Team USA suffered a surprising defeat in a scrimmage against the U.S. Select Team during their training camp for the FIBA World Cup. Led by Cade Cunningham, the Select Team emerged victorious with a score of 47-39. Although statistics for the scrimmage were not shared with the media, reporters witnessed Cunningham’s dominant performance, as he consistently beat Team USA’s guards off the dribble.
Jalen Green, Jalen Williams, and Jalen Duren also made significant contributions for the Select Team, causing trouble for the World Cup favorites with their size. Team USA guard Tyrese Haliburton admitted that the young players outperformed them, while Jaren Jackson jokingly acknowledged their loss.
Coach Steve Kerr referred to the defeat as a “time-honored tradition” of USA Basketball, citing the example of Grant Hill and Bobby Hurley’s select team defeating Michael Jordan’s Dream Team in 1992. Kerr emphasized the importance of challenging the national team with great talent.
Despite the loss, it is not yet time to panic for Team USA. Their first exhibition game against an opponent outside of the USA Basketball family is scheduled for Monday against Puerto Rico. Another scrimmage with the Select Team is also expected on Saturday.
The media was not allowed in the gym until midway through the first period, so the starting lineup for Team USA remains unknown. Kerr revealed that there is no set starting lineup yet, as they experimented with multiple lineups during the scrimmage.
Cunningham, who looked fully recovered from a previous shin surgery, impressed Kerr with his ability to control the game from the point guard position. Kerr requested U.S. Select Team coach Jamahl Mosley to run actions that showcased Cunningham’s skills, comparing him to Luka Dončić.
Cunningham expressed his lack of surprise at the Select Team’s success, stating that their goal was to challenge Team USA. Brandon Ingram praised the chemistry between Cunningham and Jalen Duren, highlighting Duren’s performance on the boards. However, Ingram acknowledged the need for improvement in rebounding on the defensive end.
Team USA remains cautious but determined as they continue their preparations for the FIBA World Cup.
What adjustments does Team USA need to make after their staggering defeat to the U.S. Select Team in the training camp scrimmage
Team USA Suffers Staggering Defeat to U.S. Select Team in FIBA World Cup Training Camp
In a surprising turn of events, Team USA faced a shocking defeat in a scrimmage against the U.S. Select Team during their training camp for the upcoming FIBA World Cup. Led by the talented Cade Cunningham, the Select Team emerged victorious with a score of 47-39. While specific statistics were not shared with the media, reporters witnessed Cunningham’s awe-inspiring performance as he consistently outmatched Team USA’s guards.
It wasn’t just Cunningham who excelled on the court. Jalen Green, Jalen Williams, and Jalen Duren also made significant contributions for the Select Team, as their size posed problems for the World Cup favorites. Even Team USA guard Tyrese Haliburton admitted that the select team’s young players outperformed them, while Jaren Jackson lightened the mood with a playful acknowledgment of their loss.
Coach Steve Kerr, unfazed by the defeat, referred to it as a “time-honored tradition” of USA Basketball. He gave an example of Grant Hill and Bobby Hurley’s select team defeating Michael Jordan’s Dream Team back in 1992, emphasizing the importance of challenging the national team with exceptional talent.
Despite the setback, it is not yet time to hit the panic button for Team USA. Their first exhibition game against an opponent outside of the USA Basketball family is set for Monday against Puerto Rico. Additionally, another scrimmage against the Select Team is expected on Saturday.
The media’s access to the gym was restricted until midway through the first period, leaving the starting lineup for Team USA unknown. Coach Kerr revealed that there is no set starting lineup as they experimented with various lineups during the scrimmage, trying to find the most effective combination.
Cunningham, who seemed fully recovered from his previous shin surgery, impressed Kerr with his ability to control the game from the point guard position. Kerr requested U.S. Select Team coach Jamahl Mosley to run plays that showcased Cunningham’s skills, even comparing him to the dynamic player Luka Dončić.
Unfazed by their victory, Cunningham expressed his lack of surprise at the Select Team’s success, as their goal was to challenge Team USA. Brandon Ingram praised the chemistry between Cunningham and Jalen Duren, noting Duren’s exceptional performance on the boards. However, Ingram acknowledged the team’s need for improvement in rebounding on the defensive end.
Remaining cautious yet determined, Team USA continues to focus on their preparations for the highly anticipated FIBA World Cup.
“Disappointing outcome, but it’s always a valuable experience for Team USA to face young, talented NBA players. It’ll only make them stronger for the upcoming games!”
“Upsets happen, but Team USA will bounce back stronger. It’s all part of the process of preparing for the big stage!”