The FIBA World Cup is a few weeks away and the teams are gradually gearing up for the showpiece event. It is no different for Team USA, as the youngsters are super excited to represent their nation on the biggest stage of international basketball.
First-timers like Josh Hart and Austin Reaves had an unforgettable experience when they put on their USA jerseys for the first time.
Josh Hart, who features for the New York Knicks, will don the USA jersey for the first time despite being in the NBA for six years now. The team expects him to bring his hustle to the court especially by stretching the floor and collecting rebounds against international opponents. However, it was a dream come true for Hart when he saw his name on the back of the jersey.
“That’s fire, man. It’s like a dream, having your name on the back of a USA jersey,” says Josh Hart.
Meanwhile, Reaves earned his spot after splendid performances for the Los Angles Lakers in the playoffs last season. He was one of the primary reasons why the Lakers reached the West Conference finals. From being an undrafted talent to representing the USA is a big thing for the youngster who also got his ideal number 15 on the back. “This is great,” says Reaves. “Couldn’t get off 15.”
Some of the other USA stars like Thyrese Haliburton have represented the USA earlier in the. The Indiana Pacers’ superstar was also a part of the Under-19 USA team that won a gold medal in 2019 in Greece along with other youngsters Cade Cunningham, Jalen Suggs, Scottie Barnes and Evan Mobley.
“It feels good again. Feels good,” says Haliburton.
Along with the jerseys, the team numbers have also been revealed for the upcoming showpiece event. Here is the USA roster for the FIBA World Cup.
Tyrese Haliburton (Indiana Pacers), Mikal Bridges (Brooklyn Nets), Cam Johnson (Brooklyn Nets), Brandon Ingram (New Orleans Pelicans), Paolo Banchero (Orlando Magic), Bobby Portis (Milwaukee Bucks), Anthony Edwards (Minnesota Timberwolves), Jalen Brunson (New York Knicks), Josh Hart (New York Knicks), Jaren Jackson Jr. (Memphis Grizzlies), Walker Kessler (Utah Jazz), and Austin Reaves (Los Angeles Lakers).
The USA national basketball team will start their campaign in the FIBA World Cup on August 25 in Manila, Philippines. The USA are in the same bracket as Greece, Jordan and New Zealand.
