ten stars to follow

Eurobasket 2022 begins tomorrow and will be an opportunity for the general public to see some of the best players on the planet compete. At the dawn of the opening match, We Sport lists ten stars who will try to win the title of European champion.

Gionnnis Antetokoúnmpo (Greece)

For the first time since 2015, Gionnnis Antetokoúnmpo will represent Greece during Eurobasket. Having become, in the meantime, one of the best players on the planet, as evidenced by his multiple MVP titles and his ring won with the Milwaukee Bucks last year, the Greek will be the spearhead of a selection that has the ways to go far. Surrounded by two of his brothers (Thanasis and Kostas), Antetokoúnmpo will certainly be one of the attractions of the tournament, he who comes out of a good preparation like his 40 points scored against Serbia a few days ago.

Port of DonCić (Slovenia)

Five years ago, Luka DonCićonly 18 at the time, was Goran Dragi’s lieutenantć during the first continental coronation of Slovenia. This year, the star of the Dallas Mavericks will be the leader of a selection that will want to keep his title at all costs. Brilliant last year during the Olympic Games, DonCić will try to sublimate a selection that relies heavily on its performance.

Evan Fournier (France)

How not to place the captain of the French team among the stars of this Eurobasket? Author of a complicated season in New York last year, he will try, as usual, to make the Blues shine in a tournament where they will have ambition. Offensive leader, his success in shooting will be crucial in the success of his team which will rely a lot on the points he brings in attack.

Rudy Gobert (France)

In his quest for the title, the Blues can also rely on Rudy Gobert. Cornerstone of the five major of the French team, the new player of the Minnesota Timberwolves will have to be in top form for his team to surf on his excellent Olympic Games. Multiple defender of the year in the NBA, he will be the regulator of the French defense, but also a major weapon to exploit in the opposing rackets.

Nikola Jokić (Serbia)

Double reigning NBA MVP, Nikola Jokic will export his talents to the Old Continent. Silver medalist at the 2016 Olympics and fifth at the 2019 World Cup, the Joker will be the spearhead of an ambitious Serbian team, which can legitimately aim for the title. Excellent in preparation, like his match against Greece, Jokić has the fate of his team in his hands. With the best player in the NBA in its ranks, Serbia will try to do better than in the last edition, in 2017, when they lost in the final against Slovenia.

Shane Larkin (Turkey)

Naturalized Turkish in February 2020, Shane Larkin will experience his first major international competition with this country. Among the best players in the Euroleague, which he has already won twice with the Anadolu Efes, the native of Cincinnati will be one of the keys to the success of Turkey, who will also rely on a few NBAers (Korkmaz, Osman, Sengun). Proven in European basketball, Larkin will have to show the way to a struggling selection ahead of this Eurobasket 2022.

Vasilije Micić (Serbia)

If Serbia is one of the title contenders at this Eurobasket 2022, it is not only due to the presence of Nikola Jokić. Indeed, Vasilje Micić is also a major argument, he who evolves in Europe and makes the good days of Anadolu Efes. MVP of the Euroleague in 2020/2021, he will be one of the lieutenants of the Joker with Captain Vladimir LuCić. Hit in the ankle against Serbia a few days ago, his return to form will be important in the quest for the title of the Serbs.

Jusuf Nurkić (Bosnia and Herzegovina)

Recent faller of France in the qualifiers for the 2023 World Cup, Bosnia and Herzegovina can count on Jusuf Nurkić. Particularly in view against the Blues (21 pts, 9 rebound), the interior of the Blazers will be the most important element of his team, which will have to fight to get out of the difficult group B where he will find… the French team !

Domantas Sabonis (Lithuania)

If Lithuania wants to reconnect with its glorious past, it will have to rely on Domantas Sabonis. Turning to 16 points on average in qualifying for the next World Cup in recent days, the interior of the Sacramento Kings in the NBA could splash the tournament with his talent. After winning silver at Eurobasket 2015 with his selection, he will try to bring another medal to a country that often wins medals in Europe.

Jonas ValanCiuhus (Lithuanian)

If Lithuania will be one of the teams to watch during the tournament, it is also because they will be able to rely on Jonas ValanCiuhnas. Present in selection since Eurobasket 2011, the pivot of the New Orleans Pelicans will form one of the most terrifying rackets in Europe with Domantas Sabonis. With two interiors so dominant, the Lithuanians will certainly be one to watch during the competition.

But also: Goran Dragić (Slovenia), Vladimir Lučić (Serbia), Georgios Papagiannis (Greece), Kristaps Porziņģis (Latvia), Dennis Schröder (Germany)

See you tomorrow for the start of Eurobasket 2022, with the opening match between Spain and Bulgaria scheduled for 1:30 p.m.

Feature image credit: Srdjan Stevanovic/Getty Images