The Americans will not have to travel during the 2023 World Cup. The next big international basketball meeting takes place in the Philippines, Japan and Indonesia, and this Monday, the three host nations had to choose the teams they prefer to play in their respective countries during the group stage of the tournament.
FIBA reports that Manila, where the finals will also be held, has chosen “Team USA”. Qualification or not, the Americans will only play in the Philippine capital.
” I like to think that works in our favour. We must be attentive and respectful of the fact that these players fly throughout the regular season and move from city to city, from bed to bed, from hotel to hotel. It’s a chore. Once we’re settled there, we can set up our base for several weeks. “, reacts Grant Hill, the boss of the American program, quoted by AP.
Candidates for the podium, Slovenia and Canada will not have this chance. The selection led by Luka Doncic will start its tournament in Japan, while the Canadian formation of Nick Nurse will first play in Indonesia. This promises both teams a good plane ride (if they qualify). Okinawa is located 1,400 kilometers from Manila, and Jakarta nearly twice that.
Note that Slovenians and Canadians already have their qualifications in their pocket, where the Americans are on track to imitate them, even if this is not yet the case. The last qualifying window takes place in February 2023. A victory in Uruguay or Brazil must allow them to qualify.
Once the 32 competing teams are known, the group draw will take place on April 29, 2023. The competition, organized for the first time in more than one country, takes place from August 25 to September 10.
