The absence of NBA stars Nikola Jokic and Giannis Antetokounmpo from the Fiba World Cup has obviously diminished some of the luster surrounding the staging of international basketball’s biggest stage in the Philippines.

That being said, there are still plenty of NBA cagers whose names may not be as big as “The Joker” or “The Greek Freak” but are still familiar to Filipino hoop fans eager to witness quality basketball for the next two weeks.

Here are some notable current NBA players who’ll be in the country for at least the group stage matches, and possibly the final rounds to conclude the chase for the Naismith Trophy.

JORDAN CLARKSON (Philippines)

The Utah Jazz star is expected to be perhaps the most popular among the collection of NBA talent in the Philippines, given his desire to help Gilas Pilipinas secure a Paris Olympics berth through the global cage spectacle.

As Gilas’ naturalized player, Jordan Clarkson is seen as someone who could carry Gilas to its desired goal with his NBA pedigree and capability to produce big numbers amid weight of expectations before passionate home supporters.

KARL-ANTHONY TOWNS (Dominican Republic)

Among those standing in Gilas Pilipinas’ way is the Minnesota Timberwolves who’ll be making his World Cup debut, but in the colors of the Caribbean nation.

Though born in New Jersey,  Karl-Anthony Towns has been representing the Dominican Republic since 2012 in youth tournaments. His late mother, Jacqueline Cruz, is from the Dominican. His inside presence and versatility will be a huge asset for the team seeking to get out Group A and spoil the same bid of Gilas.

SIMONE FONTECCHIO (Italy)

Clarkson’s Jazz teammate will also add another miserable World Cup result when Italy plays Gilas in Group A. Simone Fontecchio was coming off his maiden NBA season but has been a mainstay in leagues around Europe and the Italy national squad since 2011 as a U-16 member.

He was part of Italy’s campaign in the pandemic-delayed 2020 Tokyo Olympics, his performance eventually playing a part in him getting an NBA stint with Utah.

BOGDAN BOGDANOVIC (Serbia)

Nikola Jokic’s absence from the World Cup leaves Bogdan Bogdanovic with the most NBA experience among the Serbians who’ll vie for spots in the final 12.

The current Atlanta Hawks shooter will make his third World Cup appearance, part of a decorated national team career that includes silver medal finishes in the 2014 World Cup and 2016 Rio Olympics.

KYLE ANDERSON (China)

The Timberwolves player made headlines a few months ago when Kyle Anderson obtained Chinese citizenship to become eligible to represent the Asian powerhouse in the World Cup. Anderson’s mother is said to be half-Chinese.

Anderson is someone China hopes would be a huge help in its intention to move past the group stages and clinch the lone Olympic slot for Asia. The Chinese cagers failed to make the Tokyo Olympics after disappointing runs in the 2019 World Cup on home turf and the Olympic Qualifying Tournament.

THANASIS ANTETOKOUNMPO (Greece)

Giannis Antetokounmpo’s older brother is expected to play a big role for the Hellas seeking a deep run despite the absence of the Milwaukee Bucks superstar and two-time NBA Most Valuable Player.

Thanasis, who in recent years has become a key role player for the Bucks, will be making his World Cup debut after representing Greece in other Fiba tournaments such as the Eurobasket, Olympic Qualifying Tournament and the World Cup Qualifiers.

JONAS VALANCIUNAS (Lithuania)

The double-double expert of the New Orleans Pelicans is set for his third World Cup, this time hoping to lead Lithuania to glory.

With Jonas Valanciunas, known for being a rebound dynamo since his days with the Toronto Raptors and Memphis Grizzlies, playing alongside Azuolas Tubelis, another NBA player with the Philadelphia 76ers, Lithuania is favored to be among the two teams that will get out of Group D.

NIKOLA VUCEVIC (Montenegro)

Nikola Vucevic, the Chicago Bulls big man will pose a big challenge for Valanciunas in the paint once the two European nations figure in a match that could decide the group’s top team.

Vucevic will play a huge role for Montenegro, eyeing not only a landmark first World Cup win but also a spot in the second round.

ALL 12 PLAYERS OF TEAM USA

The World Cup could be a platform for Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards to emerge as someone whose stock will rise in years to come, as seen with the way he has played in the warm-up matches in Las Vegas, Spain and the United Arab Emirates.

New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson also had a solid performance in the exhibition games while Austin Reaves is expected to draw a huge following with his association to the Los Angeles Lakers, arguably the most popular team among Filipino cage fans.

The rest of the American roster are playing for either the Knicks (Josh Hart), Orlando Magic (Paolo Banchero), Brooklyn Nets (Mikal Bridges and Cam Johnson), Memphis Grizzlies (Jaren Jackson Jr.), New Orleans (Brandon Ingram), Utah (Walker Kessler), Milwaukee (Bobby Portis) and the Indiana Pacers (Tyrese Haliburton).

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