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Everything Timberwolves fans should know about the FIBA World Cup

By Martim Andrade

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - AUGUST 07: Anthony Edwards #10 of the United States throws autographed balls to fans after a 2023 FIBA World Cup exhibition game against Puerto Rico at T-Mobile Arena on August 07, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The United States defeated Puerto Rico 117-74. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - AUGUST 07: Anthony Edwards #10 of the United States throws autographed balls to fans after a 2023 FIBA World Cup exhibition game against Puerto Rico at T-Mobile Arena on August 07, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The United States defeated Puerto Rico 117-74. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /
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Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves
Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /

Group C – Anthony Edwards

The Team USA roster was at first a bit controversial, as the coaching staff opted for a very young core and almost no veteran leadership. The oldest players on the roster are Josh Hart and Bobby Portis, both 28 years of age.

These worries didn’t disappear as reports came out about the USA Select Team beating the World Cup roster on various occasions. The lineup that consisted of Jalen Brunson, Brandon Ingram, Cam Johnson, Mikal Bridges and Jaren Jackson Jr. quickly changed to include the multitalented superstar from the Minnesota Timberwolves, Anthony Edwards, and the worries suddenly went away.

In five exhibition friendlies against Puerto Rico, Slovenia, Spain, Greece and Germany, Team USA won every game convincingly, and all against World Cup bound teams. The final game being decided by … you guessed it … Anthony Edwards and his 34 points against Franz Wagner and Dennis Schröder.

Ant is now being looked at as “the guy” for the USA team, and rightfully so. Coaches Steve Kerr and Erik Spoelstra haven’t stopped complementing Edwards’ game and the impact he has on both sides of the floor.

Team USA will open up the group stage against New Zealand, on August 26 (8:40am EST). From there, they will play against Greece on August 28 (8:40am EST), and will face Jordan on August 30 (4:40am EST).

The expectations for the US are obviously to win the group and to win the entire tournament. Team USA is incredibly talented, but fans should temper their expectations and simply put their trust in Ant-Man.

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