The draw for the group stage of the 2023 FIBA World Cup was completed on Friday, and it is safe to say that Team USA can be satisfied with the outcome. The U.S. men’s basketball team was drawn in Group C and will play against Jordan, Greece, and New Zealand to start the tournament.
The 2023 FIBA World Cup, hosted by Indonesia, Japan, and the Philippines, will take place between August 25 and September 10. Team USA, coached by Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr, is scheduled to play its first game on the second day when it will face New Zealand.
Team USA is expected to have no trouble dealing with New Zealand and Jordan, with Greece posing the biggest challenge due to Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo. However, USA Basketball executive director Grant Hill believes familiarity with the two-time NBA MVP will prove beneficial and make the job easier.
“There’s a peace of mind knowing who we’re going to play,” Hill said via ESPN. “We know Greece, and we know Giannis.”
Team USA will also have the advantage of not having to travel during the tournament. They will play all their group games in Manila, Philippines, and the later stages of the tournaments are also scheduled to take place in the same city.
