That’s what stood out about the USA Basketball World Cup roster — none of the players had high-level international experience.
Grant Hill, CEO of the USA Men’s National Basketball Team, was impressed and said this won’t be the last international tournament. Many of these players – we expect to see a lot of them at the Paris Olympics next summer. Here is what Hill he told Sports 24’s Harris Stavro (A tip of the hat to Basketnews).
“I would say we’re in a transition phase in our program, we’re going to see a lot of these guys next summer as well,” Hill said. “They’re not in their prime yet, but they’re very hungry and they want to be here. And they’re really good…
Many of the top players around the world, those hoping to make a deep playoff run (or just make the knockout stages), felt they had to choose between playing in this year’s World Cup or next year’s Paris Olympics. Paris grew up victorious. Nikola Jokic (Serbia) And Jamal Mori (Canada) were prime examples of players sitting out this year after the playoffs, but potential American stars such as Stephen Curry, Jayson Tatum, Kevin Durant, Joel Embiid (USA or France), among others, could throw their hat into the ring next year.
Grant will face Hill with difficult decisions.
Jaren Jackson Jr The best defensive player of the year is him His U.S. teammates voted him the most influential player in training camp. Jalen Brunson has been a leader on the floor at that point, Anthony Edwards has been a leading scorer and a force on the wing. Tyrese Halliburton It ignited the second unit. Brandon Ingram Fits well in the quarterback role (which Durant did for Team USA in Tokyo). Then there are guys who have just played well like Austin Reeves, Cameron Johnson, Mikal bridges, Paolo BancheroAnd Bobby Portis. Who will be shortchanged for the bigger names (and in some cases, talent) if this USA team strikes gold at this World Cup?
This is a good problem for Hill and the United States. But it can lead to stress.