BY ONIN MIGUEL DEVELOS
The Paris Olympics Basketball group stages are set after the FIBA Olympic qualifying tournaments concluded on July 8, 2024.
Eight remaining teams competed in the Olympic Qualifying Tournament Finals for the 4 remaining spots for a chance to be part of the Paris Olympics on July 26 – August 11.
In Riga, Brazil defeats Latvia with a final score of 94-69. Leo Meindl led the team with 20 points and 9 rebounds. They return to Olympic competition after missing out on the Tokyo Olympic Games three years ago.
They join Japan, Germany, and Tokyo 2020 Silver medalists and host France in Group B at the Paris Olympics.
In Piraeus, Hometown team Greece advances to the Olympic games for the first time in 16 years after defeating Croatia 80-69.
This will be Giannis Antetokounmpo’s first time appearing in the Olympics adding to the stacked list of NBA players competing at Paris.
“We knew that we had the opportunity to [do] something that we haven’t done for a lot of years. We had the opportunity to do it in our house, and I think the whole team, the coaching staff, the players, everybody, was extremely focused.” Giannis stated.
Greece now joins Australia, Canada, and Spain in Group A.
Puerto Rico now joins the Olympic Games for the first time since 2004 after defeating Lithuania 68-79.
Jose Alvarado scored 23 points and added 6 rebounds to secure their ticket to the Paris Olympics.
“Obviously, you know, this game is very important for us and the island, but we knew it was more than just basketball. We knew how great we had to be to represent this island, and the love they gave us was amazing. We just want to do as best as we can for them” Alvarado said.
Puerto Rico will play against South Sudan, Serbia, and the Tokyo 2020 Olympics Champion United States of America in Group C.
In Valencia, the home crowd rejoiced as home team Spain qualified for the Paris Olympics after defeating Bahamas 86-78.
Lorenzo Brown led the team in scoring with 18 points, including 4 three-pointers, while Santiago Aldama and Willy Hernangomez grabbed 7 rebounds a piece.
They join Canada, Australia, and fellow OQT winner Greece in group A of the Paris Olympics.
