Team USA will have to speed up the process of creating chemistry during the FIBA Wolrd Cup in China. The Americans don’t have much time at their disposal. Because of that, they have to use every single moment to develop a bond between the players, which will help them in their quest towards the world title.
That is in short how coach Gregg Popovich described the current situation with the team, and how he sees the future of the crew.
“You have to enjoy being with people in order to feel responsible for them,” Popovich said. “To be accountable to each other, you have to have some sort of empathetic bond. You have to love each other to a degree.”
His players went out for dinner once landed in Shanghai, but without him, which made the Spurs head coach happy. He wanted to see the players doing something without him, as he believes that such an action will create a better bond between them.
Also, Pop stated that despite all the adversities this group of guys had been encountered with since they came together, it appears that they have developed a nice relationship among themselves.
“They’ve become close in a short period of time,” Popovich said. “The camaraderie has blossomed, and I think that will bode well for us.”
Most of these players were additionally called-up as replacements after the big names decided to skip the upcoming tournament. In that kind of situation, especially when there is not much time at disposal, it is hard to work. However, it seems that the American players managed to adapt to all those negative circumstances.
Team USA did interrupt the winning streak started way back in 2006 and lost one match following 78 straight victories. But that won’t matter too much if they win the gold medal in China. That task won’t be easy at all, as there are some teams who are coming here with only one goal on their mind – to dethrone the USA.
There is Greece with the reigning NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, Spain with Ricky Rubio and Marc Gasol, Australia who recently defeated the US crew, and Serbia, led by Nikola Jokic.
Also, the concept of the competition is a bit different than the one most of these guys encountered with. There isn’t a chance for redemption, as the knockout stage has only one 40-minute game. So all in all, it will be tough for the Americans, but they have what it takes to respond to all the challenges. Kemba Walker, Brook Lopez, Donovan Mitchell, all these and other guys on the roster have what it takes to clinch the gold medal.
As for Popovich, who wasn’t invited for the team dinner, he stated that he has plans of his own. He told the reporters that he wants to enjoy Shanghai by just walking around.
“I think it’s mostly get out and walk to see neighborhoods and walk an be with nobody, not be able to speak the language and feel like an idiot.”
The US team kicks off the competition against the Czech Republic on September 1.
