AS a host country, Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas president Al Panlilio admitted he would have wanted to see the top NBA stars don the United States colors in the Fiba Basketball World Cup.
But after seeing the recent play of the Americans in their tune-up games, Panlilio thinks that the fans can still expect Team USA to figure prominently in the chase for the Naismith Trophy.
“Obviously, initially, we wanted the tier one team,” said Panlilio. “When you look at the line-up, it’s a pretty formidable team. I don’t know if you’ve been seeing their last few games. I just saw the highlights [against] Spain, it’s a pretty tough team.”
Panlilio is referring to Team USA’s win over Spain, 98-88, in Malaga. Spain is going for its second straight Fiba Basketball World Cup crown.
READ: Former PH national players is part of Kerr's Team USA coaching staff
Other teams were also not spared from pullouts including Serbia and Greece, who will see action in this year’s World Cup without NBA MVP players Nikola Jokic and Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Panlilio maintained that Filipino fans can still expect high-level competition in the World Cup despite the pullouts.
In USA’s situation, Panlilio said a big reason that their team is very competitive in the World Cup is the work of head coach Steve Kerr and his assistant Erik Spoelstra, the Miami Heat coach with Filipino blood.
“They may not be your veteran superstars but these are upcoming, highly-contracted NBA players, high-quality players. And with the coaching of Steve [Kerr] and Erik Spoelstra, the USA team is the team to beat,” said Panlilio.
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