Team USA faced an unexpected challenge in their pre-Olympic exhibition game against South Sudan. Head coach Steve Kerr wasn’t satisfied despite overcoming a 16-point deficit to secure a 101-100 victory. He candidly admitted, “I did not do a great job preparing our team.” The blame, he emphasized, rested squarely on his shoulders.
A recent tweet by Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) sheds light on the challenges faced by young international players transitioning to the NBA. The tweet reads: “Alperen Sengun admits it’s harder to score in the NBA than Europe: ‘Before you go to the NBA, you think, LeBron scores 50, an unknown player scores 50. You think it’s easier to score there. But when you get there, it’s not like that. I used to say the same, ‘Europe is harder, America is different.’ But when you go there, you see it. Here, there are more set plays. There, it’s more one-on-one and fast break plays.'”
Steve Kerr on Team USA’s near loss to South Sudan:
“I did not do a great job preparing our team… We did not focus enough on what they’re capable of, and that’s on me.”
(via @ByTimReynolds) pic.twitter.com/wFWFYTJxE6
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) July 21, 2024
Sengun’s comments highlight the significant differences between the NBA and European leagues like the EuroLeague. Let’s delve deeper into his observations and explore the unique challenges of scoring in the NBA.
Steve Kerr’s Preparation Missteps
Steve Kerr revealed that the team’s preparation fell short. They didn’t adequately focus on South Sudan’s capabilities, leading to a close call. The lack of proper preparation was evident, especially considering that the Americans didn’t utilize their one practice session in London effectively. A dominant win in Abu Dhabi followed by a long flight to the UK contributed to what Steve Kerr described as a “letdown” during the game.
Brand of Basketball
Stephen Curry, Team USA’s point guard and a key player in both international and NBA games, echoed Kerr’s sentiments. He emphasized that their brand of basketball revolves around defense. While they can be beaten if they stray from their style, Curry also recognized their ability to overwhelm opponents when they find their rhythm. The close game served as a valuable reminder of their strengths and vulnerabilities
The Redeem Team 2.0
The 2024 Team USA basketball roster, dubbed the “Redeem Team 2.0,” aims to reclaim Olympic gold after their disappointing performance at the 2023 FIBA World Cup. With stars like LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Joel Embiid, Kerr faces rotation challenges. He favors starting the trio of James, Curry, and Embiid, acknowledging their individual talents. Meanwhile, Anthony Davis has impressed off the bench, forming a formidable duo with Bam Adebayo.
