Basketball World Cup: Matt Logue names his five stars to watch in China

Some of the biggest names in sporting world will take the court in China during the FIBA World Cup. Who are the players who will define the tournament? MATT LOGUE names five to watch.

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Some of the biggest names in basketball are in China for the FIBA World Cup, but who are the players who will define the destination of the trophy?

MATT LOGUE names five players who can lead their team to glory:

Can NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo will make Greece matches must-watch.

1. Giannis Antetokounmpo (Greece)

The reigning NBA MVP with the Milwaukee Bucks will be must-watch viewing at this World Cup. His presence alone makes Greece a contender, given his freakish ability at both ends of the floor. Watch for Giannis’s trademark dunk to take centre stage. His older brother Thanasis

signed on with the Bucks two months ago and also plays in the national side.

Donovan Mitchell has established himself as a key cog in Team USA. Picture: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images.

2. Donovan Mitchell (USA)

The Utah Jazz star has defied his 22 years to become a leader within a Team USA side still in shock after their shock exhibition loss to Australia. Mitchell was vocal at the team’s final session and he carried the energy over to the American’s final warm-up victory against Canada. He had the first two baskets of the night before finishing with 12 points.

Mitchell will be a key player as Team USA attempt to defend their 2010 and 2014 World Cup crowns.

Patty Mills is a spiritual leader for the Boomers.

3. Patty Mills (Australia)

The heart and soul of the Australian side with his scoring ability and dogged determination.

The veteran San Antonio Spurs guard has been a standout for the Boomers during the World Cup warm-up games, leading the team in scoring.

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Marc Gasol’s experience will be vital for a Spanish team missing several stars. Picture: AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez.

4.- Marc Gasol (Spain)

Fresh off winning the NBA championship with Toronto, Gasol is fired up to help Spain claim World Cup glory. He will help steer a team missing stars Nikola Mirotic, Serge Ibaka, Sergio Rodriguez and his older brother, Pau. The Raptors’ big man also has a FIBA gold on his wall, having won the 2006 world championship with Spain in his first year wearing the senior team’s colours.

Nikola Jokic will key a key figure if Serbia is to contend again for a medal.

5. Nikola Jokic (Serbia)

The homegrown hero is playing in his first World Cup. The Denver Nuggets big man didn’t play at the 2014 World Cup — when Serbia lost in the final to a US side featuring the likes of Steph Curry and Klay Thompson — but he is ready to lead his country through the tournament. With Jokic on deck, Serbia will contend strongly again for a World Cup medal.