6. Tristan Thompson, Forward, Canada
After Thompson had a breakout sophomore season with the Cleveland Cavaliers, finishing with averages just shy of a double-double, he will be making a drastic change this summer, changing his shooting hand from his left to his right. While any coach may think it’s preposterous for a 22-year old to totally change his shot at this point in his development, it will be interesting to see if he can pull it off.
Team Canada will have a very balanced squad this summer, but they will need big production out of Thompson to be successful. With Cleveland setting its sights on the playoffs this season, Thompson’s experience and development this summer could provide a major boost to one of the rising teams in the Eastern Conference.
7. Adrian Uter, PF/C, Jamaica
Making his debut in FIBA competition, the new big man of Italian powerhouse Cantu, Adrian Uter is ready to bust out on the international scene. An extremely competitive player, Uter is one of the tournament’s biggest sleepers. With an excellent face-up game, and superb defense, Uter has the opportunity to have big time success this summer as he tries to make a name for himself in front of the many NBA scouts that will be in attendance.
After working his way up through smaller leagues, AU played the past two seasons for my club, Maccabi Rishon Lezion, in the Israeli Premier League, where he went from being a relative unknown to arguably the best big man in Israel. Uter showed up big time in every important game for us these past two years, demonstrating incredible heart and leadership when it counted the most. After overcoming every challenge and obstacle in his path, Uter is about to elevate his status to one of top players overseas, and he could sneak his way onto an NBA roster in the near future.
8. Francisco Garcia, SG/SF, Dominican Republic
Playing without fellow NBAers Al Horford and Charlie Villanueva, Garcia will need to have a monster summer for the Dominican Republic squad to earn a berth in the World Cup. An outstanding two-way player with a great outside shot, Garcia will need to show the same leadership he displayed when he helped guide Louisville to a Final Four appearance in 2005.
A tough player who is beloved by many of his former teammates and coaches, Garcia has shown he can thrive in an underdog role. However, after many years as a role player, Garcia will need to embrace the role of being a leader not only with his character, but also with his production, for the Dominican Republic to have a successful campaign.
9. Gustavo Ayon , PF/C, Mexico
After rising from playing in the third division in Spain in 2009 to the NBA in 2011, Gustavo Ayon will join the Hawks after stints with the Hornets and Magic the past two seasons. A big man with a relentless motor who leaves everything out on the floor, Ayon will need to do it all for the Mexican squad.
Whether it’s scoring, rebounding or guarding the other team’s top low-post option, Ayon will need to produce big time for Mexico to sneak its way into the World Cup.
10. Samardo Samuels, Center, Jamaica
Splitting last season among the Cavs, the D-League and Hapoel Jerusalem in Israel, Samuels should be a force down low for a Jamaica team with a formidable front court. As a player who is just on the edge of sticking in the NBA, Samuels can earn himself another shot at the league with a productive campaign this summer.
With a strong frame and good instincts around the rim, Samuels should be one of the most productive and efficient players scoring around the basket. He should fit right in with a Jamaica team that is set to be one of the most aggressive and scrappy teams in the tournament. With Samuels set to make his Euroleague debut with EA7 Armani Milano this season, this should be a good preview of the highest levels of FIBA competition.
Honorable Mention
Andrew Nicholson, Forward, Canada
Esteban Batista, PF/C, Uruguay
Joel Anthony, Center, Canada
Paul Stoll, Guard, Mexico
Raul Neto, Point Guard, Brazil
Patrick Ewing Jr., PF, Jamaica
Jerome Jordan, Center, Jamaica
Andy Rautins, Guard, Canada
Renaldo Balkman, Forward, Puerto Rico
Edgar Sosa, Guard, Dominican Republic
Tournament Predictions
Gold Medal: Puerto Rico
Silver Medal: Argentina
Bronze Medal: Canada
4th place: Mexico
AJ Mitnick is an American living in Israel and working as an assistant coach and scout for Maccabi Rishon Lezion of the Israeli Basketball Super League. A graduate of IDC Herzliya, Mitnick spends many late nights watching game film from leagues all over the globe. Follow him on Twitter.
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Every contender will be vying to knock off an Argentina squad that has had a long-standing strong presence in this tournament, and get their hands on the Gold. https://gplusfollowers.com/using-google-plus-local-seo-strategy/
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Thanks for the feedback. Your right, Kris would have been a nice piece, even if only to get him some run with this group for the future.
Good write-up, but Kris Joseph isn’t with Team Canada, unfortunately…would have liked to see how he fared in this tourney