ABU DHABI: Ahead of the US basketball men’s national team facing Australia and Serbia on July 15 and July 17, respectively, in Abu Dhabi, head coach Steve Kerr heaped praise on Serbia, calling them “one of the best teams in the world.”
For the second straight summer, the USA Basketball Showcase will take place in the UAE capital’s Etihad Arena.
Abu Dhabi will mark the first international stop of the six-game event, which will be held in the run-up to the Paris 2024 Olympics. Team USA is scheduled to face Nikola Jokic and Serbia in the Olympic tournament group stage.
“One of the best teams in the world, and to play them right away is really exciting,” said Kerr, noting the importance of these preparatory games.
“We know how good they are, and we are familiar with their players. The biggest thing is us; I’m not worried about playing all our cards right away. Our focus is to use these games to get better and to worry about ourselves, not just our opponents.”
Kerr praised the Serbian team, saying: “We saw them last year; coach Pesic did an amazing job. They reached the final without Nikola Jokic, and they’ll be even better with Jokic, who is spectacular. We are aware that they will be a huge challenge. They have a lot of continuity, with many players playing together over the years.”
The US team features 12 athletes with extensive experience, including three-time Olympic champion Kevin Durant (Phoenix Suns) and the NBA’s all-time scoring leader LeBron James (Los Angeles Lakers), winner of two Olympic gold medals. In addition to Durant and James, Stephen Curry (Golden State Warriors) will be on the roster.
James and Curry are “excited” as the US chases a fifth straight gold at next month’s Olympics, Kerr said.
The 2024 US men’s team also features Bam Adebayo (Miami Heat), Devin Booker (Phoenix Suns), Anthony Davis (Los Angeles Lakers), Anthony Edwards (Minnesota Timberwolves), Joel Embiid (Philadelphia 76ers), Tyrese Haliburton (Indiana Pacers), Jrue Holiday (Boston Celtics), Kawhi Leonard (LA Clippers), and Jayson Tatum (Boston Celtics).
In addition to the US team matches in Abu Dhabi, Serbia, ranked No. 4 in the world, will face the Australian Boomers, ranked No. 5, who are the 2022 FIBA Asia champions and Tokyo 2020 bronze medalists, also at the Etihad Arena.
All three games in Abu Dhabi are set for 8 p.m. UAE time. Tickets now available via ticketmaster.ae.
