It’s likely that Team USA will not field the strongest possible team at the upcoming 2023 FIBA World Cup. But that doesn’t mean there won’t be some big names traveling to the Philippines this summer.
According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, All-Star forward Brandon Ingram (New Orleans Pelicans) and reigning NBA Defensive Player of the Year Jaren Jackson Jr. (Memphis Grizzlies) recently committed to playing for Team USA at the World Cup.
Ingram averaged a career-high 24.7 points and 5.8 assists while adding 5.5 rebounds with the Pelicans this season. However, he only played 45 games as he dealt with several injuries.
Jackson Jr., on the other hand, is coming off a career year that saw him average 18.6 points, 6.8 rebounds, and a league-leading 3.0 blocks per game. He earned his first career All-Star nod while also receiving NBA DPOY honors.
Team USA will take a 12-man roster to the Philippines, meaning there are 10 more spots up for grabs. The full list of players that will make the trip is expected to be announced at some point in June.
The 2023 FIBA World Cup will take place from 25 August to 10 September 2023. Team USA will play in Group C alongside Jordan, Greece, and New Zealand.
