LAS VEGAS – Team USA head coach Steve Kerr anticipated a routine end to Saturday afternoon’s practice, focusing on out-of-bounds plays. However, one play stole the spotlight and left Kerr in awe. Point guard Jalen Brunson, standing at 6-foot-1, found himself with a clear path to the basket after stealing the ball from their select team counterparts. In an unexpected turn of events, Brunson rose up and dunked the ball, prompting everyone in the gym, including Kerr, to leap to their feet. Kerr jokingly stated, “The Jalen dunk ended things because how could you possibly top that?” This light-hearted moment marked the successful conclusion of the third day of training camp at the Mendenhall Center on UNLV’s campus, showcasing Brunson’s leadership role within the team.
Coach Kerr, echoing his previous sentiments, affirmed his belief in Brunson as the natural leader of the team. In Kerr’s eyes, Brunson’s role as a point guard makes him an obvious choice for leadership. Kerr praised Brunson’s ability to rally the team with the ‘1, 2, 3 USA’ chant, as he believes leadership comes naturally to certain players. However, Kerr also acknowledged the presence of other leaders within the group, emphasizing the diverse leadership styles that contribute to the team dynamic.
Coach Kerr’s faith in Brunson is evident in the lineups he has deployed during practice. While Kerr emphasizes that nothing is set in stone, Team USA has consistently featured four out of the five same players in the starting lineup: Brunson at point guard, Mikal Bridges and Brandon Ingram on the wings, and Jaren Jackson Jr. at center. The fifth spot has been rotated between Cam Johnson and Anthony Edwards. As the team prepares for their first exhibition game against Puerto Rico, Kerr highlighted the importance of flexibility and learning from each session to refine the lineup and rotations. The roster’s skill level promises exciting and dynamic combinations on the court.
A Notable Strategy: Playing Small
One noticeable aspect of Team USA’s practice is their intention to play small. During the scrimmages, there hasn’t been a moment when any of the three traditional bigs – Jackson, Walker Kessler, or Bobby Portis – have shared the court. However, Kerr has experimented with pairing Brunson and Tyrese Haliburton, further emphasizing the team’s passing ability. The coach expressed his excitement about the passing skills exhibited throughout the roster, including players like Austin Reaves. This experimentation period allows Kerr to observe different lineups and assess the team’s overall potential.
Amidst the various combinations and strategies, Coach Kerr has already identified Brunson as the player he will rely on to lead the team in the coming weeks. From Kerr’s perspective, Brunson’s leadership qualities make him the ideal candidate to guide Team USA towards their ultimate goal of winning the gold medal at the FIBA Basketball World Cup in the Philippines. Brunson, along with the rest of the team, is fully committed to the task at hand. He understands the importance of staying true to himself, leading by example, and adapting his leadership style to suit the needs of his teammates. Brunson commended the team’s willingness to sacrifice for the greater good, an essential quality needed for success.
Jalen Brunson’s stellar performance, highlighted by his impressive dunk, stole the show at Team USA’s practice session. Coach Steve Kerr recognized Brunson’s natural leadership abilities and entrusted him with a significant role within the team. As the team continues to fine-tune their lineup and explore different combinations, Brunson remains a dependable and influential figure. Team USA’s collective mindset of sacrifice sets them on the path to victory at the FIBA Basketball World Cup. The combination of talent, leadership, and teamwork positions Team USA for a successful campaign.
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