China craving World Cup breakthrough

Host's hopes rise as draw ceremony ups anticipation

China has urged its young guns to play their part in making this year's FIBA World Cup a tournament to remember after the host nation discovered its group-stage opponents over the weekend.

Saturday's star-studded draw ceremony at Shenzhen Bay Arena, where the 32 teams were assigned to eight groups, heightened anticipation levels for the event, which will be staged from Aug 31-Sept 15 in eight Chinese cities.