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Bobby Portis Jr. officially named as part of Team USA for the FIBA World Cup
The Milwaukee Bucks’ versatile forward Bobby Portis Jr. has officially been named to the United States Men’s National Team that will compete in the 2023 FIBA World Cup in Manila next month. The 6-foot-10 forward figures to be a key cog in Team USA’s quest to bring home the gold medal, with his inside presence and timely outside sniping.
Solid team
While devoid of the sheer star power that was present in recent iterations of Team USA, the 12-man roster that will don the red, white, and blue features a few All-Stars. This includes Tyrese Haliburton, Anthony Edwards, and Brandon Ingram. Defensive Player of the Year Jaren Jackson Jr. and All-Defense team member Mikal Bridges are also on Team USA.
Other players with previous Team USA experience include Jalen Brunson, Walker Kessler, and Paolo Banchero. Josh Hart, Austin Reaves, and Cameron Johnson are all set to make their debuts for Team USA.
“On behalf of USA Basketball, I’m thrilled to introduce the 2023 USA Men’s National Team, which features some of basketball’s brightest talent,” said Grant Hill, USA Basketball Men’s National Team managing director.
“We are excited for the challenges ahead and look forward to the opportunity to compete at the 2023 FIBA Men’s World Cup. I am confident that working together, and under the leadership of our outstanding coaching staff, this team will proudly represent the United States this summer in Manila.”
Tough draw
Team USA is part of Group C and will take on New Zealand on August 26th, followed by Greece on August 28th. They wrap up their group stage assignments with a game versus Jordan on August 30th. The squad is eager to reclaim the gold in this tournament after they finished a dismal seventh place in the 2019 edition that was held in China.
“My staff and I are thrilled to have the opportunity to coach such talented, team-oriented players,” Team USA head coach Steve Kerr said. “I’m confident this group will represent our country well, with effort, talent, and a commitment to winning together. We look forward to competing for a gold medal in the World Cup later this summer.”
