Basketball: Ingram, Edwards, Banchero… Team USA unveils its squad for the World Cup

No Dream Team, but a bunch of hungry young wolves. This is what to remember from the announcement of the US squad for the 2023 Basketball World Cup, which will take place from August 25 to September 10 in Japan, Indonesia and the Philippines. Stephen Curry, LeBron James, Kevin Durant, James Harden, Devin Booker, Jimmy Butler, Anthony Davis, Jayson Tatum, Trae Young, Bradley Beal, Paul George, Kawhi Leonard, Chris Paul or Ja Morant will spend their summers recharging the batteries rather than 'to trudge through Asia. Ditto for boys like De'Aaron Fox, Damian Lillard, Julius Randle, Jaylen Brown, Donovan Mitchell, Kyrie Irving or even Russell Westbrook. Successor to Gregg Popovich, Steve Kerr, however, has plenty to do, he who will try to put Team USA back on the roof of the basketball planet after the elimination in the quarters against the Blues, in 2019. It was Spain who won the moon, after two American coronations (2010, 2014).

The current Warriors coach will rely in particular on the talent of Anthony Edwards (Minnesota Timberwolves), Brandon Ingram (New Orleans Pelicans), Jalen Brunson (New York Knicks), Tyrese Haliburton (Indiana Pacers), Austin Reaves (Los Angeles Lakers) or even the one who was elected Rookie of the Year at the end of the past season, Paolo Banchero (Orlando Magic). A player that Italy coveted elsewhere. Coach Kerr will also be able to count on players known for their defensive qualities, including last season's best defender, Jaren Jackson Jr. (Memphis Grizzlies), but also Mikal Bridges (Brooklyn Nets), Cam Johnson (Brooklyn Nets), Walker Kessler (Utah Jazz) and Bobby Portis (Milwaukee Bucks), not to mention Josh Hart (New York Knicks). There is a bit of everything in this young team, except for the experience of competition and the collective experience. No doubt the US roster will look better for the Paris Olympics in 2024. In the meantime, it's not unbeatable in Asia this summer, but... favorite nonetheless.

“My staff and I are delighted to have the opportunity to coach such talented and team-oriented players. I am confident that this group will represent our country well, with effort, talent and a commitment to winning together. We can't wait to compete for gold,” said Steve Kerr, who will be assisted by Mark Few (Gonzaga, NCAA), Tyronn Lue (L.A. Clippers) and Erik Spoelstra (Miami Heat).

Team USA will meet from August 3 to 6 for a mini-training camp in Las Vegas, before facing successively Puerto Rico (August 7), Slovenia of Luka Doncic (August 12), European champion Spain in 2022 (August 13), Giannis Antetokounmpo's Greece (August 18) and Germany (August 20). A Greek team that the Americans will find at the World Cup for their second match in Group C (August 28), after challenging New Zealand (August 26) and before rubbing shoulders with Jordan (August 30). In the second round, in the event of qualification at least, the five-time world champions will cross paths with the first two of group D, made up of Egypt, Mexico, Montenegro and Lithuania. Remember that the Blues, without Victor Wembanyama but with Rudy Gobert, will be in group H with Canada, Latvia and Lebanon, before crossing with the pool of Spain (D).

The U.S. World Cup selection: Paolo Banchero (Orlando Magic), Mikal Bridges (Brooklyn Nets), Jalen Brunson (New York Knicks), Anthony Edwards (Minnesota Timberwolves), Tyrese Haliburton (Indiana Pacers), Josh Hart (New York). Knicks), Brandon Ingram (New Orleans Pelicans), Jaren Jackson Jr. (Memphis Grizzlies), Cameron Johnson (Brooklyn Nets), Walker Kessler (Utah Jazz), Bobby Portis (Milwaukee Bucks) and Austin Reaves (Los Angeles Lakers).