Tyrese Haliburton revealed that his biggest takeaway from the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup is that one game can have a much bigger impact than in the NBA. He also noticed every team's desire to beat Team USA.
Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton once again enters the summer preparing to represent Team USA in the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics.
Tyrese Haliburton
| MIN: | 32.72 |
| PTS: | 19.87 (54.09%) |
| REB: | 4.05 |
| As: | 10.42 |
| ST: | 1.21 |
| BL: | 0.69 |
| TO: | 2.27 |
| GM: | 85 |
After a bitter experience in the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup, in which Team USA finished fourth, Haliburton said he learned from the experience and hopes to bring back a gold medal this time.
"I think I learned a lot last year. I've been playing for USA basketball before when I was like 19. I think you understand it's one game that could determine results," Haliburton revealed in a press conference attended by BasketNews. "At the same time, USA basketball has been the gold standard of basketball for many years. People want to see you lose, and they want to bring their best game."
"One game could really impact whatever happens. You know, it's not like the NBA where in the playoffs, we need a 7-game series, and [we] get to feel out [everything] throughout the series. It's really one game.
Anything can happen in that one game. All it takes is one guy to get hot, and a couple of guys to get hot, and things can change. You gotta understand [that] playing for USA, everybody wants to beat [you]. USA Basketball has been the gold standard of basketball for a long time. You're going to get everyone's best shot.
I'm excited to be a part of that again and play with some guys [who] haven't played USA Basketball for some time," Haliburton continued.
Haliburton also remembered a 104-110 loss against Lithuania in the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup as a prime example.
"I recall the Lithuania game last year. They just shot the lights out. They were unbelievable. All it takes is one game. Guys get hot, and things turn quickly. So, I just trying to use that to the best of my ability to be aware of that," said the Pacers star.
Haliburton also hopes that his time with USA Basketball will be more productive than it was in the Philippines last year.
"[I'd like to win gold] more than anything, obviously. Last year, we spent like a month, 40 days together, and I left with nothing. I lived with great experience, good friends, and good relationships, but at the end of the day, we all came to win the medal.
So, the gold medals… We won't have any other expectations; that's our goal, and that's what we want to do. I'm excited to compete for it," Haliburton concluded.
