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5 sleepers to watch at the 2023 FIBA World Cup

By Holden Walter-Warner

Clarkson playing for Gilas Pilipinas in the FIBA Asia Qualifiers. (Photo by Ezra Acayan/Getty Images)
Clarkson playing for Gilas Pilipinas in the FIBA Asia Qualifiers. (Photo by Ezra Acayan/Getty Images) /
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RIGA, LATVIA – AUGUST 25: Sertac Sanli (21) of Turkiye in action against Kristaps Porzingis (6) of Latvia during the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 European Qualifiers second round first match between Latvia and Turkiye at the Arena Riga in Riga, Latvia on August 25, 2022. (Photo by Elif Ozturk Ozgoncu/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
RIGA, LATVIA – AUGUST 25: Sertac Sanli (21) of Turkiye in action against Kristaps Porzingis (6) of Latvia during the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 European Qualifiers second round first match between Latvia and Turkiye at the Arena Riga in Riga, Latvia on August 25, 2022. (Photo by Elif Ozturk Ozgoncu/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images) /

1. Latvia

Latvia is the most intriguing sleeper entering the 2023 FIBA World Cup. The appearance is monumental for the country, which has never appeared in the tournament, despite being a charter member of the organization.

The European nation nearly made the competition for the first time four years ago, making it to a do-or-die competition. They lost that game, surrendering the spot to another team that made its debut instead: Montenegro.

This time, Latvia rolled through qualifiers, losing only once. Among the teams they defeated: Serbia, Greece, Belgium, and the United Kingdom. Not bad for a team that’s now ascended to 29th in the FIBA rankings.

Latvia didn’t even qualify for the most recent EuroBasket competition, so this surge is remarkable.

The most important player is newly minted Boston Celtics big man Kristaps Porzingis. The skills the unicorn possess are well known, but his health is a little murkier. There have been conflicted reports in recent days about whether or not Porzingis will actually be able to suit up this summer, which would be a big blow to Latvia if he can’t.

Porzingis isn’t the only player of note, though. Oklahoma City Thunder wing Davis Bertans should be back in the saddle. He’s represented the national team a couple of times in his career and used to play in the EuroLeague. His older brother has captained the national team before.

Another familiar name is forward Rodions Kurucs, who played for a few NBA teams, most prominently the Brooklyn Nets. These days, he’s playing abroad in Spain, but remains a major presence on the international squad.

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Latvia is saddled in a very difficult group, where Canada and France seem most likely to advance. If Latvia can squeak through instead, they’ll be almost impossible to sleep on for the rest of the World Cup.