NBA Players Hone Skills in Intense FIBA World Cup for Season Success
As the new NBA season approaches, players from around the league are looking to translate their intense FIBA World Cup experience into success on the court. For approximately 50 NBA players, including 12 from the United States, this past summer was not spent on the usual workouts and vacations. Instead, they had the opportunity to compete at the FIBA World Cup in August and September, held in the Philippines, Japan, and Indonesia. The intense international competition has provided these players with a serious springboard into the upcoming NBA season.
The advantages of participating in the FIBA World Cup are apparent. Players were able to engage in highly competitive basketball for a period of six weeks or longer, including training camps, exhibition games, and the tournament itself. Austin Reaves, guard for the Los Angeles Lakers, emphasized the learning experience gained from playing alongside talented players and coaches. Reaves stated, I’ve been able to learn a lot from a lot of really good players, a lot of really good coaches that basically just see that I belong. Obviously, there are things to work on, but I think I can hit the ground running from the start of the year… and attack the NBA season.
While the summer didn’t go as planned for Team USA, who finished fourth in the World Cup, the experience was still invaluable for many players. They returned to their NBA teams with a sense of accomplishment, having competed against top international talent. Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner, who helped lead Germany to the gold medal, spoke about the lessons he learned from his teammates and how they can be applied to the NBA. Wagner’s younger brother Moritz Wagner also played for Germany, and they both bring a winning mentality back to their NBA team. Paolo Banchero, Magic forward and member of the US team, praised Franz Wagner for his ability to take control of games during crucial moments.
Other NBA players, such as Tyrese Haliburton from the Indiana Pacers, recognize the long-lasting impact of participating in the FIBA World Cup. Haliburton stated, You have to get better just by being a part of that every day with all the other great players, great coaches, seeing how their minds work and things like that. Haliburton believes that the experience will enhance his performance throughout the NBA season.
The benefits of the FIBA World Cup extend beyond players to coaches as well. Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra, who served as a USA Basketball assistant, praised the professional growth opportunities and the chance to collaborate with basketball minds from around the country.
Looking ahead to the NBA season, players who competed in the FIBA World Cup are ready to bring their newfound skills, knowledge, and winning mentality to their respective teams. The experience gained from international competition has set them up for success as they strive for greatness on the NBA court.
