The FIBA World Cup 2023 is just around the corner and fans all over the world are eagerly anticipating what promises to be an exhilarating tournament. While the favorites have already been established by many sports analysts, there are always some teams that come out of nowhere and stun the world with their performances. These are the so-called dark horse teams, who despite being given low odds by bookmakers, are capable of causing upsets and turning the tournament on its head. In this article, we will take a look at some of the dark horse teams with surprising FIBA World Cup betting odds.
Team Japan
Japan is one of the rising basketball nations in Asia and they are making their return to the FIBA World Cup after missing out on the 2019 edition. Led by their star player, Rui Hachimura, who plays for the Washington Wizards in the NBA, Japan has the potential to cause some upsets in the tournament. They have a solid supporting cast that includes Yuta Watanabe, who also plays in the NBA, and veteran point guard, Yuki Togashi. Japan's fast-paced style of play and their ability to shoot the ball from beyond the arc make them a dangerous team.
Team Senegal
Senegal is a team that is not often mentioned in the conversation when it comes to international basketball, but they have been quietly building a competitive team over the years. They have a roster that includes some experienced players like Maurice Ndour, who played in the NBA, and Gorgui Dieng, who is currently playing in the Turkish Basketball Super League. Senegal also has some young players who are eager to make a name for themselves, such as Brancou Badio, who plays for Strasbourg in France. They may not be among the favorites to win the tournament, but they have the potential to surprise some of the bigger teams.
Canada has been steadily improving their basketball program over the years and they are now considered one of the rising basketball nations in the world. They have a roster that includes some of the best young talents in the NBA, such as Jamal Murray, RJ Barrett, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Canada also has some experienced players like Dwight Powell and Tristan Thompson, who bring leadership and stability to the team. While they may not be as experienced as some of the other teams in the tournament, their young talent and athleticism make them a dangerous team.
Team Turkey
Turkey is a team that has a lot of potential but has struggled to put it all together in recent years. They have a roster that includes some talented players like Cedi Osman, who plays for the Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA, and Ersan Ilyasova, who has played in the NBA and EuroLeague. Turkey also has some promising young players like Alperen Sengun, who was recently drafted by the Houston Rockets in the NBA. If Turkey can find the right chemistry and play to their potential, they could surprise some of the bigger teams in the tournament.
Conclusion
While the favorites may already be established for the FIBA World Cup 2023, there are always some dark horse teams that can surprise the world. Teams like Japan, Senegal, Canada, and Turkey may not be among the favorites to win the tournament, but they have the potential to cause some upsets and turn the tournament on its head. With the tournament set to be held in multiple countries for the first time, it promises to be an exciting and unpredictable tournament, with plenty of surprises in store.
