Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 24) — The United States National Men’s Basketball Team (Team USA) said it is focused on growing every game as it seeks to regain the FIBA World Cup championship. Team USA is looking for redemption in the 2023 edition in Manila, following a seventh-place finish in 2019.
USA Basketball head coach Steve Kerr said they have a \”young but hungry team\” that is ready to take on the challenge. The squad is led by NBA rising stars Anthony Edwards, Jalen Brunson, and Anthony Reaves.
“We wanted guys who we felt could be a team in a short period of time. We have a great feel, players with great feel on this team. They’re connected, they can all pass,” Kerr said at the team intro press conference on Thursday.
USA Basketball team captain Jalen Brunson said they are all willing \”to leave their egos\” at the door to achieve their common goal of winning.
“We have one common goal which is to win. And so when it comes to roles and doing things like that, we have figured a way to understand what the team needs that time,” he said.
Team USA swept its tune-up games before the international basketball showcase, even beating Group C opponent Greece in Abu Dhabi. Kerr says the exhibition games helped them familiarize with other teams and get a feel of FIBA rules.
The champion NBA mentor said they are focusing on gearing up for their opening game on Sunday against New Zealand. Preparation is key to beating the Tall Blacks, Kerr added.
“We’re getting ready for them. We’ve got great respect for them. We know they’re well coached and they’re gonna play really hard,” he said.
Kerr admitted FIBA tournaments are different from the NBA, but he said they are ready to give it their all on the court.
“We’re gonna compete, we’re gonna play as hard as we can. We’re gonna try to win a gold medal. If we don’t, we understand there’s gonna be plenty of criticism and we’re okay with that,” he added.
New Zealand acknowledges they have a tall order against them as they open their seventh appearance against Team USA. But they are looking forward to show the quality and growth of the Tall Blacks.
Joining Team USA and New Zealand in Group C is Greece, minus NBA champion Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Jordan, which is fielding former NBA star Rondae Hollis-Jefferson as its naturalized player.
