(L-R) Austin Reaves #15, Walker Kessler #14, Jaren Jackson Jr. #13, Josh Hart #12, Jalen Brunson #11, Anthony Edwards #10, Bobby Portis #9, Paolo Banchero #8, Brandon Ingram #7, Cam Johnson #6, Mikal Bridges #5 and Tyrese Haliburton #4 of the US stand on the court docket earlier than a 2023 FIBA World Cup exhibition sport. Ethan Miller/Getty Pictures/AFP
MANILA, Philippines — Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas president Al Panlilio admitted that they might have wished a ‘Tier 1″ Staff USA within the nation’s internet hosting of the Fiba World Cup 2023 however he believes that the Individuals are nonetheless the staff to beat.
For Panlilio, even when the present United States staff wasn’t as star-studded as its earlier squads, it stays nonetheless a pressure to be reckoned with within the race for the Naismith Trophy.
“Initially, we wished a Tier 1 [USA] staff. However in case you take a look at the lineup, it’s a fairly formidable staff. I don’t know whether or not you’ve been seeing their previous couple of video games. I simply noticed the highlights with Slovenia and Spain. It’s a fairly robust staff,” mentioned the SBP chief throughout the Philippine Sportswriters Affiliation (PSA) Discussion board on Tuesday.
Staff USA, led by Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards, not too long ago took down the Luka Doncic-led Slovenia and World Cup defending champion Spain in friendlies.
USA TEAM TO BEAT
United States head coach Steve Kerr, fourth from left, speaks with assistant coach Erik Spoelstra, third from left, throughout the first half of an exhibition basketball sport towards Puerto Rico, Monday, Aug. 7, 2023, in Las Vegas. (AP Picture/John Locher)
Apart from Edwards, his fellow NBA All-Stars Brandon Ingram, Tyrese Haliburton, and Jaren Jackson Jr. in addition to rising stars Austin Reaves, Jalen Brunson, Paolo Banchero, Mikal Bridges, Bobby Portis Jr., Walker Kessler, Josh Hart, and Cam Johnson are flying the flag for the Individuals.
Panlilio believes the USA stays the favourite to win all of it below the steering of NBA coaches Steve Kerr, who’s a four-time champion tactician of the Golden State Warriors, and his Filipino-American assistant Erik Spoelstra of the Miami Warmth.
“I feel it’s additionally due to two individuals. Steve Kerr and Erik Spoelstra. So in case you see, grabe yung USA staff. They’re not possibly your veteran superstars, however these are upcoming, highly-contracted NBA gamers, high-quality gamers, and with the teaching of Steve and Erik Spoelstra, the USA staff is the staff to beat,” he mentioned.
The US is slated in Group C with Greece, New Zealand, and Jordan at Mall of Asia Enviornment.
USA missed Jayson Tatum, Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, Damian Lillard, and Khris Middleton, who performed within the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. The Philippines’ internet hosting additionally noticed the pullout of two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo for Greece attributable to a knee damage in addition to 2023 NBA champion and Finals MVP Nikola Jokic, who gained’t play for Serbia.
Serbia will play at Good Araneta Coliseum in Group B with South Sudan, China, and Puerto Rico.
Your subscription couldn’t be saved. Please strive once more.
Your subscription has been profitable.
Learn Subsequent
Do not miss out on the newest information and knowledge.
Subscribe to INQUIRER PLUS to get entry to The Philippine Every day Inquirer & different 70+ titles, share as much as 5 devices, take heed to the information, obtain as early as 4am & share articles on social media. Name 896 6000.
For suggestions, complaints, or inquiries, contact us.