Iceland men's national basketball team

On 28 August 2014, Iceland qualified for the EuroBasket 2015, entering the finals of the top European competition for the first time in its history. The national team though didn't fare too well in their maiden voyage at the EuroBasket. Finishing (0-5) in their Group B pool, played in Berlin with defeats at the hands of Germany, Italy, Serbia, Spain, and Turkey. Overall it was a memorable moment for Iceland, where they finally achieved the feat of competing at a major international tournament, after numerous failed qualifications in the past.[2]

On 17 September 2016, Iceland repeated their success and qualified to the continental tournament once again. The national team finished its qualification group as the runners-up behind Belgium, and above Cyprus and Switzerland, with four wins and two losses.[3][4][5]

As in the previous edition though, Iceland finished their participation with five loses in five matches played in their Group A pool in Helsinki.[6]

After failing to qualify for the 2019 FIBA World Cup,[7] Iceland turned the page toward EuroBasket 2021. To attempt to qualify for three consecutive EuroBasket appearances, Iceland was placed into Group C to begin their pre-qualifying campaign, which began with two straight loses to Portugal, and Belgium. Although the national team would pick up their first win in their third game, a rematch with Portugal at home in Reykjavík. In their final match of group play the team fell to Belgium, and would have to survive the final window of pre-qualifiers if they were to advance.

For the final phase of pre-qualifiers, Iceland was placed into Group H, alongside Portugal once again, and Switzerland. The national team opened up group play with a tough loss on the road against Portugal 80–79. Looking to even their record at (1-1), Iceland was at home against Switzerland. The match stayed close throughout until Martin Hermannsson's heroics showed up late in the fourth quarter for Iceland; where his jumpshot in the final seconds gave the home side an momentous 83–82 victory.[8] Heading into their next match the national team looked to capitalize on their last win. They did so in thorough fashion, dismantling Portugal 96–68 to set up one last show down with the Swiss.[9]

Heading into the final match day with a place in the qualifiers on the line, Iceland needed to defeat Switzerland on the road in an hostile environment. The specifics for Iceland was clear, either win to clinch a spot, or avoid losing by 18 or more points. Unfortunately, the unthinkable happened. As the national team not only lost to Switzerland, but failed to cover the point difference needed to advance. Losing 109–85, eliminating any chance for Iceland to reach the finals for the third straight time.[10]

Roster for the 2023 FIBA World Cup Qualifiers matches on 23 and 26 February 2023 against Spain and Georgia.[11]

Iceland men's national basketball team roster
Players	Coaches
Pos. No. Name Age – Date of birth Height Club Ctr. PG 3 Ægir Steinarsson 31 – (1991-05-10)10 May 1991 1.83 m (6 ft 0 in) Alicante PG 5 Hilmar Smári Henningsson 22 – (2000-09-03)3 September 2000 1.96 m (6 ft 5 in) Haukar C 8 Hlynur Bæringsson 40 – (1982-07-06)6 July 1982 2.00 m (6 ft 7 in) Stjarnan G/F 9 Þórir Þorbjarnarson 24 – (1998-05-26)26 May 1998 1.98 m (6 ft 6 in) Oviedo PG 10 Elvar Már Friðriksson 28 – (1994-11-11)11 November 1994 1.83 m (6 ft 0 in) Rytas G 12 Kári Jónsson 25 – (1997-08-27)27 August 1997 1.90 m (6 ft 3 in) Valur G 14 Kristinn Pálsson 25 – (1997-12-17)17 December 1997 1.97 m (6 ft 6 in) Leeuwarden C 17 Ragnar Nathanaelsson 31 – (1991-08-27)27 August 1991 2.18 m (7 ft 2 in) Hamar F 23 Hjálmar Stefánsson 27 – (1996-01-05)5 January 1996 1.99 m (6 ft 6 in) Valur G 30 Jón Axel Guðmundsson 26 – (1996-10-27)27 October 1996 1.96 m (6 ft 5 in) Pesaro C 32 Tryggvi Hlinason 25 – (1997-10-28)28 October 1997 2.16 m (7 ft 1 in) Zaragoza F 34 Styrmir Snær Þrastarson 21 – (2001-08-02)2 August 2001 2.00 m (6 ft 7 in) Þór Þorlákshöfn PG 66 Sigtryggur Arnar Björnsson 29 – (1993-03-07)7 March 1993 1.84 m (6 ft 0 in) Tindastóll	Head coach Craig Pedersen Assistant coach(es) Baldur Þór Ragnarsson Hjalti Þór Vilhjálmsson Legend (C) Team captain Club – describes last club before the competition Age – describes age on 23 February 2023

• Players in bold are still active.