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    Steve Kerr excited as USA seeks Fiba World Cup redemption in the Philippines

    Steve Kerr excited as USA eyes Fiba redemption
    Jul 10, 2023
    PHOTO: AP

    STEVE Kerr makes his debut as head coach of the USA team in the Philippines, where he expects to lift the Fiba Basketball World Cup trophy in September.

    All of Team USA’s games are set in Manila, starting with a group-stage games against New Zealand on Aug. 26. They take on Greece on Aug. 28 and Jordan on Aug. 30.

    “I have friends who have played and coached in the country. They raved about the passion and excitement for basketball in the Philippines. We are just excited to be a part of the festivities,” said Kerr.

    See Final 12: Reaves, Edwards, Johnson lead USA roster for Fiba World Cup

    Kerr revealed he is still working with former USA coaches Gregg Popovich and Mike Krzyzewski as the USA tries to regain the title it last won in 2014 in Spain. In the 2019 tournament won by Spain in China, the Americans finished a disappointing seventh place.

    “I’m going to lean on collaborating with Pop, Coach K, and Grant [Hill]—we’re going to try to put our best foot forward.”

    “I’ve especially leaned on Pop given our relationship with each other. Sean Ford has also seen more Fiba basketball than everyone in this country. I also plan to have more conversations with Coach K [Mike Krzyzewski].”

    He will be aided by a star studded coaching staff of Erik Spoelstra (Miami Heat), Tyronn Lue (L.A. Clippers) and Mark Few (Gonzaga University).

    Kerr is very confident they can regain the title with a team that has 2022 NBA top pick Paolo Banchero, Mikal Bridges, Jalen Brunson, Anthony Edwards, Tyrese Haliburton, Josh Hart, Brandon Ingram, Jaren Jackson Jr., Cam Johnson Walker Kessler, Bobby Portis and Austin Reaves.

    “It is an exciting mix of players that we feel that will do well on the court.”

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      “We feel as though we have a feel on how to win at the Fiba level. It is going to be a fun challenge and we are going to gather as coaches in Las Vegas and we’re going to start our preparations this August.”

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      After their training camp in Las Vegas, the USA Men’s National Team will play a series of exhibition contests, including matches versus Puerto Rico on Aug. 7, Slovenia on Aug. 12, Spain on Aug. 13, Greece on Aug. 18 and Germany on Aug. 20.

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      PHOTO: AP
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