Gambian-born German point guard Dennis Schröder (30 pts) shone on the opening day of Day 2 of the World Cup group stages. He wasn't the only one, either, as Japan's Joshua Hawkinson (28 pts, 19 rbds) was by far the best performer, with a +44 rating. The Africans shone in the shape of Jilson Bango (Angola) and Anas Mahmoud (Egypt), despite their countries' varying fortunes.
Bango, Goncalves, Domingos and Fernando revive Angola's fortunes
Angola gave Africa its 1st victory in the 19th edition of the World Cup. The Palancas Negras beat the Philippines (80-70). Four players sounded the Angolan revolt by finishing the match with more than 10 pts. Firstly, there was 24-year-old Jilson Bango (10 pts, 7 rbds, 2 assists). He had the highest rating on the Angolan side (+19).
He was not alone, as Gerson Goncalves (17 pts, 6 rbds, 1 assist, +18 rating), Gerson Domingos (15 pts, 1 rbd, 7 assists, +14 rating) and Bruno Fernando (14 pts, 7 rbds, 2 assists, +17 rating) also played their part. This victory puts Angola back in Group A.They can qualify if they beat the Dominican Republic. But Italy will have to lose heavily to the Philippines.Egypt beaten despite Gardner's 26 pts.
It's true that the Egyptians were beaten by Montenegro (89-74). But their collective performance was much better. Some players woke up, like inside player Anas Mahmoud (13 pts, 7 rbds, 3 assists) in 26 minutes. Ehab Amin (26 pts) and Patrick Gardner (13 pts) also contributed.Mahmoud had the 2nd highest rating of the game (+21) behind Montenegrin Nikola Vucevic (16 pts, 7 rbds, 1 assists, +25 rating).Anas Mahmoud was voted best defender in the Basketball Africa League 2021 with Zamalek.
Gambian" Schröder qualifies Germany
Germany booked their place in the second round of the World Cup basketball tournament, thanks to Gambian-born NBA star Dennis Schröder. The Toronto Raptors point guard gave back (30 pts, 1 rbd, 8 assists and 4 steals). He finished the match with a plus rating of +31. Schröder joined the German national team in 2012 and took part in the U20 World Championships. In 2013, he was drafted 17th overall by the Atlanta Hawks (2013-2018). The 29-year-old has played for Oklahoma, Los Angeles Lakers, Boston Celtics and Houston. A free agent, he joined the Toronto Raptors for a contract worth $26 million (15 billion FCFA). Bronze medallist at the last Eurobasket, Dennis Schröder will be looking to propel Germany onto the podium. The Germans finished 18th in 2019.A bronze medal in 2002 is the best German performance in this competition.
Towns carry the Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic validated its ticket to the second round of the Basketball World Cup by beating Italy (87-82). Andres Feliz (24 pts, 5 rbds, 5 assists, +27 rating) and Karl-Anthony Towns (24 pts, 11 rbds, 5 assists, +27 rating) were the architects of this qualification. They scored more than half their team's points. This is the 3rd time the Dominican Republic have reached the second round, after 1978 and 2014.
Playing point guard, Andres Feliz (26) is averaging 12 pts, 6 rbds and 8 assists per game at this World Cup. Wolves winger Karl-Anthony Towns is up to his Day 1 standards. The 2.11m man has scored 50 pts in 2 games, averaging 25 pts.He has 21 rebounds (10.5 per game).
Hawkinson sweeps aside Carlik Jones
Among the three World Cup hosts, Japan scored its first win by beating Finland (98-88) thanks to a double-double from Joshua Hawkinson (28 pts, 19 rbds). He recorded the highest rating of this early tournament (+44). He overtakes South Sudanese point guard Carlik Jones (+40). Lauri Markkanen (27 pts, 12 rbds, +25 rating) tried to bring the Finnish reply.
