USA FIBA Team First Impression
The USA is renownedly known as the talent hub in the world of basketball, producing some of the biggest names in all of sports for generations. From Bird to MJ to LeBron, when people think of the game of basketball The United States stays tied to the conversation. But things are starting to change.
Look up at the NBA today and the league’s landscape is no longer dominated by Americans. Arguably now the best of the best players in the league are international players. In the past five years alone, the MVP award has been won by only international players. So to think that the USA will go and win the FIBA world cup with little to no trouble is a bit irrational. The USA will be tested time and time again during the coming weeks. And this team will need to continue to play as a team like they did against Puerto Rico if they want to win The FIBA Basketball World Cup.
USA vs Puerto Rico Takeaways
Team USA started a fraction flat on Monday night, but eventually found their wheels as they cruised past a well-coached Puerto Rico team, winning 117-74.
The two main things that stood out about the USA’s play were the way they played together and their defensive versatility.
USA: Playing as a Team
This is an extremely unselfish team.
There were very few moments during the contest where the ball came to rest. The ball constantly moved around, as the USA looked for the best available shot during each possession. This type of play from the Americans resulted in 29 assists, with Tyrese Haliburton leading the way with 12. This brand of basketball will need to continue as the USA will soon be playing exceedingly experienced teams.
Some teams they will compete against will have played together for over a decade. And with this USA team only getting a few weeks together before action. It is vital that they do not result to individual ball and continue to play as a team.
All in all the way they played in their first exhibition is very encouraging. They showed they can compact all of their talents together and play as a unit and be dangerous in doing so.
America’s Defensive Versatility
One through five in the United State’s starting lineup, the defensive ability is impeccable.
The defense starts with a scrappy defending guard in Jalen Brunson. And just over his two shoulders, the opposing team will find themselves in even deeper water. As Anthony Edwards and Mikal Bridges stand lurking. Both Edwards and Briges have an innate ability to pick off passing lanes. This helps one of the things the United States loves doing, getting out in transition.
And yes, the USA have even more havoc stored on the defensive side.
Look no further, but look a little higher as you will find 6-8 Brandon Ingram and 6-10 DPOY Jaren Jackson Jr. backing the US defense. Both Ingram and Jackson Jr. have wingspans that expand past 7-2.
Steve Kerr’s squad is able to do something on defense that most NBA coaches dream of.
Switch.
Every single player, except for Brunson in some cases, is able to guard every matchup on the floor. Bridges, Ingram, Edwards, and Jackson Jr. can switch in any situation. And they do not have to worry about battling through screens, to stay on their opponent.
If the USA can keep this level of defense up, this alone will take the USA far in The World Cup.
USA’s Depth on the Roster
And with a loaded starting lineup comes no lackluster bench for the USA.
With players like Haliburton, Cameron Johnson, Austin Reaves, and Paolo Banchero there is little to no drop when Kerr calls upon his reserves. Which will come in handy in a tournament, especially in the later stages.
Overall Thoughts
This team will make a deep run.
The number one reason is they can play together. It will be exciting to see how they continue to gel as a team during the coming weeks, as they will continue to gain experience playing other teams.
And if you’re looking to watch entertaining basketball in August, as the NBA season sits a couple of marathon months away. The USA FIBA World Cup basketball team has you covered.
