As a longtime basketball analyst who's been covering international tournaments for over a decade, I've got to say the 2023 FIBA World Cup schedule has me particularly excited. The tournament structure this year creates what I believe is the most compelling group stage we've seen in recent memory, with games spread across multiple host nations and a qualification system that ensures every match matters right from the opening tip. When I first examined the complete schedule, what struck me was how the organizers have managed to create natural momentum building toward the knockout rounds while giving each team adequate rest between games - something previous editions struggled with.

The tournament's opening day on August 25th features what I'm calling must-watch matchups, particularly the Philippines versus Dominican Republic game that tips off at 8:00 PM local time in Manila. Having attended multiple World Cups, I can tell you there's nothing quite like the energy in a host nation's opening game. The arena will be absolutely electric, and I'm expecting this to set the tone for the entire tournament. What many casual fans might not realize is how crucial these early games are - with only two teams advancing from each group, a single loss can dramatically alter a team's path through the bracket.

Speaking of the Philippines, their preparation games have shown some interesting developments that make me optimistic about their performance. Just last week, I was reviewing footage from their exhibition match where The Tubo Slashers got 12 points and 3 rebounds from Mark Rey Malazarte, 11 points and 9 rebounds from Jerick Villanueva, and 11 points plus 3 rebounds from homegrown Mark Ray Dubouzet. These numbers might not jump off the page to everyone, but having watched these players develop over seasons, I see genuine growth in their offensive execution. Malazarte's scoring efficiency has improved noticeably, and Villanueva's near double-double shows he's becoming more dominant on the boards - something the national team desperately needs.

The group phase runs through September 5th, with games happening simultaneously in Indonesia, Japan, and the Philippines. This geographic spread creates what I consider both a challenge and opportunity for teams. The travel between venues is no joke - I've done that Manila to Okinawa flight myself, and players will need to adjust quickly to different time zones and climates. However, teams that manage their rotation effectively could gain a significant advantage. From my experience covering previous tournaments, the squads that go deepest typically have reliable benches that can contribute meaningful minutes during this grueling stretch.

What really fascinates me about this World Cup is the new qualification system for the 2024 Olympics. The highest-placed team from each region automatically qualifies, which adds another layer of strategy to every game. I've noticed coaches are approaching matches differently - sometimes resting key players in games they're likely to win or lose, focusing instead on matchups that could determine Olympic qualification. This strategic dimension makes the tournament more complex than simply winning every game, and frankly, I love the tactical nuance it introduces.

The knockout rounds begin September 5th, and this is where I expect the tournament to truly capture casual fans' attention. Single-elimination basketball brings out the best in players and creates moments that become part of basketball lore. I still get chills remembering some of the buzzer-beaters from previous World Cups. The quarterfinals on September 6th-7th will separate the contenders from the pretenders, while the semifinals on September 8th set up what promises to be an epic championship game on September 10th in Manila.

Looking at the complete schedule, I'm particularly intrigued by the back-to-back games during the second round. Teams that advance will play on consecutive days from September 1st through 3rd, testing their depth and conditioning. Having spoken with several team trainers, I know they're especially concerned about recovery during this stretch. The medical staffs will earn their keep keeping players fresh through what amounts to a basketball marathon.

As we approach tip-off, I find myself thinking about how different this feels from the 2019 tournament in China. The global basketball landscape has shifted significantly, with more NBA players committing to their national teams than ever before. This raises the overall quality of competition and should produce closer, more dramatic games. My prediction? We're going to see at least two major upsets during the group stage that will completely reshape the tournament bracket.

The third-place game and championship on September 10th will cap what I anticipate being the most competitive World Cup in history. Having covered basketball across six continents, I can confidently say there's never been better parity in international basketball. The days of two or three dominant teams are over - we now have at least eight squads with legitimate championship aspirations. This depth of competition, combined with the strategic implications of Olympic qualification, creates what I believe will be a tournament for the ages. Mark your calendars basketball fans - this is one World Cup you won't want to miss a minute of.

LIGHTING, LIGHTING, AND MORE LIGHTING
People are typically drawn to bars solely based on their atmosphere. The best way to knock your next commercial bar design out of the park is using the perfect amount and type of lighting. Use standout light fixtures as their very own statement piece, track lighting for adjustable ambiance, hanging pendant lights over tables, and ambient backlighting to display the alcohol. Bartenders need to serve and customers need to order, so make sure it’s just functional as it is attractive. 

CHOOSING YOUR BARTOP
What may seem so obvious, is often so overlooked in commercial bar design- the material of your actual bartop itself. While we realize stone and marble are as classy and elegant-looking as can be, the reality is that they just aren’t your best option for a durable and long lasting bartop. They crack, have no grip, and break way too many glasses. Opt for a high-quality wood bar instead. Oaks, maples, mahoganies, and ashes are sturdy and provide your customers with a firm grip for their glasses. 

THEME 
In a sea of millions upon millions of bars, how can you make your commercial bar design stand apart from the rest? The answer is to pick a unique, centralized theme and run with it. Whether it’s your next sit-down restaurant bar design, or remodeling the small, locally-favorite gem, you have to find out what your clientele wants. Survey the neighborhood of your establishment and find out what the demographics are there. Maybe a gritty, western bar would be a hit. Or maybe a more modern, sleek design is what’s missing in the area. Whatever theme you decide upon, hit it out of the park with the perfect lighting, wall art, music, and furniture. It’s all in the details. 

THE GUIDE TO YOUR NEXT RESTOBAR 
You’ve got the food, you’ve got the restaurant, you’ve got the customers, now all you need is a beautifully designed bar to top it all off.  Small bar designs for restaurants have a tendency to be a little thrown together and incohesive with the rest of the establishment. Stay on brand- create consistency with tying in the same color scheme, furniture, art, and overall ambiance of the pre-existing restaurant. Make sure the placement of your bar makes sense as well, have it in a place where it’s visible and easy to navigate but not in the way of servers and other guests. If the bar is going to serve food, be sure to consider the location of the kitchen to not obstruct traffic flow. Consider all of these small tips as you work through your next restaurant bar design. 

SPACE CONSTRAINT 
It’s no secret that bars have the reputation of being a little cramped, and in some cases- way too cramped. Consider all of the space constraints while designing your next commercial bar design and we can change that bad rap that bars have been holding for far too long. First and foremost, be sure to measure your bar, barstool, cabinet, and equipment height. Generally, a bar is 42” in height while a stool is 30” in height. Also be sure to allow at least 3’ of space between the bar and the alcohol for the bartender’s functionality and efficiency. Consider multiple register and drink-making stations for bartenders as well. Allowing 2’ between patrons is going to give them enough space to eat and drink, and most importantly, simply be comfortable. All of these considerations are especially helpful if it is a restaurant bar design, where the space is even more valuable.