Luis Mendiola Barcelona 08/25/2023 at 08:31 CEST
He is the great contender for the throne in the Mundobasket 2023the candidate to recover the title that is in the power of spain since 2019 and that I managed to conquer in the two previous editions in 2014 in Spain (Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Kyrie Irving, James Harden, Anthony Davis, Kevin Durant, DeMar DeRozan, Damian Lillard…) and in Türkiyewhere they were, four years before, most of all these stars.
It could generate certain doubts, initially, the list that provided USA Basketball due to the absence of great figures such as LeBron James, Stephen Curry o Kevin Durant, who have preferred to stay at home, convinced that the great showcase will arrive next summer with the Olympic Games in Paris.
But the selection that directs Steve Kerr, Warriors coach, it has not taken long to clear them in the friendlies on the way to the World Cup. landslide victory over Puerto Ricoresounding victory against Slovenia (although without Doncic in front) and margin of ten points in front of Spain.
The American machine has been built with young figures and rising stars, plenty of talent and physique, but with very specific profiles to prevail in the ecosystem of FIBA basketballslightly different from the NBA.
Supported by a luxury technical staff (Erik Spoelstra, de Miami; Tyronne Lue, Clippers; Mark Few, Gonzaga) has put together a block whose main characteristic is versatility (it only has a pure pivot, Walter Kesslerfrom Utah) and many players capable of adapting to various positions, especially in the inside game with the dominant presence of Years Jackson (Grizzlies), voted NBA Defender of the Year or Paolo Banchero (Orlando Magic), Rookie of the Year.
“We have a pretty good feeling of what it takes to win in FIBA basketball. Pressure is always there because we are always favourites. But it’s part of the world competition. There’s a lot on the table, a lot at stake and we like it. We love pressure , is what we do”, explains the coach Steve Kerr, who has taken over from Gregg Popovich on the bench. “The main thing is to adapt to the FIBA rules. They are very different from the NBA.”
FIBA profiles
Jalen Brunsonafter a splendid season in the Knicks, in which he has confirmed his status as a star (27.8 points, 5.6 assists and 4.9 rebounds per game), he has shown himself to be the team leader from the point guard position and against Spain he was the differential factor with his 21 points and no missing shots until the last period. But as also prominent references are Anthony Edwards, the shooting guard and franchise player of the Timberwolves (24.6 points on average this season), Brandon Ingramthe versatile forward of the Pelicans (24.7 points, 5.5 rebounds and 5.8 assists) and Years Jackson, the inside of the Grizzlies (18.6 points, 6.8 blocks per game).
“Branson will assume an important role given his success at the FIBA level in previous tournaments”, he has valued these days Kerr on its differential parts. “Ingram y Edwards They are very dynamic scorers who are going to play a key role for us. And in FIBA there are no three defensive seconds, so having a shooter like Years Jackson It’s almost a necessity if you want gold”, points out the Warriors coach, who clarifies: “We are going to experience the excitement of competing on the international stage. These guys are made for this and they’re thrilled with the opportunity.”
the bases
Jalen Brunson (26 years old, 1.88 Knicks point guard) has become one of the figures of the season with the Knicks, where he came from Dallas to lead, leading the Big Apple team to the eastern semifinals. He has proven to be one of the best aces in the championship. Tyrese Haliburton (23 years old, 1.96, Pacers shooting guard), has exploded in the Pacers, after a stage in Sacramento where it didn’t quite work. He has been one of the best in the NBA in assists and that earned him his AllStar presence.
the exteriors
Austin Reaves (25 years old, 19.6 Lakers guard) has become one of the reference players of The Angels, which has closed its continuity. A player without fear of playing decisive shots. Josh Hart (28 years old and 2.93 Knicks guard), is another of the reasons that led New York so far in the playoffs. A versatile player, who can contribute from the bench. Mikal Bridges (26 years old and 1.98, Nets forward) has made the leap this year averaging 20.1 points, but raising his game on defense. Brandon Ingram (25 years old and 2.03, Pelicans forward) did not succeed in the Lakers in New Orleans he has achieved star status and that earned him his presence in the All-Star. His Achilles heel is injuries. Cameron Johnson (27 years old and 2.03 Nets power forward) is a specialist in the triple (40.4%). He ended up in the Nets because of the transfer of Durant to the Suns.
The interiors
Paolo Banchero (20 years and 2.08, Magic power forward) has been the Rookie of the year in the NBA. He even hinted that he would play for Italy. Physical and versatility. Years Jackson (23 years old and 2.08 Grizzlies power forward) deserves, by far, the title of defender of the year in the US. He intimidates and blocks, but he can play in attack. Bobby Portis (28 years old and 2.11 Bucks Center), physical and intense will give rotation to the team. AND Walker Kessler (22 years old and 2.16, Jazz center) is the alternative to the classic center to defend big players.
2023-08-25 06:31:05
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