players involved in the EuroBasket.
FAVORITES: Slovenia, Greece, Serbia and France are widely thought to be the top teams in the tournament.
HOW TO WATCH: All games can be seen either on Live Basketball Streams, Schedules and Scores – Courtside 1891 or on ESPN+. Charges may apply. You can also keep track stats and box scores from your favorite players and teams via www.fiba.basketball/eurobasket.
SCHEDULE: The event starts early Thursday morning and runs through Sept. 18. NBA training camps open 10 days later. The Slovenians start at 10:15 a.m. Dallas time Thursday. Greece, with Dorsey as one of its best players, begins play Friday at 10 a.m. against Croatia. Germany, Italy, Georgia and the Czech Republic all are hosting EuroBasket games.
MAVERICK CONNECTIONS: Obviously, Dončić will lead Slovenia as they try to repeat as champions. The Mavericks also have Tyler Dorsey, their two-way guard, who is a naturalized citizen of Greece and is playing alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Greek team, which is one of the favorites to dethrone the Slovenians.
In addition, Dirk Nowitzki will have a strong presence at the tournament. His German jersey is being retired on Thursday before the Germany-France game. Nowitzki also is an ambassador for FIBA, which oversees the production of this tournament.
TOP PLAYERS: Along with Antetokounmpo and Dončić, NBA stars Nikola Jokic (Serbia), Rudy Gobert (France), Domantas Sabonis (Lithuania) and Dennis Shroder (Germany) are among the many familiar players involved. And, yes, Boban Marjanovic is playing for Serbia.
OTHER INTERNATIONAL NEWS: FIBA also is staging the AmeriCup, which is one of the qualifiers for the World Cup and the Olympics. The only Maverick involved is Dwight Powell as Canada opens the tournament at 6:10 Friday against Brazil. The Canadians have a strong team that has gone undefeated through qualification rounds, led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Kelly Olynyk and Powell.
Twitter: @Esefko
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