THE United States is fast proving it has what it takes in the 19th FIBA World Cup– the Americans are unscathed with a 2-0 mark in Group C and have gained a slot in the round of 16.
But US coach Steve Kerr is not one to tell his charges to look past their opponents as their campaign goes deep in the global basketball showpiece event.
“All of our guys saw the result of France last Sunday night. It’s a good reminder to all of us that you just can’t ease into any game in this tournament,” Kerr said. “The level of competition is so much better now worldwide even than it was eight years ago.
“The teams are tough. They are good. We’re gonna have to play well for 40 minutes to win,” he added.
Kerr spoke after the US overpowered Greece 109-81 last Monday night before a crowd of 11,392 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.
Rising star Austin Reaves of the Los Angeles Lakers shone for the US with 15 points, five rebounds, and six assists, while Anthony Edwards of the Minnesota Timberwolves chipped in 13 markers, two boards, and three dimes.
New York Knicks’ Jalen Brunson and Bobby Portis of the Milwaukee Bucks also had 13 and 10 points, respectively, as the US scored a fitting follow up to a 99-72 thrashing of New Zealand four nights back.
Kerr is hoping his team, despite lacking star power, could get the job done in Manila after another US squad had a woeful seventh-place finish in China four years ago.
“We just keep going,” Kerr, the four-time NBA champion tactician of the Golden State Warriors, said. “One game at a time, and hopefully six more.”
The Americans will be relentless, according to Kerr.
“Our thought process (in) every game is to wear the opponent down,” he said.
“We’re 12-deep in our roster and we’re just trying to stay solid on every possession and really put pressure on the opponent.”
New Zealand turned back Jordan, led by reigning PBA Governors’ Cup best import and naturalized player Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, 95-87 in overtime in Group C also at the MOA Arena, while South Sudan whipped China 89-69 and Serbia blasted Puerto Rico 94-77 both in Group B at the Big Dome.
In Jakarta, defending champion Spain downed Brazil 96-78 to advance to the second round, while Cote d’Ivoire nipped Iran 71-69.
Cape Verde trounced Venezuela 81-75 and Slovenia clobbered Georgia 88-67 in Group F in Okinawa.
“That second unit is relentless. They come in and they change the game from the moment they step on the floor. Props to them, props to how they approach the game, and for us in the first unit, we’re getting better,” Brunson said.
“For us it is all about feeling and how we attack the game as soon as we step on the floor. We’re still a new group, we’re still learning, we’re still growing.”
