Team USA’s Sleep Struggles and Gaming Rituals During FIBA World Cup Challenge
Throughout their journey in the FIBA Basketball World Cup, Team USA has encountered various challenges in terms of sleep deprivation and adjusting to different time zones. Traveling across different countries, the players have had to adapt their routines to ensure they remain well-rested and ready to compete at the highest level.
One player who has experienced difficulties in getting sufficient sleep is Mikal Bridges, a rising star for the Brooklyn Nets. During their time in Spain, he found it tough to sleep at night after taking midday naps. However, Bridges quickly learned his lesson and decided to avoid napping during the day when they arrived in Abu Dhabi for exhibitions against Greece and Germany. By resisting the urge to nap, he was able to establish a better sleep schedule and ensure he was in bed early, falling asleep by nine or ten o’clock.
Brandon Ingram, the starting forward for Team USA and an All-Star for the New Orleans Pelicans, has also had to find ways to combat fatigue during their travels. He has been accompanied by a personal trainer who helps with his workouts to keep his body active and energized. Additionally, Ingram has adopted a unique approach by setting his phone to Do Not Disturb mode at all times, not just when he wants to catch some extra sleep. These strategies have allowed him to manage his sleep and remain refreshed throughout the tournament.
While some players have found success in staying awake and adjusting their sleep schedules, others have faced difficulties. Tyrese Haliburton, the Pacers’ All-Star point guard, initially attempted to take a short nap during their stay in Manila but ended up staying awake until the early hours of the morning. As a result, he struggled with grogginess during practice and media obligations the following day. Haliburton decided to reset his body clock by staying awake until one in the morning and then sleeping until noon. This approach helped him regain his energy and get back on track.
When it comes to their downtime, the Team USA players have turned to video games as a way to relax and bond with each other. Haliburton enjoys playing WWE 2K, where he can control any wrestler and dominate his opponents. He even took it a step further by jailbreaking the game on his computer and creating a character that represents his Indiana Pacers’ persona. On the other hand, Mikal Bridges primarily plays MLB 2K but has recently started exploring PGA Tour 2K with his teammates Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart. They have been engaging in friendly competitions, creating characters of themselves, and testing their skills on the virtual golf course.
Despite the challenges they have faced with sleep and adjusting to different time zones, the players have managed to maintain a competitive spirit on the court. Coach Steve Kerr has been impressed by their dedication and commitment in practice, noting that this team is one to watch. Their ability to navigate their sleep struggles and find ways to relax and unwind through gaming has brought them closer together as a unit. With their talent and resilience, Team USA is ready to take on the world in the FIBA Basketball World Cup.
