Over $250 million worth of playing talent will clash in Sydney when Team USA play Canada
More than $250 million worth of basketball talent will converge on Sydney on August 26 when Team USA play in a historic World Cup warm-up match at Qudos Bank Arena.
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More than $250 million worth of basketball talent will converge on Sydney on August 26 when Team USA play Canada in a historic World Cup warm-up match at Qudos Bank Arena.
America’s finest players including Steph Curry, James Harden and Kevin Durant are in line to take on an emerging Canadian team featuring Andrew Wiggins, Tristan Thompson and R.J Barrett.
The match in Sydney will be Team USA’s final appearance before a 12-man squad travels to China for the 2019 World Cup from August 31.
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USA head coach Gregg Popovich declared he would field his strongest possible team for the Canada clash.
Warriors coach Steve Kerr is also on USA’s coaching staff, which could help secure stars Curry, Durant and Draymond Green.
“These (warm-up) games are of paramount importance,” Popovich told The Daily Telegraph.
“It would be impossible for us to put a bunch of players together, not play anyone else and then enter the World Cup tournament.
“That would be a disaster.
“Look at Australia, for instance, all those guys have played together and they know and love each other.
“They know each other’s tendencies and those sorts of things but that isn’t going to be the case for us.
“Any opportunity to play serious games before the World Cup is fantastic.”
The August showdown will feature the best array of basketball talent to hit Sydney since Vince Carter led the US to the gold medal at the 2000 Olympic Games.
Although LeBron James is unavailable due to his commitments to the new Space Jam 2 movie.
USA Basketball managing director Jerry Colangelo has fond memories of achieving great success in the Harbour City.
“This game will not just be an opportunity to put the finishing touches on our pre-World Cup preparations, but it will be amazing for USA Basketball to return to Qudos Bank Arena where the USA men and women won Olympic gold medals in 2000,” Colangelo said.
“Playing an outstanding opponent like Canada in Sydney is a fantastic way for the USA men’s national team to finish out its tour.
“I have no doubt the game and atmosphere around the game will again be very memorable.”
Popovich can’t wait to renew Team USA’s rivalry with Canada, despite their northern neighbours being ranked a lowly 23rd in the world.
“The Canadians are blessed with a lot of talent, so we expect a great and competitive game,” he said.
“We are also looking forward to being in Australia and playing against a few teams because it will get everyone ready for the World Cup.
“I’ve never been to Australia, so I’m excited.
“Whenever teams that represent their countries play, you renew a rivalry.
“I think it’s good for the sport and the competition, which means it is also good for the fans to see some great basketball.”
Canada will also take on New Zealand at the Quaycentre at Olympic Park on August 20 and 21.
Canada will play five pre-World Cup games in Australia, having previously confirmed two fixtures against the Boomers in Perth on August 16 and 17.
Canadian basketball’s general manager Rowan Barrett believes a clash against a world benchmark Team USA side in Sydney will be the ultimate challenge.
“The USA has been the gold standard in FIBA basketball for several years so this will be a great opportunity for our program,” Barrett said.
“We’re excited to have the opportunity to compete and gain familiarity against some of the top teams in the world in preparation for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019.
“In addition, having the chance to play tough road games against Australia and New Zealand will be a valuable experience for our team on the road to the World Cup.”
Team USA will arrive in Sydney on August 24 and train in Sydney the following day prior to their game against Canada.
HOOPS IN SYDNEY
August 20: Canada v New Zealand, Quaycentre
August 21: Canada v New Zealand, Quaycentre
August 26: USA v Canada, Qudos Bank Arena
TICKETS
Telstra presale from midday, Friday
General public sale from midday, Wednesday May 8, via Ticketek.
TEAM USA SQUAD
Harrison Barnes (Sacramento Kings)
Bradley Beal (Washington Wizards)
Devin Booker (Phoenix Suns)
Jimmy Butler (Philadelphia 76ers)
Mike Conley Jr. (Memphis Grizzlies)
DeMarcus Cousins (Golden State Warriors)
Stephen Curry (Golden State Warriors)
Anthony Davis (New Orleans Pelicans)
DeMar DeRozan (San Antonio Spurs)
Andre Drummond (Detroit Pistons)
Kevin Durant (Golden State Warriors)
Paul George (Oklahoma City Thunder)
Eric Gordon (Houston Rockets)
Draymond Green (Golden State Warriors)
Blake Griffin (Detroit Pistons)
James Harden (Houston Rockets)
Tobias Harris (Philadelphia 76ers)
Gordon Hayward (Boston Celtics)
Kyrie Irving (Boston Celtics)
LeBron James* (Los Angeles Lakers)
DeAndre Jordan (New York Knicks)
Kawhi Leonard (Toronto Raptors)
Damian Lillard (Portland Trail Blazers)
Kevin Love (Cleveland Cavaliers)
Kyle Lowry (Toronto Raptors)
CJ McCollum (Portland Trail Blazers)
Khris Middleton (Milwaukee Bucks)
Victor Oladipo (Indiana Pacers)
Chris Paul (Houston Rockets)
Isaiah Thomas (Denver Nuggets)
Klay Thompson (Golden State Warriors)
Myles Turner (Indiana Pacers)
Kemba Walker (Charlotte Hornets)
John Wall (Washington Wizards)
Russell Westbrook (Oklahoma City Thunder)
*Unavailable