USA vs. China Friendly 2016: Exhibition Match Prepares Teams for Rio Olympics Games; Rosters, Game Time, Venue and Ticket Prices
The USA Men's Basketball team will saw action on Sunday, July 24 against the powerhouse and 2015 FIBA Asia champion China. Staples Center in New York will host the exhibition match that is set to start at 5 p.m. Pacific time.
The Sunday's friendly game is the first in two outings with China, with the second game set on July 26 at the Oracle Arena, and is a critical part of preparation for Team USA since the Rio Olympics is looming and there is a shortage for training time for the squad. Most of the players, including 6 members, are from NBA's Golden State Warriors who just came from the extended and nerve-wracking finals against Cleveland Cavaliers.
"Building our team chemistry quickly is vital, and the 2016 USA Basketball Showcase will offer our players and coaches the opportunity to become familiar with each other, to develop chemistry and to gain critical international experience against a variety of differing styles." USA head coach Mike Krzyzewski said.
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Team USA have closed training camp in UNLV's Mendenhall Center on Thursday, but since tune-up games are needed, the pre-Olympic friendly games will serve as "team building" activity for the players who confirmed for the national team on short notice. All players came from the NBA and some of their respective league were busy during the post-season activities and the NBA draft, allowing limited time for proper preparation. The players have to adjust as well for the difference in the Olympic game rules as opposed to the NBA.
Kevin Durant, Draymond Green, and Klay Thompson are representing the Warriors on the USA Men's Olympic Team. With the inclusion of Carmelo Anthony, Harrison Barnes, Jimmy Butler, DeMarcus Cousins, the veteran Paul George, Kyrie Irving for the NBA Champion Cavs, DeAndre Jordan, completing the team are Raptors stars Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan.
Chinese coach Gong Luming will designate his court pieces for the Team Dragon, relying heavily on perimeter shooting of marksman and team captain Zhou Peng. Inside defense falls on the seven-foot center Zhou Qi while Liaoning Flying Leopards' speedster Zhao Jiwei is tasked for the fast breaks.
Team USA is currently ranked world number one on FIBA ranking while China is the FIBA Asian zone champion and ranked number 12.
Tickets for the 2016 USA Basketball Showcase presented by Verizon at Oracle Arena are on sale now at StubHub, costing $3,000 for the best courtside VIP seats. The cheapest sells for a little less than $100 for the standing-room-only upper decks.
