Team USA displayed impressive performances in the tune-up games and maintained an undefeated record of 5-0; now they will focus on carrying this momentum to the FIBA World Cup 2023. The team spent less than three weeks together, but still, their chemistry on the court was amazing. The tournament will begin on August 25, Friday. The American team is in group C and will be facing Greece, New Zealand, and Jordan. Their World Cup journey will begin with the opening match against New Zealand on August 26.
Team USA will enter the tournament as one of the favorites and will aim to take the prestigious FIBA World Cup home. However, there are several strong teams like Germany, Canada, and France, which will give them tough competition. But there are three reasons that Team USA can win the tournament.
Young Talent
Although Team USA doesn’t have its superstars as they are bowing out of the tournament, the team still boasts an assortment of top-tier NBA talent. With youngsters like Anthony Edward, Tyrese Halliburton, Austin Reaves, Jalen Brunson, and more, the team has potential in their roster. The critics have questioned the decision to bring rookie players to the tournament because none of the 12 players have previously played at the senior level for the country. However, the team has great depth and talent, which can pose a big threat to its opponents.
Star-studded coaching staff
With a talented roster, the team also boasts an all-star coaching lineup. Steve Kerr, head coach of the Golden State Warriors, is leading the group. With an NBA coaching career full of champions, the USA definitely has a mastermind. The coaching team is further strengthened by two other coaches with stacked resumes. Tyron Lue and Erik Spoelstra, from the LA Clippers and Miami Heat, respectively, have also joined Kerr as assistants. Another veteran coach, Mark Few, who has coached the Gonzaga Bulldogs for more than 25 years, will also be assisting Kerr.
Dominant Force
Team USA put on a stellar performance in the tune-up games of the FIBA World Cup and showed great coordination with each other. In the last match, they faced Puerto Rico and pulled off a comfortable 117-74 win. They dominated and won against tough teams like Spain and Slovenia as well. The toughest challenge in front of them was Germany. The USA overcame this 16-point deficit in the second half and mounted an impressive comeback. The team won the match 99-91 and posted a 5-0 record.
Also Read:- List of 10 must-watch games in early NBA 2023-24 season
