The Philippines’ co-host for the 2023 FIBA World Cup Japan will have to go through the wringer to advance to the knockout stages of the tournament.
The Akatsuki Five drew 2021 Tokyo Olympics bronze medalist Australia, world No. 11 Germany, and No. 24 Finland.
Australia has a bevy of NBA players, including Patty Mills, Josh Giddey, Joe Ingles, and Dyson Daniels.
The two nations were groupmates during the Asian Qualifiers with Australia defeating Japan, 80-64, on February 27 and 98-52, on July 1.
Meanwhile, Germany is led by Dennis Schroder, along with Daniel Theis, Maxi Kleber, and the Wagner bros, Franz and Mo.
It is still unsure if Lauri Markkanen will play for Finland as he is undergoing military service.
In Group F, Luka Doncic and Slovenia will have a relatively light group as they are slotted with Georgia, Venezuela, and Cape Verde.
Groups E and F will be played at Okinawa Arena.
Canada, on the other hand, will be tested at Indonesia Arena as it was slotted with France, Latvia, and Lebanon in Group H.
Group G is headlined by defending champion Spain.
They are grouped with Brazil, Iran, and Côte d’Ivoire.
