Dmitry Planidin

(Phantom Designs/Def Pen Sports) It has never been an easy task to manage a professional basketball franchise in the state of North Carolina for obvious reasons. The states college teams are more well-known around the globe, and that is not an exaggeration. Whether we are talking about the Charlotte Hornets or Bobcats, the NBA franchise has been struggling to find star power, playoff success, and basic continuity for decades now.

Spain takes home the gold at the 2019 FIBA World Cup, with Phoenix Suns point guard Ricky Rubio (left) claiming tournament MVP. (Aiden Lising/Def Pen Sports) Spain has defeated Argentina in a much-anticipated 2019 FIBA World Cup final, 95-75, to become two-time World champions. Ricky Rubio was named the final game MVP. The Phoenix Suns guard tallied 20 points, seven rebounds, and three assists on 6-for-11 shooting from the field.

Reigning NBA Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert anchors a French team that highlights groups E and F of the 2019 FIBA World Cup. (Aiden Lising/Def Pen Sports) The 2019 World Cup is just hours away now. 32 top national teams are set to determine the best basketball nation in the world. The spectacle starts on August 31st with only two teams staying alive to battle for the title on September 15th. Every contender should go through two group stages.