The group stage of FIBA EuroBasket 2025 has concluded, leaving a trail of exhilarating performances, nail-biting finishes, and perhaps the tournament’s most talked-about development: the premature exit of the reigning champions, Spain. As the dust settles on the initial round of games, the path to the finals in Riga has become clearer, though certainly not easier, for the remaining contenders.
The Unthinkable: Spain’s Early Departure
In what can only be described as a seismic shockwave through European basketball, the defending champions, Spain, have been eliminated. After a challenging Group C campaign, coach Scariolo`s squad found themselves on the wrong side of crucial matchups, ultimately finishing fifth and failing to secure a spot in the knockout stage. Their defeat against a formidable Greece, led by the indomitable Giannis Antetokounmpo, proved to be the decisive blow. Antetokounmpo himself delivered a near-triple-double performance (25 points, 14 rebounds, and just one assist shy of the milestone), showcasing why he remains one of the sport`s most dominant forces. For Spain, a team synonymous with international basketball excellence, this early exit serves as a stark reminder that in competitive sports, past glory guarantees precisely nothing.
Group C Final Standings:
- Greece (4-1)
- Italy (4-1)
- Bosnia (3-2)
- Georgia (2-3)
- Spain (2-3) – **Eliminated**
- Cyprus (0-5) – Eliminated
Italy`s Gauntlet: A Date with Doncic
Meanwhile, for Italy, who admirably secured second place in Group C, the reward for their consistent performance is a truly Herculean task: a Round of 16 clash against Slovenia, spearheaded by none other than NBA superstar Luka Doncic. The Azzurri will face one of the tournament`s most electrifying talents, whose recent outing against Israel saw him drop a phenomenal 37 points, 11 rebounds, and 9 assists, nearly bagging a second triple-double of the tournament. It seems finishing second only served to put Italy directly in the path of a basketball supernova.
Slovenia clinched third place in Group D thanks to Doncic`s heroics, setting up what promises to be one of the most anticipated matchups of the Round of 16. Italy`s resilience and teamwork will be tested to their absolute limits against a Slovenian side that, despite any rumors of injuries, rides high on the individual brilliance of its leader.
Group D Final Standings:
- France (4-1)
- Poland (3-2)
- Slovenia (3-2)
- Israel (3-2)
- Belgium (2-3) – Eliminated
- Iceland (0-5) – Eliminated
Beyond the Headlines: Other Group Stage Highlights
While Spain`s departure and Italy`s formidable draw captured much of the attention, other nations also made their mark. France dominated Group D, effortlessly dispatching Iceland with eight players scoring in double figures. Bosnia and Georgia secured their spots in the knockout stage from Group C, with Bosnia`s Nurkic delivering a double-double and Georgia benefiting from Greece`s victory over Spain.
The group stage truly demonstrated the depth and competitive spirit across Europe, proving that on any given day, any team can deliver an upset or rise to the occasion. The stage is now perfectly set for a captivating knockout round.
The Road Ahead: Round of 16 Matchups (All games in Riga)
Basketball fans can look forward to a weekend of high-stakes action as the tournament progresses:
Saturday, September 6th:
- Turkey vs. Sweden
- Germany vs. Portugal
- Lithuania vs. Latvia
- Serbia vs. Finland
Sunday, September 7th:
- Italy vs. Slovenia
- Greece vs. Israel
- France vs. Georgia
- Poland vs. Bosnia
With the reigning champions unexpectedly out of contention, EuroBasket 2025 promises an even more unpredictable and thrilling ride. Every game from here on is a do-or-die affair, where legends are made, and new champions will emerge. Prepare for a spectacular showcase of European basketball talent.
