The FIBA Report: The Players and Cards to Look Out For

The FIBA World Cup has always been a melting pot of basketball talent from around the globe. The 19th edition of the prestigious event held between August 25 and September 10, featured 32 teams from across the world. Held in multiple countries for the first time in its history, including the Philippines, Indonesia, and Japan, the FIBA 2023 saw Germany sealing their first-ever victory. 

Let’s delve into the top 5 standout performances from this recent World Cup.

1. Luka Doncic, Slovenia

Luka Doncic led Slovenia may have ended 7th in the World Cup, but with his masterclass act, he showed basketball brilliance. His exceptional court vision, clutch shooting, and leadership were on full display throughout the tournament. The 24-year-old officially scored at least 200 points in this World Cup and joined the list of only 11 players (13 occasions) to do so in a single World Cup campaign.

He ended the tournament averaging 27.0 markers, 7.1 boards, and 6.1 assists, good for a 5-3 win-loss record.

With this extraordinary performance, the Doncic trading card value is set to skyrocket. Fans are sure to be clamoring for Luka, so it might be wise to bet on this budding superstar. 

2. Dennis Schroder, Germany

Dennis Schroder scored 28 points to lead Germany, who will leave Manila with their second-ever World Cup medal to go with their third-place finish in 2002 and their only gold medal finish since beginning to compete in the FIBA World Cup. Schroder had twice the reason to celebrate as the guard was named the TISSOT Most Valuable Player after another outstanding performance in the final. He also topped the All-Star 5. 

A seasoned player with a proven track record, Dennis delivered a dominant performance in the FIBA 2023 tournament. Dennis has left a lasting impression on fans, fellow players, and card collectors. The demand for his card is sure to reach an all-time high. 

3. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Canada

Joining Dennis in the All-Star 5 ranks was Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Oklahoma City Thunder superstar. His performance with an impressive 31 points in Canada’s bronze-medal match against the USA secured his country’s first-ever medal in international competition.

SGA posted impressive statistics throughout the FIBA World Cup, with an average of 24.5 ppg, ranking him as the fourth-best scorer in the tournament. He’s quietly been rising towards being one of the world’s best basketball players for several years now.

The 25-year-old is the face of Canada’s greatest run ever. But no one quite expected that the young guard, making his debut on the world stage, would make the transition from the NBA to FIBA so seamlessly. With electrifying dunks, precise shooting, and stellar defense, SGA delivered an exceptional performance. This standout performance not only impressed fans and fellow players but also caught the attention of card collectors and investors.

4. Anthony Edwards, USA

Anthony Edwards also earned a spot on the famed All-Star 5 list. After losing an overtime thriller in the bronze medal game, Team USA finished fourth overall in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023. While Team USA’s overall performance has left people wondering if the U.S. is ceding ground on its claim to basketball dominance, Edwards finished the tournament as the USA’s top scorer and was instrumental in their overall success.

He also averaged 4.6 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.1 steals in 26 minutes a game. Notably, he had a standout performance with a 35-point explosion during the tournament and became one of the loudest talking points around the American club at this World Cup.

With game-winning shots, exceptional playmaking, and a knack for rising to the occasion, Anothy solidified his reputation as a reliable and impactful player. Investing in Antony’s cards can be a smart move, as their demand is likely to continue rising. 

5. Arturs Zagars, Latvia

The 23-year-old point guard was the unquestioned breakout star of the World Cup. Arturs Zagars etched his name into the annals of basketball history during the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup with an astonishing 17 assists in a single game. He shattered the all-time record, helping debutants Latvia get 5th place. Zagars finished the tournament with 7.4 assists in eight games. 

Unknown to casual basketball fans, Zagars was a free agent during the World Cup, following the end of his stint with BC Nevezis in the Lithuanian league earlier this year. But it certainly won’t be the case for much longer.

Despite being relatively unknown prior to the tournament, Zagar’s exceptional skills, determination, and ability to rise to the occasion captured the attention of fans and card collectors. As the basketball world takes notice of this rising star, the demand for his cards is expected to rise, making them a valuable asset for collectors and investors. Those who recognized Zagars’ potential early on are likely to see a substantial increase in their value.

With the players really bringing their A-game, watching the FIBA World Cup was super exciting for fans and collectors alike. Now, it’s time to put all that excitement and knowledge to good use and start snagging those cards. These standout performances weren’t just jaw-dropping displays of skill; they also got the whole collector community buzzing! So you can bet those basketball trading cards are going to be hot stuff. Get ready for some serious card-collecting action!