Basketball: United States top list of title favourites

THE BIG BOYS

United States $2
As they would say, the Yanks are the winningest team in championship history and it's no surprise they are the bookies' favourites. They took out the first two titles, in 1979 and 1983, before eventually being dethroned in 1987 - pipped in the final by Yugoslavia. Four years later they were back on top but 1991 would prove to be their last title. This team looks as strong as ever, opening with a convincing 106-55 victory over Asian champions Iran yesterday. With no other heavyweights in their group, they should coast through the early rounds.

Greece $4.50
One of four former champions in the tournament - their lone title came in 1995 - the European champions are a serious title threat. With their squad unchanged from that which claimed the European title, it would be a major shock if they failed to at least reach the semifinals. While they opened their campaign against improving Angola last night, the marquee match of the opening phase takes place tomorrow night at ASB Stadium when they face the Lithuanians in a rematch of the European final. Both should get out of the group comfortably but the winner tomorrow night will get an easier crossover in the second group phase.

Australia $8.50
The form team at this level in recent years, Australia have finished no worse than fifth in the four tournaments since 1995. Runners-up in 1995, they claimed their only title in 2003. Qualified out of the weak Oceania region - as they have done in all other previous tournaments - but served notice of their ability with a 20-point whipping of Greece in a recent warm-up match. A tough first-up encounter with Canada yesterday will have provided another guide to their title credentials. The toughest pool, Group C also includes Spain, with Syria the team likely to drop out.

THE DARK HORSES

Argentina $10
The top-ranked nation at senior men's level, Argentina boasts over 130,000 registered male players. Winners of the first ever world championships in 1950, the South American powerhouse claimed the 2004 Olympic title. Now a regular supplier of talent to the NBA, four of the country's senior squad now play in the world's toughest league. Some of this junior squad are likely to follow, while others such as point guard Nicolas Laprovittola are already seasoned pros. Opened last night against the Junior Tall Blacks and should comfortably top a group that also includes minnows Kazakhstan and another potential dark horse, Croatia.

Puerto Rico
Unfancied at the start of the tournament, the Puerto Ricans earned their place thanks to a fourth-placed finish in the Americas last year. But they turned their billing as likely also-rans on its head yesterday, overcoming a 17-point first quarter deficit to sink Lithuania 80-73 to notch the tournament's first upset. Small forward Kevin Young turned in the first outstanding individual performance, posting game highs in points (20) rebounds (12) and steals (5).