Olympic Qualifying Tournaments Preview: Slovenia vs Greece. Who will reach the Olympics?

8 teams have qualified for the 2024 Olympic Games, what will be the other 4 national selections taking part in basketball's most prestigious tournament? Here's a look at the various qualifying tournaments (TQO) taking place in a few days' time, and after Spain and Latvia, we're off to Greece.

Who will win the third ticket to the Olympics?

In Group A, we find Croatia. Croatia qualified for this tournament by winning the second Olympic pre-qualification tournament in the European zone, beating Turkey in the final. No longer the powerhouse they once were, as their absence from the last two World Cups and the last Olympic Games illustrates, but this is a nation not to be underestimated. With a trio of Dario Šarić, Ivica Zubac and Mario Hezonja, who has just been named to the All-EuroLeague Second Team, Croatia is capable of springing a surprise.

After a 22nd-place finish at the World Cup, New Zealand qualified as the highest-ranked eligible team in the Asia-Oceania zone. Absent from the Olympic Games since their last appearance in 2004, New Zealand is a regular presence at the World Cup and is not afraid of the big names. However, the bronze medallists at the last Asia Cup will have to hope that Shea Ili, the NBL's best defender, outdoes himself to even get out of a very complicated Group A.

The semi-finalists of the last Olympic Games must now win 4 games to qualify for the tournament again. Slovenia finished 7th at the last World Cup, buoyed by a sparkling Luka Dončić, named in the tournament's top 5. The team will once again be able to count on him, and will need him to work his magic in a tournament where they are among the two favorites to win.

The highest-ranked eligible African team, Egypt finished 20th at the World Cup and qualified for this tournament. The Pharaohs haven't qualified for the Olympics since 1988, but after two World Cups in three editions, something that hasn't happened since the 90s, the Arab nation is aiming to return to international basketball's most prestigious stage. However, it will be hard to believe that they can get out of their group, even if Ehab Amin, two-time MVP of the Egyptian league and recently named to the All-BAL Second Team, and Anas Mahmoud, former MVP of the Egyptian league, outdo themselves.

At the last World Cup, Greece had to play without their star player, Giannis Antetokounmpo. The team was valiant, but had to settle for 15th place. Now, the Greek Freak is back, and looking forward to returning to the Olympics after their last appearance in 2008. He will also be able to count on Thomas Walkup, EuroLeague's best defender and best Greek player in his absence at the last tournament. Along with Slovenia, Greece are undoubtedly among the favorites for this tournament.

The Dominican Republic had their best World Cup ever last summer, finishing a satisfactory 14th. Now, the golden generation is hoping to finally qualify for the Olympic Games for the first time in the nation's history. Karl-Anthony Towns was the star, as expected, at the last World Cup, but Andres Feliz was also very good for his team. What's more, the duo should be ed by Al Horford, who has finally won his first NBA title and is making his comeback after a 12-year absence. All in all, this is a dangerous team that would be just as deserving of qualifying for the Olympics.

Predictions

In a tournament with so much talent, it's hard to be certain about predictions. Nevertheless, Slovenia and Croatia should emerge from Group A, while Greece and the Dominican Republic are expected to reach the semi-finals on the other side. Slovenia should then be able to beat the Dominican Republic, while Greece should be able to defeat Croatia.

The final promises to be a match of anthology, and although Greece should be very dangerous in front of their home crowd, Slovenia have already managed to win on hostile soil to qualify for 2021. I'm expecting a repeat of this scenario, and for Slovenia to win and turn the Piraeus’ lights out.

The winner of this tournament will Group A, along with Canada, Australia and the winner of the tournament in Spain. A group that promises to be enticing to say the least.