China tipped to secure Paris Olympics spot at Fiba World Cup, although former star Chen issues South Sudan warning
- China handed games against Puerto Rico, Serbia and South Sudan at Saturday’s draw in Quezon City
- Best team from Asia among 7 teams to gain automatic qualification for Paris Games
China have been backed to grab one of seven automatic qualifying spots for the Paris Olympics, after the men’s team were handed a good draw for the group stages of the Fiba Basketball World Cup.
Ranked 27 in the world, China have been placed in Group B, alongside Serbia, Puerto Rico and tournament debutants South Sudan, with the top two teams advancing to the second round.
Former national team player-turned commentator Chen Zhenghao said the team “stand a chance” against Puerto Rico, who are ranked seven places higher, but the 55-year-old singled out South Sudan as a potential “banana skin”.
“Despite ranking No 62 in the world, they are coached by former Chicago Bulls all-star forward Luol Deng, who is also the president of the association,” Chen said.
“Apart from a host of players in Australia’s National Basketball League as well as NBA G League, the East African side also have Jo Lual-Acuil, who plays for Chinese Basketball Association outfit Nanjing Monkeykings so they know our team well.
“There are no questions about their physicality, it is difficult to predict but I think China can survive this.”
There are seven automatic qualifying spots up for grabs at the World Cup this summer, with the best teams from each continent securing a place.
Two teams from America and Europe, plus one team each from Africa, Asia and Oceania, can qualify for Paris depending on where they finish at the event, which is being co-hosted by the Philippines, Japan and Indonesia from August 25 to September 10.