Dream of USA Trae Young for FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023
It has only been 15 months since the USA defeated France in a nail-biting gold medal game in the Olympic Games in Tokyo, winning by a thrilling margin of five points.
The jubilant scenes, led by possibly the best player in the history of the United States of America, three-time Olympic gold medalist Kevin Durant, who was also named the Most Valuable Player of the FIBA Basketball World Cup in 2010, highlighted the nation’s position as the top team in international basketball.
Early indications point to NBA sensation Trae Young becoming a central figure for the United States national team in the lead up to the World Cup in the following year.
Young was a member of the 2019 USA select team that trained alongside and competed against the 2019 national team as part of the latter’s preparations for the 2019 FIBA World Cup. Young was instrumental in the United States of America’s victory in the 2016 FIBA Americas U18 Championship.
The NBA All-Star had made it to the finals for the USA Olympic squad in Tokyo and was eager to participate, but he was ultimately left off the team
When questioned about the World Cup, Young told The Athletic, “Yes, I’m totally open to it. “In fact, playing basketball has been my dream since I was in high school. Since I was a senior in high school, I’ve tried out numerous times. There have been a few occasions when I had the chance to be on that squad, and it left me feeling a little heartbroken.”
Grant Hill, managing director of the USA men’s team and a part-owner of the Atlanta Hawks, is friendly with Young and has spoken to the Hawks star about joining the USA roster.
“IT’S BEEN MY DREAM AS A BASKETBALL PLAYER (TO PLAY FOR USA).”
Trae Young
Knowing someone who has more influence is exhilarating, according to Young.
Bradley Beal, one of the NBA’s top players in recent years who hasn’t competed in the Olympics or World Cup, is another player who has gained significant attention. Beal, 29, a former Washington Wizard, helped the USA win the 2010 FIBA U17 World Cup and the 2009 FIBA Americas U16 Championship.
Beal told The Athletic, “I certainly see myself playing for USA.” “Playing in the Olympics has always been a desire of mine, but there is a process to get there (World Cup). So, if it’s offered to me, I’ll take it.”
Beal was preparing to travel to Tokyo with the USA but was prevented from doing so after being added to the coronavirus health and safety protocols.
“I’ve never had the chance to work a World Cup. Yeah, I’ll probably be there in the Philippines as long as I’m healthy, injury-free, and there’s a spot for me on the team “says he.
Tyrese Maxey, a rising NBA talent who currently plays for Philadelphia and won the 2018 FIBA Americas U18 Championship, says he’d be interested in joining the club next year.
Maxey declared, “I would dearly love to play for the nation. “That’d be awesome. Being able to play with various guys, represent your nation, and compete is always a blessing.”
Darius Garland, a budding star for the Cleveland Cavaliers, is another NBA player who is sure to be given consideration. Garland trained alongside the American Olympic squad as a member of the 2021 USA Men’s Select Team. He was also chosen to complete the roster for the national team’s pre-Olympic friendlies in Las Vegas. He participated in each of the four exhibition games.
The World Cup is the first big event for the country since Jerry Colangelo quit as the team’s managing director and Gregg Popovich quit as the coach. Steve Kerr, who worked with Popovich for the USA, will be the head coach.
The FIBA World Ranking, which is presented by Nike, will let the USA know that they will be playing some tough games at the World Cup.
The Americans are first with 760.7 points, but Spain is close behind with 758.9 points. Spain won the World Cup in 2019 and recently pulled off a surprise win at the FIBA EuroBasket 2022 in Berlin.
France, Australia, and Argentina are also among the elite and pose a real threat to the United States. France beat the USA in the quarterfinals of the last World Cup and on the first day of the last Olympics.
They are No. 5 in the FIBA Ranking with 712.9 points, behind No. 3 Australia (741.1), who were fourth at the World Cup and won the bronze medal in Tokyo. Argentina (736.1) is ranked fourth. They finished second at the 2019 World Cup and won the FIBA AmeriCup this summer in Brazil. Argentina is moving in a good direction with coach Nestor “Che” Garcia.
No. 6 Serbia (711.5), No. 7 Slovenia (703.5), and a rising No. 11 Germany (640.6) are also teams that the USA will be keeping an eye on because each can beat any opponent on any given day.
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