2014 FIBA World Cup: Big Ten Players In The 2014 FIBA World Cup

Though the FIBA World Cup pales in comparison to both the FIFA World Cup and the Summer Olympics, it's still an exciting and interesting event.  With many of the top NBA players sitting out like Kevin Durant and LeBron James, more roster spots become available, which means you get to watch many different players compete.  With this in mind, let's take a look at some of the Big Ten players that will be playing in the FIBA World Cup this year.

Just a few thoughts before we dive in the list.  First, remember that due to the unequal playing field in international basketball, making a FIBA roster often has more to do with being born in a underperforming country than actually having to do with quality of play.  A good example is a player like Trey Burke.  Burke was drafted in the 1st Round of the 2013 NBA Draft and made the Team USA Select Team this year.  Burke did not make the Team USA roster this year, but if he had been born in a different country, there's probably a good chance he makes their team.  Obviously, this is a flawed comparison and who knows what would happen if these players grew up somewhere else, but it's just something to keep in mind as you look at total player numbers.

The other thing to keep in mind is that by the 2018 FIBA World Cup, you will probably see these numbers grow.  Not only has the Big Ten been dominating college basketball the last few years, but the conference has been putting a lot of pro talent into the NBA, which is a good sign for making these type of teams.

With no further delay, here are the Big Ten players in the 2014 FIBA World Cup.

Big Ten Players In The 2014 FIBA World Cup

New Zealand

• Kirk Penney - Wisconsin
• Tai Webster - Nebraska

Puerto Rico

• Jorge Diaz - Nebraska

Senegal

• Hamady N'Diaye - Rutgers