USA coach Jeff Van Gundy predicts a tough road on the way to China
COLORADO SPRINGS (FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 Americas Qualifiers) - Even though they will head into the upcoming FIBA World Cup Qualifiers as the AmeriCup champions, USA head coach Jeff Van Gundy says hubris won't be an issue.
The Americans had to come back from double-digit deficits twice: against Uruguay; and in the final against Argentina to capture the zonal trophy. And that is something he won't let his team forget as they open the road to China on November window games against Puerto Rico and Mexico.
"It wasn't cool to get down 20 (to Argentina in the final) but I think the resolve of our team was exceptional," Van Gundy told FIBA. "We had two terrific road wins in Uruguay and Argentina to win the gold medal and our players were really committed."
His experience in South America this summer will inform his approach to the upcoming qualifiers – November 23 against Puerto Rico in Orlando, Florida, a game originally scheduled for San Juan but moved after Hurricane Maria devastated the island in September, and the 26th against Mexico in Greensboro, North Carolina – recalling not just the victories but the obstacles overcome to achieve them.
USA head coach Jeff Van Gundy knows exactly how big a challenge the FIBA Basketball World Cup qualifying games are for the Americans. Photo by Jon Lopez.
Though they didn't play either country in the AmeriCup, Van Gundy looks you straight in the eye when he says, "Puerto Rico and Mexico, our first too opponents, are very, very good."
Reminded that Puerto Rico would not have its NBA star for November qualifying games, J.J. Barea, as well, Van Gundy was quick to note, "They didn't this summer either and they played exceptional basketball. They lost 69-66 to Mexico. They have continuity and they have toughness."
"You can never underestimate anybody in FIBA basketball because these people compete hard and with incredible passion and pride."USA Coach Jeff Van Gundy
"Puerto Rico's gone through such a challenge to their homeland so we feel for them in that regard but they are going to bring in a highly competitive, really deep team that gets terrific guard play. They've got Angel Rodriguez, (Alexander) Abreu; they've got (Michael) Rosario off the bench and two shooters in (Juan Ramon) Rivas and (Emmanuel) Andujar so they have absolutely terrific perimeter play."
"Up front they are very active and long. They are going to miss (6'10" center) Tyler Davis who plays for Texas A&M, who was a dominant force for them off the bench, and is a projected (NBA Draft) lottery pick. "
"One thing you know about them; they are extremely well coached and they are highly, highly competitive and athletic."
Looking towards Mexico, Van Gundy said, "We were in the final four with them but didn't play them in AmeriCup. But watching them, I have tremendous respect. They have excellent guard play and they have a very tough, physical front line. We have our hands full in both games."
The biggest difference between Puerto Rico and Mexico he said, is size.
"Mexico is the biggest team that we will play at all positions," Van Gundy noted before breaking down all the ways that makes them dangerous.
"Their guard play is terrific. (Jorge) Gutierrez and (Paco) Cruz are both veteran players who are big and will post smaller guards. They have a third guard off the bench who is a little bit unknown but who I think is an NBA quality player in Alex Perez. The frontcourt is ginourmous with (Lorenzo) Mata who is the center, smart and tough and a great rim protector. (Hector) Hernandez stretches you out to the 3-point lines."
All in, once again. @ESPNNBA's Jeff Van Gundy is eager to guide USA Basketball, team of @nbagleague athletes through @FIBAWC Qualifying.
— USA Basketball (@usabasketball) November 17, 2017
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The USA only announced its roster last week. With such a short time to train before taking the court, Van Gundy says American success is anything but a guarantee.
"We don't have continuity. Most likely, we'll be starting five different guys from our AmeriCup team. And we don't have time to build a team spirit that these teams have developed over a long history of playing together."
Another difference is the incentive of opposition to make it to China.
"These are scary games because both teams have great talent and continuity, and a great desire to play because, if they qualify, those players get to go."
Playing over the American Thanksgiving holiday also brings a question as to what kind of crowd support the team will have behind it.
"We have a great challenge in front of us because we're going to be playing in Orlando on Thanksgiving night and there may be 7 people there, 70 or 700, I have no idea."
The bottom line though…
"Regardless of what it is, we've got to be ready to play. In Greensboro on that Sunday after Thanksgiving, these are teams that we will be competing against to try to get to a World Cup. We're all very concerned."
"It's a different level of intensity and I have such great respect for all the countries. Puerto Rico, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Argentina; they play with such heart and passion and intensity. If you're not ready for the contact of a FIBA game, they're going to put a fist in your throat."
FIBA