The Paris Olympics are right around the corner. Team USA, on the other hand, is in the middle of its exhibition games, traveling around the world and gearing up. While the States have always been fierce competitors, some teams needed to get past the Olympic Qualifying Tournament. This year, 24 teams participated in the 4 OQTs held across Europe and also in Puerto Rico.

Each OQT comprised of 6 teams divided into groups of 3. From then on, the top two teams from each group qualified for the semi-finals and ultimately the Finals of the particular OQT. And just like that, one team hailed from each OQT to clinch the Olympic berth.

Greece recently made its comeback after 16 years! So, the Final 12 that will be traveling to Paris are divided into 3 groups. Each group consists of 4 teams, and this first stage will be in a round-robin format. Here is the list of groups and teams:

Now, for some, it may be confusing how the Final 8 will rank for the Quarter-Finals. The format followed is the same for men’s and women’s basketball. The Top 2 from each group and the two best 3rd-place teams will prevail.

Following this, the Top 8 will be placed in 4 Pots namely D, E, F, and G.

But how are the teams ranked in these Pots for the Quarter-Final draw?

According to FIBA’s rules under Chapter D- Classification of Teams, the win-loss record, classification points based on wins and losses, game points (which is the ratio of total points scored in the tournament and total points scored by opponent), and game point difference are all taken into consideration.

After this extensive ranking process, the Final phase of the tournament has a unique format. Though the rules include a restriction.

2024 Paris Olympics- Basketball Final Phase: Rules and Format

Teams from the same group in the Group Phase won’t face each other in the Quarter-Final. If such instances do occur, the said teams will play different opponents. Once all the Pots are in place, the teams in Pot D will face those in Pot G for the Quarter-Final (D1 vs. G1). Similarly, D2 vs. G2.

Pots E and F will follow the same process. This will result in 4 teams qualifying for the Semi-Finals. However, before heading into them, yet another rule comes into play. While this may be sort of a restriction, it only ensures the best competition. Teams in Pot D cannot face each other in the Semi-Finals.

The winner of D1 vs. G1 will play the winner of F1 vs. E1 in the Semi-Finals. D2 vs. G2, E2 vs. F2, will follow the same format. In short, this Olympic basketball tournament will only feature the most competitive and nail-biting games this year.

The playoffs will begin on August 6th starting with the Quarter-Finals. Then, the Semi-Finals will tip off on August 8th.

Group A seems to be the most competitive out of all. Not only that, but Group B has some of the most talented teams. It will be interesting to see this year’s basketball edition in Paris, not only because of the stacked Team USA, but also because the competition around them is ready to punch back with the same force.

What are your thoughts on this year’s format? Who are you rooting for in the Paris Olympics? Let us know in the comments below.

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