The Utah Jazz’s FIBA Five have completed their first-round games.
The five players from the Utah Jazz who went to the FIBA World Cup have now all completed their opening round of action. Three of the five men, Simone Fontecchio, Walker Kessler, and Kelly Olynyk have all advanced to the next round of action. The other two men, Lauri Markkanen and Jordan Clarkson are eliminated from competition but will still compete as well.
All five men will play at least another two games, with the three advancing still competing for the FIBA World Cup, and the other two competing for a post-tournament ranking.
So while we have a better idea of who’s going where and against whom, let’s see how the five players and their teams faired to close round one.
Simone Fontecchio – Italy defeats the Philippines (90-83)
31:23, 5/17, 3/11 three-point – 18 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist, BPM +1, EFF 12
– Simone Fontecchio continues to prove that he deserves more time in the Jazz’s lineup, as he helped carry the Italians, alongside Nicolo Melli, past the Philippines. Fontecchio had to take on his Jazz teammate Jordan Clarkson in a contest that seemed out of hand at the half. But the Philippines made it respectful and kept the lead to just seven as the final quarter expired. Fontecchio now has to keep the Italians going against Serbia and Puerto Rico.
Next Up:
- Sept. 1 – Serbia
- Sept. 3 – Puerto Rico
Kelly Olynyk – Canada defeats Latvia (101-75)
29:23, 5/13, 2/4 three point – 15 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, BPM +29, EFF 16
– Kelly Olynyk helped the Canadians make history in this tournament. Clearly, a powerhouse, this Canadian team has rolled everyone they’ve faced, and Olynyk’s Swiss army knife of skills has really contributed to this run. So much so that he and his fellow Canadians were to set a tournament record in Game 2 against the Lebanese, dishing out 44 assists, a single-game record for the tournament.
Next Up
- Sept. 1 – Brazil
- Sep. 3 – Spain
Walker Kessler – United States defeats Jordan (110-62)
11:54, 3/4 – 8 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist, 3 blocks, BPM +12, EFF 12
– It was a blowout, sure, but Walker Kessler finally played significant minutes against Jordan, racking up nearly 12 minutes. Team USA again continues to play well, and it seems to be someone new every night. Eventually, the US will have to face off with someone truly dominant, but that may not be until Round 3.
Next Up
- Montenegro – Sept. 1
- Lithuania Sept. 2
Lauri Markkanen – Finland loses to Germany (101-75)
22:30, 3/11, 0-6 three-point – 12 points, 2 rebounds, BPM – 23, EFF 6
– The Germans shut down Lauri Markkanen, who had his most disappointing game of the tournament. He’s better than this, and it looked very clear that the Finnish knew they were finished against the powerhouse Germans.
Next Up
- Aug. 31 – Cape Verde
- Sept. 2 – Venezuela
Jordan Clarkson – Philippines loses to Italy (90-83)
37:08 minutes, 8/20, 1/7 three-point – 23 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists, BPM – 1, EFF, 21
– Jordan Clarkson has been everything to the Philippines since joining the club, but sadly the team wasn’t good enough around him to help get a win in the opening round; let alone a shot at the FIBA World Cup title. Clarkson will try and get the Philippines a win in their next phase of competition.
Next Up:
- South Sudan – Aug 31
- China – Sept. 2