On the opening day of Day 3, two Africans distinguished themselves with their countries. They were Silvio De Sousa (Angola, 19 pts, 9 rbds, 2 assists) and Ehab Amin (Egypt, 22 pts, 6 rbds, 10 assists). However, the performance of Japanese Joshua Hawkinson (33 pts, +38 rating) should be noted.Guerschon Yabusele (18 pts) contributed to France’s success.
Ehab Amin gives Egypt its first victory
Having beaten the Philippines on Matchday 2, Angola were unable to follow up their win over the Dominican Republic at the 2023 World Basketball Championship. The Palancas Negras lost (75-67).This setback eliminates the Angolans, given that Italy dominated the Philippines (90-83). However, one player stood out against the Dominican Republic. That player was interior Silvio De Sousa (19 pts, 9 rbds, 2 assists). Capable of playing positions 4 (wing) and 5 (pivot), Sousa averages 11 pts, 6.3 rbds, 0.7 assists per game.
The player from Aris Thessaloniki (Greece) finished the game with a +24 rating. Silvio De Sousa has played in all Angolan categories.He joined the A squad in 2016 for the 2017 Men’s Afrobasket qualifiers.
Ehab Amin gives Egypt its 1st victory
The Egyptians saved their honor by winning their last game in Group D against Mexico (100-72). Anecdotal, as it is the first African selection to reach the 100 pts mark. Ehab Amin (22 pts, 6 rbds, 10 assists) was decisive in this victory. Al Ahly’s point guard had a +28 rating: 14 on shots (57.1%), 6 out of 7 on 2-pointers (85.7%), 2 out of 7 on 3-pointers (28.7%) and 4 out of 4 on free throws (100%).
At 28 years of age, he has made his mark with the Cairo-based club.His record of achievements is impressive: 3 league titles (2013, 2022, 2023), Egyptian Cup (2013, 2022, 2023), Egyptian League MVP (2013, 2022, 2023) and BAL 2023 winner.Egyptian inside Patrick Gardner (20 pts, 7 rbds, 3 assists, +24 rating) also contributed to the broad success.
Yabusele saves Les Bleus’ honor
Eliminated from the race, France beat Lebanon (85-79). Les Bleus end the group phase of the 2023 World Basketball Championship on a positive note. Guerschon Yabusele (18 pts, 3 rbds, 1 assist) in 29 minutes. The Dreux native scored a +25 rating. Yabusele was an Olympic and Eurobasket silver medallist with Les Bleus.The 27-year-old winger reacted in the mixed zone: “We had to react and go out with a win. It was important for us to lift our heads and show that we’re still a good team despite this elimination,” he told BeIN Sports. Guerschon Yabusele averages 13.3 pts, 2.3 rbds and 1 assist per game.
Joshua, the gunslinger samurai
Australia booked their place in the second round by dominating Japan (109-89). A double-double from Xavier Cooks (24 pts, 16 rbds) and Josh Giddey (26 pts, 11 assists) carried the Boomers through the match. This duo were matched by Joshua Hawkinson’s 33 pts.The Japanese shot the best performance of the day (+38) against Cooks’ 36.Joshua Hawkinson (70 pts) is the 2nd highest scorer of the tournament behind Luka Dončić (71 pts).
Canada continues its flawless record. It dominated Latvia (101-75) thanks to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (27 pts, 6 rbds, 6 assists).
