USA point guard Kyrie Irving will be fit to play Mexico in their FIBA World Cup, Round of 16 clash in Barcelona on Saturday.
Irving caused concern in the USA camp when he fell awkwardly on his back in the final 90 seconds of their 95-71 win over Ukraine in Bilbao.
USA head coach Mike Krzyzewski though told reporters in Barcelona that Irving has no ongoing issues with his back. Krzyzewski mentioned that the Cleveland Cavaliers guard had minor soreness as he began practice at the Palau Saint Jordi but was fine as training concluded.
“He went through the whole workout,” Krzyzewski said. “He was a little bit sore to begin with, but he worked his soreness out. He’s ready to go.”
Irving had no doubts that he would play against neighbours Mexico even after the game against Ukraine, coached by ex-NBA coach and current TV analyst Mike Fratello.
“I’m fine,” he said to ESPN’s Bob Holtzman after USA’s win in Bilbao.
USA face Mexico on Saturday afternoon in Barcelona, marking the first time these two neighbouring sides have faced each other at World Cup or Olympic level since 1967.
