Team USA had its first practice at training camp as a part of the preparation for the upcoming FIBA World Cup in China which starts on August 31. Head coach Gregg Popovich, who replaced Mike Krzyzewski in 2015, is aware that his side is a bit weaker following numerous withdrawals from the roster. He calls for responsibility and unity.
“It’s our responsibility to not only be the best team we can be, but also conduct ourselves with the USA on our shirt; we’re representing a lot of people,” Popovich said. “We have a huge responsibility, not only for the country, to do this in a classy manner, but to continue the success that USA basketball has had over the last 12 years.”
Popovich highlighted unity as the primary goal of this team.
“We can’t fix the divisiveness in our country, but what we can do is be a great example of how people come together for a common goal and achieve it,” Popovich said.
USA Basketball coach Gregg Popovich with his mission statement: “We can’t fix the divisiveness in our country but we can be an example of how people come together for a common goal and achieve it.” pic.twitter.com/HlaGcwzQCO
— Ben Golliver (@BenGolliver) August 5, 2019
Assistant coach Steve Kerr was impressed with the women’s World Cup team, and he expects that the men’s team could replicate their success.
“I watched the women’s World Cup team win the World Cup, and it was inspiring,” Kerr said. “To me that’s what sports are about, the competition and the unity. Bringing out this great spirit and energy with the fans. We have a chance to do something that is very positive and unifying.”
Plenty of NBA stars dropped out, and some others were added in the past few weeks, and it’s evident that Popovich’s side is thin at some positions. Coach included Sacramento Kings’ point guard De’Aaron Fox and Brooklyn Nets sharpshooter Joe Harris to the Team USA roster. Fox served as a backup to Kemba Walker and will continue to do so until Kyle Lowry is cleared to play. Utah Jazz’ guard Donovan Mitchell also spent some time at point guard during the scrimmage. Popovich is not worried about all those withdrawals, and he’s happy with his team at the moment.
“All I care about is who’s here,” Popovich said. “I’ve got a fine group of guys, and we’re going to get the best possible team we can. … This is the most satisfying form of putting a bunch of guys together and them have empathy and love for each other to form the kind of team they’re going to have to have to beat some really good European teams.”
Team USA coach Gregg Popovich said he is looking for Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell to be a leader as the week progresses. He says he wants Mitchell to affect the game for others as well as himself
— Tony Jones (@Tjonesonthenba) August 5, 2019
