United States of Brunson: Knicks' Star Named to US World Cup Roster

New York Knicks point guard Jalen Brunson is part of a star-spangled lineup that will compete for international glory in Asia later this summer.

The Eastern Conference today, tomorrow the world.

Per Marc Stein, New York Knicks point guard Jalen Brunson is one of six American-born NBA reps to commit to Team USA's upcoming affairs in the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup, which will be held between Indonesia, Japan, and the Philippines in August and September. 

Brunson is said to be joined by former Knick Bobby Portis (Milwaukee), ex-Villanova teammate Mikal Bridges (Brooklyn), All-Stars Anthony Edwards (Minnesota) and Tyrese Haliburton (Indiana), as well as recent postseason hero Austin Reaves (LA Lakers).

Inclusion on the American World Cup roster is the latest reward for Brunson's breakout season in New York, one that saw him average career-bests in scoring (24.0) and assists (6.2) in the first part of a four-year, $104 million contract bestowed by the Knicks last summer. Brunson previously repped Team USA at the FIBA Americas U18 Championship in 2014 and at the World U19 Cup the year after, winning a gold medal on each occasion.

Team USA will look to improve on a disappointing showing during the last World Cup in China: their seventh-place finish was their worst final placement in 18 prior appearances, which have produced five gold medals. Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr leads the charge this time around, succeeding Gregg Popovich of San Antonio. In another Villanova connection, Kerr is assembling the team alongside managing director Sean Ford, a fellow Main Line alum. 

Training camp for the World Cup is expected to tip off on August 3 in Las Vegas in preparation for the team's tournament tip-off on Aug. 26 against New Zealand in Manila. Team USA is paired in Group C with Greece and Jordan. Argentina is the defending champion.

Brunson likely won't be the only form of New York representation on hand in Asia: RJ Barrett is set to compete for Canada while Isaiah Hartenstein could partake in the German effort.

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Geoff Magliocchetti is on Twitter @GeoffJMags

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