Format
- The teams were divided into four groups (Groups A-D) for the preliminary round.
- Round robin for the preliminary round; the top two teams from each group advanced to the quarterfinals. The last-placed team in each group was eliminated.
- A single-elimination tournament was then held; the quarterfinals pairings were:
- A1 vs. B2
- B1 vs. A2
- C1 vs. D2
- D1 vs. C2
- The semifinal pairings were A1/B2 vs. C1/D2 and B1/A2 vs. D1/C2. The semifinal winners qualified for the Olympics. No championship game was held.
- The semifinal losers played for the last Olympic qualifying berth.
Read more about this topic: FIBA World Olympic Qualifying Tournament 2008