Before Team USA head to the Philippines for FIBA World Cup 2023, they will play tune-up matches with Germany and Greece in the UAE capital.
The three national teams are going to square off in Abu Dhabi just days before the start of the most anticipated basketball world cup.
This is just the latest indicator of the United Arab Emirates’ growing investment in the sport, in response to the growing fanbase as well.
USA Basketball announced the news in a press conference in the Convention Center Berlin this Wednesday, as part of an agreement with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi.
Schedule of Games
- August 18 – USA vs. Greece
- August 19 – Greece vs Germany
- August 20 – USA vs Germany
“It’s set to be an unforgettable summer in Abu Dhabi and it’s an honor to host the first USA Basketball Showcase in the UAE.”
Saleh Al Geziry, DCT Abu Dhabi’s Director General of Tourism
The showcase is serving as a warmup event for the FIBA World Cup, which will begin the following week in Japan, Indonesia, and the Philippines.
Growing NBA and basketball interest in the Middle East
The Department of Culture and Tourism of Abu Dhabi made a multiyear deal with the NBA to bring exhibition games to the United Arab Emirates beginning last fall.
The Milwaukee Bucks and Atlanta Hawks played two games in Abu Dhabi in October, and more games are planned for this fall, reportedly featuring Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving’s Dallas Mavericks.
Last year, the NBA opened its first brick-and-mortar store in Abu Dhabi. This symbolic gesture underscored the league’s desire to establish a market in the United Arab Emirates.
The shift now includes USA Basketball, which will be on a round-the-world journey this summer. After a planned training camp in Las Vegas, Team USA is scheduled to play Slovenia and Spain in Malaga, Spain, before traveling to Abu Dhabi.
Players to watch out for
No official announcement yet as to who will be part of Team USA, but expected to be in the pool are Jason Tatum, Donovan Mitchell, Damian Lillard, and possibly Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant. Steve Kerr will be the head coach.
Giannis Antetokounmpo will return to Abu Dhabi this time carrying his flag.
Dennis Schröder of the Lakers is expected to banner the German team along with brothers Moritz and Franz Wagner of Orlando Magic.
Rich basketball match-ups history among the 3 countries
As shared by FIBA, the Americans have had memorable games against both countries over the years.
- Team USA beat Germany in the Quarterfinals of the 2006 World Cup – with Lebron James, Dwayne Wade, Carmelo Anthony, and Chris Paul leading the way.
- In 2008, the USA Redeem Team, with Kobe Bryant on the roster, won over Germany and Greece at the Beijing Olympics on the way to a gold medal.
- In the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019, the USA won the Second Round game against Giannis Antetokounmpo and Greece.
- Greece won their battle in the FIBA EuroBasket 2005 in Belgrade, when Dirk Nowitzki was Germany’s top player and was MVP of the tournament.
- Recently, Greece and Germany squared off last summer in a FIBA EuroBasket Quarter-Final, in Berlin. Germany won, 107-96, despite Giannis Antetokounmpo’s 31 points, 7 rebounds, 8 assists, and 3 steals stat line.
