For Team USA head coach Gregg Popovich, the Australian national team is capable of winning it all in the upcoming FIBA World Cup in China.
Popovich believes that Australia poses a danger to the Americans and their quest to defend their title at the FIBA World Cup in China. From Popovich's observation, the Australians are hungry, talented, and can execute their plays seamlessly — which is the perfect recipe for success.
“Huge, huge threat. They are one of the teams that can win the whole thing, without a doubt. I’m not saying that because I’m here. It’s just a fact,” Popovich said, per USA Basketball. “They’ve been close for several years, and they are hungry. They are talented. Coach Lemanis does a good job, and they are a team. They are together. They know what they are doing. They execute really well, so that’s what it takes. They have the toughness and physicality to go with it. I think they are one of the top contenders without a doubt.”
Team USA will face the Australians in two exhibition games before the actual FIBA tournament. Their games will be on August 22 (5:30 am ET) and August 24 (12 am ET). NBA players such as Aron Baynes, Andrew Bogut, Matthew Dellavedova, Joe Ingles and Patty Mills will comprise the Aussie squad.
After facing Australia, Gregg Popovich and USA Basketball will face off with the Canadian national team in their final exhibition match on August 26 (5:30 am ET).
Team USA will be part of Group E and will face the Czech Republic on September 1, Turkey on September 3 and Japan on September 5 in the Group Stage of the world basketball championship.
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