Hill Sets World Cup Gold as Top Goal for Team USA Under Spoelstra
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During Thursday’s press conference introducing Erik Spoelstra as the new head coach of the U.S. men’s national basketball team, managing director Grant Hill said his primary objective is to capture the program’s first FIBA World Cup title since 2014.
“We have time, and every year new players emerge,” Hill told reporters. The United States finished seventh at the 2019 World Cup and fourth in 2023, missing the podium in both tournaments. Hill noted that, as in past cycles, the World Cup roster will likely lean on younger or less-established stars than the Olympic squad. He mentioned projected standouts Cooper Flagg and Evan Mobley as potential candidates for 2027 but stressed that no selections have been made.
“The world is getting better, but so are we,” he added. “It’s on me to recruit and show players why representing the country matters.”
Around the League
Key role players to watch: Fred Katz of The Athletic highlighted five NBA contributors who could become critical this season, including Bucks guard Kevin Porter Jr., Cavaliers wing DeAndre Hunter and Timberwolves rookie Terrence Shannon Jr.
Wildcats cut ties with Mason Jones: The Perth Wildcats released former NBA guard Mason Jones less than a month after signing him. Jones, the 2025 G League Finals MVP, averaged 34.7% from the field and 27.6% from three over his first five NBL games. The team is searching for a replacement import guard.
Balcetis heads to Lithuania: Former Nuggets assistant general manager Tommy Balcetis has joined Zalgiris Kaunas as head of innovations. Balcetis was once viewed as a contender for Denver’s top front-office post after the spring departure of Calvin Booth, but the Nuggets elevated Ben Tenzer instead and declined to renew Balcetis’s deal.
New jersey patches: The NBA will place special patches on uniforms worn by rookies and annual award winners this season through its partnership with Fanatics/Topps, according to ESPN’s Dan Hajducky.
Source: Hoops Rumors
