Orlando Magic mentor Jamahl Mosley is nothing but supportive of Paolo Banchero’s decision to represent the United States in the upcoming FIBA Basketball World Cup this year.
Mosley believes that the tournament experience can only help the league’s reigning Rookie of the Year in terms of his overall development, leadership, and performance as one of the league’s rising stars.
“I think it is such a great experience,” Mosley told Cody Taylor of USA TODAY’s Rookie Wire about Banchero joining Team USA for the World Cup which will occur from Aug. 25 to Sept. 10. “To be around that high level of players and to see where you are, to learn from some other great players throughout the league, it allows him to raise his level and, also, his ability to lead and speak and use his voice for the leadership in our locker room.”
The Magic sensation announced his intent to join the United States’ campaign for the World Championships last week following the federation’s highly publicized pursuit of his service and outlast over the Italian program. Banchero banners the promisingly loaded American frontcourt that also features Brandon Ingram, Jaren Jackson Jr., Cam Johnson, Walker Kessler, and Bobby Portis.
Banchero will look to help the United States to bounce back from its tourney-worst top-seven finish at the 2019 World Cup in China.
The Americans will grace the court of the Mall of Asia Arena as members of Group C. They are slated to play New Zealand on Aug. 26, then face Greece up next on Aug. 28, and conclude the group-stage play on Aug. 30 against Jordan for the group phase of the grand tilt.