Race for Naismith Trophy intensifies as FIBA World Cup kicks off knockout round

Eight teams are left vying for the Naismith Trophy and the race for the coveted prize will further intensify when the 2023 FIBA World Cup quarterfinal round opens curtains on Tuesday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Kicking off hostilities at 4:45 p.m. is the European clash of Lithuania and Serbia to be followed by the highly-anticipated match of world no. 2 United States and no. 10 Italy at 8:40 p.m.

The Lithuanians are coming in as the favorite after sweeping their first and second round assignments, highlighted by a 110-104 upset of the Americans last Sunday. They ended up with a clean 5-0 win-loss slate before heading to the quarterfinals.

The New Orleans Pelicans' Jonas Valaciunas has been the leader of Lithuania, averaging 13.6 points and 9.2 rebounds through five games.

They will be up against a hungry Serbia side, who is being led by three NBA players in Bogdan Bogdanovic (Atlanta), Nikola Jovic (Miami), and Filip Petrusev (Philadelphia).

But more than that, the Eagles have a strong depth with the likes of Nikola Milutinov, Stefan Jovic, and Marko Guduric also putting in the numbers. Serbia swept the first round against China, Puerto Rico, and South Sudan before splitting its second round assignments against Italy and Dominican Republic.

Meanwhile, USA is looking to extend its redemption campaign as it takes on Italy in the marquee match-up.

The Americans, though, are coming off a stinging loss to Lithuania to end the second round with a 4-1 card. But nonetheless, the star-studded USA is looking to to keep rolling in the tournament.

USA has a lot of leaders on the floor with young gunner Anthony Edwards of the Minnesota Timberwolves pacing the squad in points with his 20.2 markers while Josh Hart and Tyrese Haliburton lead them in rebounds and assists, respectively.

But their work won't be easy, especially with the Azzurri also out to get to the semifinals.

Led by the Utah Jazz's Simone Fontecchio, Italy had been flying under the radar through the tournament as it closed out the first round with a 2-1 record. The Italians then shocked the world when they stunned Serbia then eliminated Puerto Rico in the second round.

—JMB, GMA Integrated News