Tyrese Haliburton spoke with Basketball Sphere about everything that awaits the United States at the upcoming FIBA World Cup.
The United States finished seventh in the World Cup four years ago. It is the weakest result in the history of the national team. Led by Anthony Edwards and Tyrese Haliburton, they are looking to get back on the podium.
How does it feel to play for the national team? What are the differences compared to the Indiana Pacers jersey? What is it like to play for Steve Kerr? These are all questions Haliburton answered for Basketball Sphere.
Playing for the national team
Regardless of the competition in which they participate, the United States is always the favorite. It will be the same this time. After a poor result in China in 2019, a gold medal was won at the Olympic Games two years later.
“The moment you put on the United States jersey, the expectations simply become the highest possible. After that World Cup in China, the national team won the Olympic Games. Simply, you want to be part of such success. None of us have the desire to be on the list of the national team that is associated with any kind of failure.”
“Basketball is different when you play for the national team…”
Tyrese Haliburton had the best season of his career with the Indiana Pacers. Double-double average of 20.7 points and 10.4 assists puts him in a position where he could very easily be the leader of this team alongside Anthony Edwards. However, this will also be a new experience for him, with an additional dose of responsibility.
“I would say that basketball as a game is different when you play for the national team. We all try to find adequate roles and ways to be maximally involved and make a certain contribution. In the NBA, there are always two or three individuals who take more responsibility and take many more shots.
There is no such thing here, we simply cut those things at the start. It is necessary for everyone to commit to the team, get to know each other better and contribute. It’s interesting and quite dynamic, but also a lot of fun.”
A leader in the locker room
Every team in sports has two types of leaders. Those who carry the team on the court, but also those who are the loudest in the dressing room. Usually that role belongs to veteran players and that is the case in the United States.
“I would say Bobby Portis (leader in the locker room). He is one of the oldest players in our team. In addition, he knows what it is like to win the NBA , thus he is a championship player with great experience.”
“Half man – half trophy” – Steve Kerr
After Gregg Popovich won the Olympics as the head coach of the United States, he was succeeded by Steve Kerr.
As the head coach of the Golden State Warriors, Kerr won the NBA four times. He achieved similar successes as a player of the Chicago Bulls during the years of Michael Jordan‘s dominance.
Kerr will now try to win the FIBA World Cup.
“Coach Kerr learned from the best. Everything he went through in his career, as a player, but also as a coach, was also very instructive. That’s why it’s great to work with him.”
“It is difficult to beat the same team twice in a row…”
The draw placed the United States in Group C. Their rivals will be Greece, Jordan and New Zealand. It is interesting that during the preparatory period the United States played five games and achieved the same number of wins.
One of the defeated rivals was Greece, the national team for which Giannis Antetokounmpo will not play at this World Cup. Nevertheless, Haliburton cautiously observes the upcoming challenges.
“As you know in the world of sports, it is difficult to beat one rival twice in a row. Greece knows what to expect against us. I’m excited and I think it will be very interesting. Every game brings new challenges.
As for other rivals, I don’t have much to say. We have focused as much as possible on the progress of our team and want to welcome the World Cup as ready as possible.” – Tyrese Haliburton concluded conversation with Basketball Sphere.