Coaching a team for the FIBA World Cup is no easy task. Team USA coach Steve Kerr knows this all too well as he prepares his team for the upcoming tournament. With training camp underway, Kerr is faced with the challenge of selecting his starting lineup and building a cohesive team in a short amount of time. In this article, we will delve into the complexities of coaching for the FIBA World Cup and explore how Kerr plans to navigate these challenges.
One of the first challenges that Kerr faces is deciding on his starting lineup. With a group of talented players, all of whom are accustomed to being NBA starters, it becomes difficult to determine who will take the court for Team USA. Kerr acknowledges that these decisions tend to work themselves out over the course of the first week or two of training camp. As a coaching staff, they analyze the tape, explore different combinations, and consider substitution patterns. It is a process that requires careful evaluation and consideration.
Furthermore, Kerr faces an additional layer of complexity due to the lack of experience within the team. None of the 12 players selected for the World Cup have previously participated at the senior national level. This means that experimentation will be a crucial aspect of the training camp. Kerr plans to take advantage of the four days of practice in Las Vegas, along with a scrimmage against Puerto Rico, to test different lineups and get a better understanding of his personnel.
In addition to selecting the right players for his roster, Kerr must also familiarize his team with the FIBA version of basketball. This presents a significant challenge since FIBA rules differ from those in the NBA. Kerr, drawing from his experience with Greg Popovich and Team USA, highlights FIBA’s emphasis on baseline out-of-bounds plays as an example.
FIBA allows the ball to be taken out of bounds underneath the basket, whereas the NBA requires it to be taken out from the sideline. This discrepancy means that executing baseline out-of-bounds plays becomes crucial in FIBA competitions. Kerr recalls a previous loss to France in which they scored on three out-of-bounds plays in the second half. This experience serves as a reminder of the importance of attention to detail in executing such plays.
To overcome this learning curve, Kerr intends to simplify the team’s approach. With only a six-week timeline until the tournament’s conclusion in Manila, Kerr recognizes the need for efficiency. Instead of employing complex strategies, Kerr aims to establish a straightforward structure that allows his players to focus on executing well.
Coaching for the FIBA World Cup presents a unique set of challenges. Steve Kerr understands the complexity involved in selecting a starting lineup and building a cohesive team in a short amount of time. With the lack of experience across the roster and the need to adjust to FIBA rules, experimentation and simplification become essential for Team USA’s success. As the training camp progresses, Kerr’s expertise and leadership will be vital in preparing the team for the upcoming tournament.
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