OT: 2018-2020 USA Basketball Men's National Team - 2020 (2021) Tokyo Olympics Updated Schedule, Page 13

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Briefs of Day 1 and Day 2:

Day 1:

New Coach, Same Talent On National Team Roster On Display At Day 1 Of Minicamp
The men’s national team gathered for the first time with head coach Gregg Popovich for minicamp in Las Vegas.

In the blistering triple-digit heat, fans packed outside the Mendenhall Center at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas on Thursday, awaiting the arrival of the USA Basketball Men’s National Team. Throughout the two-hour practice session, fans remained outside in front of the charter buses, waiting to catch one last glimpse of the players before they departed.

Why such dedication from the fans? This minicamp was the first meeting of the men’s national team since 35 of the top American players in the NBA were announced in April....

Out of the 35-player pool, 23 were in attendance at minicamp, joking and laughing amongst one another while working through practice. Using two full courts, the players engaged in stretching, suicides, light scrimmages and other basic basketball drills. Divided into two teams of five by those wearing a yellow jersey and those not, the team put on a lively and competitive scrimmage for about 30 minutes....

“The thing that stood out to me was how competitive they were with each other,” he said. “I was going to go a little lighter, and they didn’t go for that. They wanted more, so we gave them more. And they were very competitive, very energetic. That was a great sign, they really showed they wanted to be here and want to be a part of this.”

And for the players it was an opportunity to show their commitment to the national team while renewing friendships with other members of the national team.

“With what Mr. Colangelo (Jerry Colangelo, USA National Team managing director) has done with the USAB program, having us all come out and be together and just get a feel for each other is important,” said 2016 Olympic gold medalist Kyle Lowry. “Now especially with Coach Pop being the head coach giving him a chance to get his hands on us and show us his vision for the program....”

World Cup Qualifying

Larry Drew II, Reggie Hearn and Xavier Munford are taking part in the minicamp after playing at an elite level for three different USA Basketball national teams the past 11 months. Hearn and Munford participated in the November and June World Cup Qualifying cycles, compiling a 3-1 record, while Drew was part of the November and February qualifying teams that went 4-0.

https://www.usab.com/news-events/news/2018/07/mnt-day-1-feature.aspx

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USA Men's National Team Minicamp - Day 1 Quotes

Gregg Popovich, USA National Team Head Coach

How will your program differ from Coachc K’s?

I have no ideal, we’ve been here a day. I don’t know how different it’s going to be. I’m just going to be me. We’ve got to pick a coaching staff and decide how we want to play and a lot of that depends on what players are going to be there, which players are going to play. So you can’t get the cart before the horse....

How has Coach K prepared you for this role?

I talk to him often, he’s been great and I’d be remiss if I didn’t bug him to death and ask him millions of questions and try to learn from him....

What are you looking to accomplish with these two days?

Basically we wanted to create an atmosphere so we could develop comradery and relationships between the new players coming in and the players who have been through it before, the coaches and just start to get a good feel to become a family, to become a real team. Not one of the 30 NBA teams but something with loftier goals than that, to play for your country. They exhibited a real energy and taste for that today, I was very impressed....

Can you talk about Jeff’s (Van Gundy) with the G League kids, can you talk about this and how difficult it must be?

He’s taken on a huge responsibility, I mean, it’s incredible. When we sat down and tried to figure out who could do that he was the first choice. I called him up and I can’t remember if he thought about for a day or two, and he called back and said I’m in. Because I can think of nobody that can put together a team faster and get across the fundamentals and what needed to be done to put a team on the floor internationally than Jeff. He’s had four different teams during this qualification and now he’s trying to put together another team and it’ going to be even more difficult because we’re getting close to the season and were not exactly sure who were going to be able to put on that team for him but he’s taken it on and we’re lucky to have him.

Paul George

Why is this camp important to the USA Basketball process?

I think it’s important for many reasons. One of the main reasons is we have a new leader. I think it was great to have an introduction to the person who we will partner with on this journey and who we will be working in ultimately trying to win gold for on this journey. I think it’s always great to have us come together, get some work together, build some chemistry. We want to have some type of identity and I think that’s what we build here.

What’s it like playing for Coach Popovich?

I’m really excited. First day, first time, really officially being around him. He’s a heck of a leader, heck of a communicator, really charismatic and he’s just a fun guy. There is not much I knew about him personally but he’s actually just an amazing human being.

Is there a difference for you this time around now that you’re a USA Basketball veteran?

I’ve got one to hang around my neck so I’ve been through the journey, been through the grind. I know what it takes. There is a real brotherhood that comes with that from the guys that have one it to the guys that are going to be a part of that next series of winning it. You just know what it takes and you know what you’re up against.

For other players' Q&A: https://www.usab.com/news-events/news/2018/07/mny-day-1-quotes.aspx

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DAY 2:

Day 2 At Men’s National Team Minicamp Brief, But Full of Competitive Action
Team bonding was again the name of the game as the national team concluded minicamp

Unexpectedly, Day 2 of practice at the USA Basketball Men’s National Team minicamp commenced 15 minutes before the original scheduled start at noon on Friday. At the onset, assistant coach Ime Udoka led scrimmage, barking orders as if real international competition was just around the corner.

Similar to Day 1, teams were split amongst blue, grey, and yellow jerseys, and the guys went hard against each other. Peer pressure drills were plentiful, as players continuously missed free throws which forced the entire squad do suicides and pushups.

This last practice in 2018 lasted about an hour before it concluded. Since this was an off year of real in-game competition, it was logical to end on a light practice. Even coach Gregg Popovich got in with some action on defense. Nevertheless, several players on the team continued to go at it in a half-court setting, as the media scrum got underway.

With Kyrie Irving feeding the ball to the offensive player, Paul George, Victor Oladipo, Myles Turner, Devin Booker and Kevin Durant went aggressively at each other in half court one-on-one for almost a 45-minute session. Unlike the NBA All-Star Weekend, where guys would literally be playing “matador” defense, players competed at a high level given the stakes still on the table. The players, especially the ones without too much international experience, understand what’s at stake....

James Harden praised how minicamp was run this year.

“Yeah, it was a great two days, guys worked their butts off,” Harden said. “Coaches did an unbelievable job, a great structure, it was great.”

All About Bonding

Following Popovich stressing numerous times yesterday how this minicamp was more about bonding and building relationships instead of focusing on the X’s and O’s, it was pretty much the same response from the players about connecting....

When asked who he got to know better over the past couple days, Harden had someone particular in mind.

“Maybe Tobias Harris. Yeah, just the way he works, and he just loves and enjoys the game of basketball.”

Harris seemed to stand out for these past two games. He appeared to be impactful on both ends of the floor. From hitting fadeaway jumpers to cleaning up the glass for easy put-backs, he seemed determine to make a name for himself among the players assembled.

https://www.usab.com/news-events/news/2018/07/mnt-day-2-feature.aspx

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EDIT (2-8-2018): spurs.com added a "Behind the Scenes: USA Basketball Minicamp" gallery. A couple of samples:





For the rest of the photos, please go to https://www.nba.com/spurs/gallery/behind-scenes-usa-basketball-minicamp

A compilation of some minicamp highlights:

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A couple of highlight videos:

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https://www.usab.com/basketball/media/videos/2018/07/2018-mnt-minicamp-highlight.aspx

Watch on YouTube

https://www.usab.com/basketball/media/videos/2018/07/usa-mens-national-team-minicamp-best-of-slomo.aspx

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Derrick may come across as quiet and unassuming, but these qualities belie his drive. He's taking every opportunity to take in instruction and grow his game. To that end, I'm glad for Derrick that he'll be expanding his experience on the US team with a chance to play important games versus international competition. I hope he makes the team:

Derrick White to Attend USA Men’s World Cup Qualifying Team Training Camp
Training Camp to Determine USA Team for September Second Round Games

Featuring 10 players who played for NBA teams in 2017-18, and the return of two players boasting of previous World Cup Qualifying game experience, USA Basketball announced today 14 players who will vie for a roster spot with USA's September World Cup Qualifying Team.

The hopefuls will open training camp on Sept. 6 at UNLV's Mendenhall Center. The Las Vegas training camp will be used to determine the 12-man team for the USA's first competition window of FIBA World Cup Qualifying second-round games.... The player selections were made by the USA Basketball Men's World Cup Qualifying Team Committee.

Rounding out the U.S. training camp roster are Bryce Alford (Oklahoma City Blue); Dwayne Bacon (Charlotte Hornets); V.J. Beachem (Free Agent); Jordan Crawford (New Orleans Pelicans); Henry Ellenson (Detroit Pistons); Isaiah Hicks (New York Knicks); Dakari Johnson (Free Agent); Frank Mason III (Sacramento Kings); Ben Moore (Fort Wayne Mad Ants); Chasson Randle (Capital City Go-Go); Travis Trice (Milwaukee Bucks); and Derrick White (San Antonio Spurs)....

"With our September second-round games marking the start of the most critical part of the World Cup Qualifying, I think it is imperative for us to look for players who possess mental fortitude, who are tough, and who have experience," said Van Gundy. "All of our second-round games are going to very, very difficult and competitive battles. Argentina, Panama and Uruguay are all really good and well coached.

After finishing 5-1 and first in Group C in first-round action, the USA opens the FIBA Americas World Cup Qualifying second round facing Group A's No. 2 seed, Uruguay (4-2), on Friday, Sept. 14 (7 p.m. PDT) at Cox Pavilion on the campus of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Tickets for the USA-Uruguay game are on sale now andare $20 (plus fees) for general admission and $60 (plus fees) for courtside. For ticket information call 702-739-FANS (3267) or visit USAB.com/WCQ.

The USA will complete the September competition window with an away game versus Panama (3-3) on Sept. 17 in Panama City.

Training camp for the USA World Cup Qualifying Team is scheduled to begin Sept. 6 in Las Vegas. The full USA World Cup Qualifying Team training schedule is available at usab.com/mens/wc-qualifying/training-schedule.aspx.

https://www.nba.com/spurs/news/derrick-white-attend-september-usa-mens-world-cup-qualifying-team-training-camp

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Congratulations to Derrick for making the USA World Cup Qualifying Team!

Derrick White Named to USA Men's World Cup Qualifying Team for September Games
USA to Open Second Round Play Versus Uruguay on September 14 in Las Vegas

Featuring a pair of USA Basketball World Cup Qualifying Teams veterans, and boasting of nine players who played with NBA teams in 2017-18, USA Basketball announced its official 12-man roster for the September USA World Cup Qualifying Team.

The USA will continue its training through Sept. 13 at UNLV’s Mendenhall Center. The USA, playing in the first competition window of FIBA World Cup Qualifying second-round games, will meet Uruguay on Sept. 14 (7 p.m. PDT) at UNLV’s Cox Pavilion, then meet Panama on Sept. 17 in Panama City.

The USA roster is capped by Bryce Alford(Oklahoma City Blue); Dwayne Bacon(Charlotte Hornets); Henry Ellenson(Detroit Pistons); Reggie Hearn (Grand Rapids Drive); Isaiah Hicks(New York Knicks); Dakari Johnson(Free Agent);Frank Mason III(Sacramento Kings); Ben Moore(Fort Wayne Mad Ants); Chasson Randle(Capital City Go-Go); Travis Trice(Milwaukee Bucks); Jameel Warney(Texas Legends); and Derrick White(San Antonio Spurs).

https://www.nba.com/spurs/news/derrick-white-named-usa-mens-world-cup-qualifying-team-september-games

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Derrick at practice just before being named to the team:

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Team picture:

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From the team's Photo Day Gallery:



(Photos by David Becker)

You can see the rest of the photos here: https://www.usab.com/basketball/media/galleries/2018/09/mwcq-team-posed.aspx

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Pop watching the practice before tomorrow's game:

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Some info about the qualifiers:

Under FIBA’s new competition system, a total of 80 national teams from FIBA’s four regions of Africa, Americas, Asia (which now includes Oceania) and Europe initially competed in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 Qualifying first round looking to earn a qualifying berth into the 32-team 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup competition that will be held Aug. 31-Sept. 15 in China.

The FIBA World Cup Qualifying games are being used to qualify 31 of the 32 nations that will compete in the 2019 FIBA World Cup. China automatically qualified as the host nation of the 2019 FIBA World Cup.

Five teams will qualify from Africa, seven teams from the Americas, seven teams from Asia and 12 teams from Europe.

Results from the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 will qualify seven teams for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. Additionally, Olympic host, Japan, automatically qualified, and the final four nations will qualify through four FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournaments that will be held in 2020 in advance of the Olympics.

Link also provides more details about qualifiers and participating teams: https://www.usab.com/news-events/news/2018/09/mwcq-team-announcement.aspx


GAME DETAILS: Round 2 of FIBA Men's World Cup Qualifiers - USA (5-1) vs. URUGUAY (4-2)

WHEN: Friday, September 14, 2018 7pm PTD (10pm EDT)

WHERE: Cox Pavilion, UNLV Campus, Nevada

TICKETS:

Tickets are $20 (plus applicable fees) for general admission, $60 for courtside (plus applicable fees) and are available now via the following outlets:

- UNLV Tickets
- 702-739-FANS (3267)

https://www.usab.com/wcq

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Game Day!

TV: ESPN+ - Broadcast Link

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Off to a torrid start. Go Derrick!

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I think it's fair to say Team USA arrived ready to bring it and haven't let up:

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On to the next one is the kindest way to put it:

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With a convincing first win of the second round, the 6-1 USA Men's Qualifying Team heads to Panama City for its second game tomorrow against Panama.

Game time is 9pm EDT

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Off to a good start:

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Low scoring game at the half, but USA is on the right end of it:

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I think because the first game was so lopsided that this game somehow seems close, but USA's increased its lead at the end of each quarter, so it's rolling along in the right direction:

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And that's game. Strong finish with a 21-10 fourth quarter by USA:

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The next USA qualifying game will be on Thursday, November 29, 2018 against a formidable Argentinian team that has also thus far lost only one game. The match will take place in Argentina, so a tough away game. Good test.

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WATCH: Spurs' Derrick White says it's a 'blessing' to play for Team USA

Derrick recently spoke about wearing the Team USA uniform and beamed with pride.

"I think everybody who plays wants to play for their country. It's a blessing to be able put on this uniform."

Against Uruguay, White posted 14 points and 6 assists off 42-percent shooting in 19 minutes for Team USA in a 114-57 win.

In a recent 78-48 win over Panama, White recorded 5 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists off 18-percent shooting in 21 minutes.

https://news4sanantonio.com/sports/content/watch-spurs-derrick-white-says-its-a-blessing-to-play-for-team-usa

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Congratulations to Steve Kerr, Nate McMillan, and Jay Wright:

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Steve Kerr, Nate McMillan and Jay Wright Named 2019-20 USA Basketball Men’s National Team Assistant Coaches

The USA Basketball Men’s National Team coaching staff today was finalized with the announcement that NBA head coaches Steve Kerr (Golden State Warriors) and Nate McMillan and Villanova University head coach Jay Wright have been selected as assistant coaches for the 2019-20 USA Basketball Men’s National Team.

Kerr, McMillan and Wright join USA and San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich to complete USA National Team coaching staff. The coaches will lead the USA National Team in2019-20, which, if the USA qualifies, could include the 2019 FIBA World Cup in China (Aug. 31-Sept. 15, 2019) and the 2020 Summer Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan (July 24-Aug. 9).

"I am honored and fortunate to have such gifted coaches share this USA Basketball responsibility with me," said Popovich, a 1970 graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy. "Steve Kerr, Nate McMillan and Jay Wright are not just knowledgeable, dedicated individuals, but they exhibit the creativity, tenacity and respect for the game needed to compete in the international arena.

"I look forward to joining them as USA Basketball attempts to extend the stellar success they've enjoyed over the past 12 years."

Steve Kerr
"This is an incredible opportunity and one I’m extremely grateful for," said Kerr. "I had the good fortune to participate in our USA Basketball program as an amateur, and to have the chance to return to the world stage three decades later and work under Pop, one of my former coaches and a mentor, is a tremendous honor. I also look forward to working with Nate and Jay, two dynamic and highly-successful coaches, as we together embrace the opportunity to represent our country and attempt to ultimately bring home the gold."

Nate McMillan
"I’m honored and thrilled to be with USA Basketball and the National Team again," said McMillan. "My previous experience I figured to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and now I’ve been blessed again. I look forward to working with Coach Popovich and a great group of players."

Jay Wright
"It is a great honor to represent our country and to represent USA Basketball. It's also a privilege to work under Pop and alongside Steve and Nate. I have great respect for all three of them. This will be the opportunity of a lifetime," said Wright.

https://www.usab.com/news-events/news/2018/10/mnt-assistant-coaches.aspx