Unanimously the tournament’s favorites, the United States has set its sights on reclaiming the FIBA World Cup throne. Procuring a convincing group stage campaign, the superstar caliber lineup on paper translates accordingly, evidenced by their 34-point win average throughout the initial matchups.
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards banners the stars-and-stripes with 16.3 points per game throughout the squad’s first three contests. The All-Star sophomore racked 22-markers in their latest duel versus Jordan, supplemented with eight rebounds and four assists in their 110-62 triumph at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, Philippines, last August 30, 2023.
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Encapsulated in his fledgling +16.7 efficiency rating comes his unmatched scoring ability, centered on ending Team USA’s near 10-year hiatus of FIBA World Cup gold. With 13-time NBA All-Star Kevin Durant setting the tone for the most points scored in a game (38) in 2010, Edwards regards himself as a possible candidate to succeed the feat.
“I mean he's [Durant] probably one of the greatest players, so it's going to be tough (laughs), but I'll try for sure,” Anthony Edwards addressed the media.
Looking to their preliminary second-round matchup against a Nikola Vucevic-led Montenegro roster, performing on the international stage poses no challenge for the Nationals’ top scorer. Pressure may seep into the program with the need to perform exceptionally, as it’s just another day in the office for the Atlantean, molded by his love for basketball and the overwhelming talent and support of the roster.
“I think we're going to win. We've got a great coaching staff and great players, so our confidence is at an all-time high. We're not really worried by those guys,” Edwards mentioned.
