MISSION POSSIBLE
They are one of the teams that can win the whole thing, without a doubt
MELBOURNE, Australia (AFP) — United States coach Gregg Popovich tipped the Australians as key contenders in the upcoming FIBA Basketball World Cup in China, saying that they have the ability to win the tournament. The veteran San Antonio Spurs mastermind offered the praise ahead of two warm-up games between the nations in Melbourne this week. “They are one of the teams that can win the whole thing, without a doubt,” Popovich said. “I’m not saying that because I’m here (in Melbourne). It’s just a fact.”
The world number one Americans will try to win a third consecutive World Cup next month with a lineup that lacks many of their NBA superstars with the likes of James Harden, Anthony Davis and Kawhi Leonard among notable absentees.
But they boast top young talent and will use the games in Australia to refine their identity.
They arrived in Melbourne on the back of a 90-81 victory over second-ranked Spain in Anaheim, California, and will play the Boomers later Thursday, then again Saturday before a final warm-up against Canada in Sydney on 26 August.
In contrast to the five-time World Cup winners, Australia had never won a medal.
But Popovich thinks this could be their year.
I’m not saying that because I’m here (in Melbourne). It’s just a fact.
“They’ve been close for several years, and they are hungry. They are talented. Coach (Andrej) Lemanis does a good job, and they are a team,” he said on the USA basketball website.
“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.” While Australia boosts a handful of NBA stars, including Utah Jazz’s Joe Ingle and Patty Mills of the San Antonio Spurs, they suffered a setback on Monday when Jonah Bolden joined his teammate Ben Simmons in pulling out of the World Cup.
Other Australian NBA standouts not playing include Thon Maker, Ryan Broekhoff and Dante Exum.