The field for the men’s basketball tournament at the Paris Olympics is complete, with Greece, Spain, Brazil, and Puerto Rico securing their spots after winning their respective qualifying tournaments.
Following last year’s World Cup, which awarded seven Olympic berths, 24 teams competed for the remaining four spots in four tournaments held in Greece, Latvia, Spain, and Puerto Rico. The top team in each tournament earned a ticket to Paris, joining host France, the United States, Canada, Australia, South Sudan, Japan, Serbia, and Germany.
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Greece, playing on home court, dominated Croatia in the Piraeus tournament final, winning 80-69. This victory marks their return to the Games after a 16-year absence. Antetokounmpo led the way with 23 points, while Georgios Papagiannis contributed 19 points and Nick Calathes added 11 assists.
Spain secured its seventh consecutive Olympic appearance with an 86-78 victory over the Bahamas in the Valencia qualifier. The teams were tied 17-17 after the first quarter, but Spain took control and secured the win, allowing Real Madrid forward Rudy Fernandez to participate in a record sixth Olympic Games, the most for any male player. Spain, with three silver medals and a bronze, will be aiming for a better finish than their sixth-place performance in Tokyo.
Brazil is back on the Olympic stage after missing the Tokyo Games, following a dominant 94-69 win over host Latvia in the Riga final. This will be Brazil’s 16th appearance at the Summer Games, and they will be led by Bruno Caboclo, who scored 21 points in the qualifying final. Brazil’s Olympic campaign begins on July 27 in Lille against host France, where they will also face Germany and Japan in Group B.
In the final qualifier, Puerto Rico defeated Lithuania 79-68 in San Juan, securing their first Olympic berth since 2004. Jose Alvarado of the New Orleans Pelicans led Puerto Rico with 23 points, six rebounds, and two steals, thrilling the home crowd. Puerto Rico will join reigning champion the United States, Serbia, and South Sudan in Group C.
