BARCELONA, Spain – Finland has received a wild card into the World Cup of Basketball, along with traditional contenders Brazil, Greece and Turkey.
FIBA, basketball's governing body, announced the decisions Saturday to complete the 24-team field for this summer's tournament in Spain. The draw will be held Monday.
Greece is ranked fifth in the world and the only team to beat the U.S. since Mike Krzyzewski became coach in 2005. Turkey is ranked seventh and was the runner-up to the Americans in the 2010 world championship. Brazil, which will host the 2016 Olympics, is No. 10.
Finland is only 39th, but FIBA secretary general Patrick Baumann cited the Finns' four victories over top-15 teams at the 2013 European championships and their strong fan support in awarding them a spot.
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