USA Basketball has appointed Detroit Pistons head coach J.B. Bickerstaff, Oklahoma City Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault and Gonzaga University head coach Mark Few as assistant coaches for the U.S. men’s national team ahead of the 2027 FIBA World Cup and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
The trio was selected by USA Basketball managing director Grant Hill. “One of the really neat parts is watching these great minds work together, collaborate, problem-solve and figure out this journey,” Hill told the Associated Press. “With Mark, with J.B. and with Mark Few, we’ve got talented people who happen to be good people as well. And so, I’m beyond thrilled.”
The assistants will work under head coach Erik Spoelstra, who took over the program last October following Steve Kerr’s tenure. ESPN’s Shams Charania first reported earlier this week that Bickerstaff, Daigneault and Few were expected to fill the three assistant spots.
Bickerstaff’s NBA Resurgence
Bickerstaff, 47, has overseen a rapid turnaround in Detroit. The Pistons finished 14-68 the season before his arrival; they have since posted records of 44-38 and 60-22, reaching the playoffs both years. He also became president of the National Basketball Coaches Association last December, succeeding Rick Carlisle.
Daigneault’s Thunder Success
Daigneault, 41, has guided Oklahoma City since 2020. After three rebuilding seasons, the Thunder logged 57, 68 and 64 wins the past three years and captured the 2025 NBA championship. He earned NBA Coach of the Year honors for the 2023-24 campaign.
Few’s Continued National Team Role
Few remains on the USA bench after serving in the previous World Cup and Olympic cycle. The longtime Gonzaga coach, whose Bulldogs reached two NCAA title games, will be inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame next month. He helped the United States claim bronze at the 2023 World Cup and gold at the 2024 Olympics while working with Kerr, Spoelstra and Tyronn Lue.
The new coaching staff will begin preparations this season as USA Basketball builds toward international competition in 2027 and 2028.
Source: Hoops Rumors
