Quick notes I put together after Team USA’s 117-74 exhibition victory vs. Puerto Rico last night.
- Anthony Edwards’ quick burst and ability to run the floor are so fun to watch.
- Jalen Brunson is a true point guard, loved seeing him both slow it down and push the pace.
- Puerto Rico’s Tremont Waters can easily still come off the bench for an NBA team, very confident 25-year-old undersized guard.
- USA looked a little shaky defending off the ball and communicating early on, however to PR’s credit, the club executed some nice plays/knocked down a few deep threes.
- Jaren Jackson Jr.’s presence both offensively & defensively will play a major role in Team USA’s success. The soon-to-be 24 year old looks ready to take on the challenge of physical FIBA play.
- Mikal Bridges, Austin Reaves, and Cam Johnson showed great poise. The ultimate role players in this setting.
- Brandon Ingram’s hustle/passing/defense stood out as an encouraging sign. His versatility just continues to grow every day.
- Paolo Banchero played like a younger Team USA member who is hungry for minutes to show the world how skilled he is.
- Tyrese Haliburton makes the game easier for everyone with his style/positivity (as usual).
- Lastly, check out this tough play from USA at 3:38 where Haliburton uses two screens off the dribble then throws a cross-court pass for a Cam Johnson jumper while his defender gets over late because he was focused on Bobby Portis rolling.
