Popovich sees Australia as World Cup basketball threat

He’ll quickly learn the way a lot of a risk when the groups meet Thursday within the first of two exhibition video games in Melbourne. A report Australian basketball crowd of 50,000 is forecast for the match at Marvel Stadium. The second sport is about for Saturday.

”Large, large risk,” Popovich stated of the Boomers. ”They’re one of many groups that may win the entire thing, indubitably. I am not saying that as a result of I am right here. It is only a reality.”

”They have been shut for a number of years, and they’re hungry. They’re gifted. They’ve the toughness and physicality to go together with it. I believe they’re one of many prime contenders indubitably.”

Australia, led by Patty Mills, who’s coached by Popovich at San Antonio, misplaced the bronze medal closing on the 2016 Olympics to Spain.

The U.S. staff is skinny on superstars, with solely Kemba Walker, Khris Middleton and Brook Lopez combining for 5 NBA All-Star appearances compared to their final Olympics squad which had 33.

However Walker, who final month joined Boston after eight seasons in Charlotte, stated criticism of the U.S. staff was spurring them on forward of its title protection in China.

”We do not care – we wish to be right here and are placing within the time to be right here and we undoubtedly take that as motivation,” Walker stated Wednesday. ”We’ve got a bunch of fellows who do not thoughts being the underdogs. We’re hungry and we’re going to go on the market to attempt to win a gold medal.”

Walker stated he, Utah Jazz star Donovan Mitchell and Celtics guard Marcus Good would share the captaincy duties as a part of a management group.

”I take delight in being a pacesetter and guys trying to me and I am right here to set the tempo and convey my expertise and power,” he stated.

Australia, in the meantime, hopes to finish 55 years of losses towards the U.S. The People have gained all 25 video games towards Australia since 1964.