For those of you who just can’t wait for basketball season to start back up again, you’re in luck. The 2023 FIBA World Cup is ramping back up for the first time since 2019. Not only is the World Cup consistently highly entertaining ball, Chicago Bulls fans should see a few familiar to make things worth tuning in for.
Another big reason to tune in is that Team USA will be looking to redeem themselves after a humiliating first-round loss to France four years ago. The Rudy Gobert led French team would go on to secure 3rd place while Ricky Rubio, Marco Gasol, and the Hernangomez would drive Spain to their first gold medal since 2006.
After winning both the 2010 and 2014 World Cups, this was a massive blow to Team USA. This year’s roster will feature current NBA stars such as Anthony Edwards, Tyrese Haliburton, and Jaren Jackson Jr. Even a former beloved Bull will be joining their ranks in Bobby Portis. Here’s when Team USA plays each of their three group stage games in the Philippines later this month.
- USA vs. New Zealand, August 26, 8:40 a.m. ET
- USA vs. Greece, August 28, 8:40 a.m. ET
- USA vs. Jordan, August 30, 4:40 a.m. ET
The 2023 🇺🇸 #USABMNT numbers are in! pic.twitter.com/mlcU9UOUN0
— USA Basketball (@usabasketball) August 1, 2023
Chicago Bulls fans can watch Nikola Vucevic dominate international competition later this month at the 2023 FIBA World Cup.
No current members of the Chicago Bulls will be on this year’s rendition of Team USA — or even the Select Team, for that matter — but that doesn’t mean they lack representation in the tournament as a whole. It’s important to remember that 31 other teams will be competing in the tournament, and with more international talent in the league than ever before, you’ll see a plethora of NBA talent donning other jerseys.
After sitting out of EuroBasket play, Nikola Vucevic will be making a return to the court and suiting up for his home country of Montenegro in the World Cup. With no other NBA players on his team, Vucevic will have to put Montenegro on his back and carry them through the group stage against Egypt, Lithuania, and Mexico.
Vucevic discussed how playing in the World Cup can be a very different experience than professional ball in the NBA.
"“It’s good to get both experiences; you can learn from playing both and transition across. Then one is playing for your club, and one is playing for country, so it is just a very different experience and feel. As long as you get to play basketball it’s fun.”"
Unfortunately, we won’t get to see the recently signed Onuralp Bitim in action, as Turkey missed qualification in this year’s World Cup. Nikola Jokic and Giannis Antetokounmpo are expected to sit out for Serbia and Greece, respectively, which only helps the current betting favorite Team USA. This year’s FIBA World Cup tips off at the end of this month on August 25.