USA Basketball Completes First Training Session in France; Kerr Shows Clips of Team’s Lackluster Play

On July 26, the USA Basketball team completed their first training session since arriving in France.

Before the training, Coach Kerr arranged for the entire team to watch video clips from exhibition games where they had not been fully engaged on the court. The purpose of this was to motivate all players and make them realize that it is time to step up now that the Olympics have begun, and they can no longer afford to be lackadaisical.

This motivation had the desired effect, as everyone showed exceptional enthusiasm during the training session.

“This was the goal of today’s practice. To remind them that it’s time. To remind them that we are at the Olympics,” said Kerr. “Therefore, we must give our all for 40 minutes, stay focused, and concentrate. We cannot be outplayed or outworked by other teams, like we were against Germany and South Sudan.”

Kerr believed that the team played too slowly against Germany and South Sudan, failing to utilize their depth advantage. Additionally, he mentioned that the playing style of the team in London did not match the energy required for Olympic competition due to the different formats between the Olympics and the NBA.

“The Olympics only consist of six games, both in terms of schedule and pace, they are very fast. However, when I watched the videos, we were jogging through plays during the exhibition games,” said Kerr. “There was also a lack of physicality during the offensive plays, so it’s time for a change.”

Regarding their first opponent in the Olympics, the Serbian national team (who boast Nikola Jokic and an NBA-level point guard, making them one of the favorites for the gold medal), Kerr believes that the coaching staff can offer limited assistance, and more will depend on the players themselves.

Kerr said, “I do believe our team can reach another level. During this period, what the coaching staff can do is help familiarize the players with the opposing team’s shooters and other players – that’s where the coaching staff can support the players. The rest, such as effort and energy in each game, is something they need to provide themselves.”

On Friday, local time, the USA Basketball team did not train. Instead, they will travel to the Olympic Village to join the rest of the American athletes participating in the Olympics. Then, they will take a boat ride along the Seine River through central Paris to attend the opening ceremony. After that, the competition begins.

“You’ll savor the moment and realize it’s special,” said Kevin Durant. “Being around these great players and seeing them in a different light off the court is cool.”

Kerr added, “This should be one of the greatest experiences of our lives. But the best way to make it memorable is by winning the gold medal.”