In Photos: Austin Reaves, Paolo Banchero and Tyrese Haliburton don the all-new Team USA Jersey as preparation for FIBA World Cup 2023 kicks off
Austin Reaves, Paolo Banchero and Tyrese Haliburton will be part of a star-studded Team USA roster that will compete in the 2023 FIBA World Cup.
While USA’s basketball lineup for the tournament was announced weeks ago, many were also looking forward to their jersey unveiling. Just three weeks away from the start of the competition, the jerseys are finally out.
Tyrese Haliburton will be donning jersey No. 4 for Team USA. Haliburton continued his strong showing since he was traded by the Sacramento Kings to the Indiana Pacers in the summer of 2022. This past season, he earned his first All-Star selection after averaging career-highs in points (20.7) and assists (10.4). He also added 1.6 steals per game to show his two-way impact.
Haliburton is probably the Americans’ best playmaker. He is also one of their best shooters, averaging 49.0% of his field-goal attempts, including 40.0% from deep.
The No. 8 looks good on Paolo Banchero
After a strong debut that earned him the Rookie of the Year award, Paolo Banchero will be with Team USA during the tournament. The Orlando Magic franchise player was part of Team Italy during the 2022 EuroBasket but did not play.
Before the 2023 FIBA World Cup, it looked certain that he would be with the Italians until a late change of mind. Instead of following through with his previous intent, he decided to be part of the American roster.
The Italian national team president called Banchero’s sudden change of heart a “mockery.” Italy’s loss is America’s gain though. The former Duke superstar already looks good in No. 8.
Last season, Paolo Banchero averaged 20.0 points, 6.9 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game. Banchero’s size, athleticism, versatility and playmaking will be assets Team USA will look to maximize.
Austin Reaves gets No. 15 for Team USA
Not many were expecting Austin Reaves to play for the national team. The former undrafted player, however, showed that he can play against the best, particularly in this year’s playoffs with the LA Lakers.
Reaves took an even more important role for the team after LA traded Russell Westbrook and Patrick Beverley in separate deals. During the playoffs, he was clearly the third-best player in Darvin Ham’s team.
The LA Lakers’ No. 15 will continue to don the same number playing for Team USA.