Their players are still trying USA to get used to the new rules of FIBA in relation to those of the NBA, as Steve Kerr admitted after the win over New Zealand.
“It’s hard to play as hard as New Zealand for 40 minutes. But we overcame our slow start to the race and managed to break away and take the win. We know that here we are not in the NBA, but in FIBA and we will probably need another protagonist in every match. Today Banquero was fantastic and the guys who came off the bench, Reeves and Haliburton, helped a lot. It was a classic first game, with the numbness that’s always there. We have to know that opponents will always have enthusiasm for us and we have to manage that“, emphasized the coach of Team USA and added:
“The game here is completely different, the rules, their interpretation, the toughness, the fouls, the length of the match and we tried to make the kids understand the differences. They are still learning and I like how my players are starting to adapt to the FIBA game. My athletes are growing every day, we have young guys but players who can play, without fear and have already proven it in the NBA. It’s a pleasure to coach them because they are strong willed and not egotistical. I have a lot of confidence in them».
From the players’ point of view, Austin Reeves he said: “We didn’t start as well as we would have liked, but we quickly found our rhythm through the defence. We got the win against a good team and we move on to Greece. Every game is useful to get better. I enjoy being here. I grew up watching the World Cup and the Olympics. I feel grateful to be here, which not many expected».
Source: Sport Fm
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