Two days before the start of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 in the Philippines, Japan, and Indonesia, Erik Spoelstra, the Assistant Coach of the USA National Team, expressed the team's readiness.

Upon the USA players' arrival in Manila, they are expected to draw significant attention at the FIBA Basketball World Cup. Spoelstra himself may anticipate a similar surge of interest.

In Spoelstra's words, 'They'll be like rock stars there.'

Placed in Group C alongside Greece, Jordan, and New Zealand, the American team is set to compete at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City, with their first match scheduled for Saturday, August 26th.

As the team prepares to face top global competitors, Coach Spoelstra, a Filipino-American, emphasized their deep appreciation for the growing popularity of basketball worldwide.

Spoelstra stated, 'It has been my dream to be a part of the USA Basketball program for many years, and now for the World Cup to be in Manila. I take great pride in being American and in my Filipino heritage as well. I'm truly excited for the entire program to witness the enthusiasm, spirit, and fan base for the game in Manila.'

The USA is determined to improve upon their disappointing seventh-place finish in the 2019 edition of this prestigious event.

The team has assembled a roster of rising talents to represent the dominant nation in the World Cup, with Bobby Portis and Josh Hart, both 28 years old, being the eldest members. Leading the team are dynamic players such as Anthony Edwards, Tyrese Haliburton, Austin Reaves, Jalen Brunson, Brandon Ingram, and the recently crowned NBA Rookie of the Year, Paolo Banchero.

With a deep connection to his Filipino roots, Spoelstra instilled in the team the profound passion for basketball that characterizes the Philippines even before their arrival in Manila.

As Spoelstra had predicted, the nation has indeed lived up to its reputation by treating Team USA, along with all the other national teams currently in the Philippines, like celebrities.

The USA has claimed victory in the World Cup five times, with the most recent triumphs occurring in 2010 and 2014. The former Yugoslavia is the only other nation to achieve this feat.

Given the USA team's history of success and the consistent inclusion of elite basketball stars in their lineup, fans can expect captivating performances on the court from the American players. Notably, this year's USA roster bears a striking resemblance to the 2010 team that arrived at the World Cup in Turkey as a fresh unit and ultimately secured the championship title.

During that campaign, Kevin Durant earned the title of the tournament's Most Valuable Player, alongside teammates such as Derrick Rose, Stephen Curry, Russell Westbrook, and Kevin Love. None of the athletes from this year's USA squad were part of the Olympic team that won gold in Tokyo a couple of years ago. Nevertheless, expectations for the American team will undoubtedly remain exceptionally high.