Whether it was due to concern about pre-season preparation with a new NBA club, or for family issues, the pullouts have reduced team USA to another level, making their opponents confident and aware of victories over the two-time defending champions.

USA's overtime scare against Turkey in group stage has already made that clear as the two teams were separated by just one point. When a more balanced France stood in front, the United States failed to pave its way to the last four.

After losing its second straight match against Serbia in classifications, team USA was set to register a historical low in result at an international stage.

It felt like a cycle for the traditional basketball powerhouse, who began to build its dynasty from the 2008 Olympic Games, and ended it this year also in China.

A different scenario can be expected for the 2020 Olympic Games for the United States, as its stars will return to international duty. But the country's basketball officials won't forget about what happened during the World Cup preparation in setting up the pool for choosing the Olympics roster.

HUGE DISPARITY ON BASKETBALL MAP

In the World Cup, operating in a 32-team format for the first time, more chances have arrived for a broader range of teams, foreshowing surprises throughout the tournament.

Czech Republic finished sixth in its maiden appearance at the World Cup. Poland, returning to the competition after 52-year absence, reached the quarterfinals.

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