Josh Giddey headlines Australia’s 2023 FIBA World Cup roster
During exit interviews, several Oklahoma City Thunder players declared their intention to play for their home country in the 2023 FIBA World Cup.
With the Thunder rostering several international young players, it only makes sense that most said they’d be interested in playing for their country. One of those players includes Josh Giddey, who just wrapped up an impressive sophomore campaign.
In 76 games, Giddey averaged 16.6 points on 48.2% shooting, 7.9 rebounds and 6.2 assists. He also shot 32.5% from 3 on 3.1 attempts.
“It’s always been a dream of mine to play for my country on the biggest stage, and I think missing out on the Olympic team two years or last year was obviously tough,” Giddey said. “I wanted to be there with them. To see them win their first medal ever for Australian basketball was a great moment. This summer we’ve got as much talent as basketball has ever had in Australia, so I think it’s probably going to be the most realistic chance we ever had to win a gold medal at a big major event, so look forward to it.”
The 20-year-old headlines Team Australia’s extended roster, which was published on Sunday. Other active NBA players include:
Pelicans guard Dyson Daniels
Nets guard Patty Mills
Trail Blazers guard Matisse Thybulle
Bucks forward Joe Ingles
Kings guard Matthew Dellavedova
Mavericks guard Josh Green
Wizard forward Xavier Cooks
Suns center Jock Landale.
The full roster can be viewed below:
The FIBA World Cup is scheduled to take place from Aug. 23 to Sept. 10 — right before the official start of the 2023-24 season.
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