Preview: 2014 men’s Wheelchair Basketball Worlds

Can the Australian men's team retain their world title at the 2014 World Wheelchair Basketball Championships in Incheon, Korea? 04 Jul 2014
Imagen
A picture of a man in a wheelchair playing basketball.

Justin Eveson of Australia shoots against Kyle Louw of South Africa.

ⒸGetty Images

With the gold medallists from London 2012 Canada not qualifying for the worlds for first time in history, Australia will certainly want to taste glory once more.

Paralympic silver medallists Australia will be looking to retain their men's world title as the 2014 World Wheelchair Basketball Championships get underway in Incheon, Korea, on 5 July.

With the gold medallists from London 2012 Canada not qualifying for the worlds for first time in history, Australia will certainly want to taste glory once more.

However, they will face stiff competition in this task, with Paralympic bronze medallists the USA undoubtedly fancying their chances, as well as European champions Great Britain.

Group D

In the quest to retain their title, Australia have been drawn against tough European opponents in group D.

They face Italy, who finished fourth at the last World Championships in 2010, Sweden, who narrowly missed out on bronze at the European Championships in 2010, and Germany, who finished sixth at the London 2012 Paralympic Games.

Australia will be boosted by the experience that their squad boasts. Eight players who featured in their silver medal winning side at London 2012 have been selected, including Tristan Knowles, Brad Ness and Justin Eveson, who together boast a total of 10 Paralympic appearances for Australia.

It is not an easy task for the Australians, but they are well-placed to progress.

Group A

In group A, European Champions Great Britain also have a tough task on their hands. They face Mexico, Argentina and South Korea.

Mexico are the side that caused the biggest shock in qualification, when they beat Canada at the 2013 Americas Cup on their way to a bronze medal.

In recent times, Mexico had failed to make a major impact on the sport, but this surprise victory certainly sent out a warning shot to their competitors that they are not to be underestimated.

Argentina’s story is also one to be marvelled, having qualified for the tournament for the first time in 20 years.

They also beat Canada on their route to the World Championships, a victory which their head coach Mingo Patrone has said will help them a lot coming into the tournament.

He said: “We’ve spent 20 years out of this major event and we have learnt a lot in that time.

“The team was well prepared to play in the Copa America Qualifying Tournament and to play the world’s best team, Canada, was a special motivation for us.

“For us to beat Canada, it no doubt served to increase our confidence and establish ourselves as a team.”

Group C

Elsewhere, in group C the USA have also found themselves in a tough group as they face Turkey - silver medallists at the European Championships in 2013 – Colombia and Algeria.

Group B

And in group B, Spain, who finished third at the European Championships, will face the Netherlands, Iran and Japan.

For more information on the tournament, or for the schedule and live results, visit the official website of the 2014 World Wheelchair Basketball Championships or watch the event live here.

Related Videos