Erik Spoelstra, Filipino-American coach of the Miami Heat, during a basketball camp organized by USA Basketball. –ARNEL TACSON/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — With three days to go before the USA opener for the Fiba World Cup 2023, assistant coach Erik Spoelstra believes the team is ready for the competition.
Grouped with Jordan, New Zealand and Greece in Pool C, the USA Basketball 2023 Men’s National Team is complete, ready and willing to take on the challenge.
“We feel ready, but we also understand how challenging it is,” Spoelstra said at a basketball event hosted by USA Basketball in Taguig on Wednesday.
“They are the best countries in the world and it has truly become a global game. The game is now present in all regions of the world and its popularity is incredible. I am excited about our program.
Even though they haven’t secured the commitment of top talent like LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Anthony Davis and Kevin Durant, the Americans are still the team to beat with a rich roster.
Led by young Minnesota star Anthony Edwards, Team USA will have a star-studded backcourt with New York’s Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart, Indiana’s Tyrese Haliburton and Los Angeles Lakers’ Austin Reaves.
The Americans’ frontcourt will also be no joke with talents like Cam Johnson and Mikal Bridges of Brooklyn, Walker Kessler of Utah, Bobby Portis of Milwaukee, Brandon Ingram of New Orleans, Jaren Jackson Jr. of Memphis and Paolo Banchero from Orlando all at the forefront. .
Team USA will also have Coaching Roster champion Steve Kerr leading the way along with Spoelstra and Tyronn Lue, making the team tougher than expected.
Although he is technically the favorite, Spoelstra understands that the level playing field is always level with the amount of talent in each country.
“It (the World Cup) is a big challenge. we are up against countries that have been together for years. We’re trying to build a relatively young squad, which is exciting for this group,” the Miami Heat tactician said.
“Our group is very motivated and has a good spirit and the group understands that we have to do things together,” he added.
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