Buddy Hield noted the distinct differences in European basketball's emphasis on ball movement, craftiness, and tactical play compared to the more athletic style of American teams.
The Bahamas kicked off their 2024 FIBA Olympic Qualifiers campaign with a 96-85 win over Finland, thanks in part to a standout performance from top NBA sharpshooter Buddy Hield.
| Player of the Game | |
|
EFF
21
|
| Deandre Ayton | |
| Points | 19 |
| Accuracy | 8-12 |
| Rebounds | 9 |
| Assists | 3 |
Hield scored a game-high 24 points in the first group-stage game, marking his debut against a European national team.
Last summer, he represented the Bahamas in the FIBA Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournament 2023 in Argentina but only played against American squads.
After Tuesday's game, Hield reflected on the experience and differences.
"Europeans just move the ball really well," he noted in the post-game conference. "They play basketball the right way, no disrespect to the AmeriCup teams, but it's just a different style of basketball.
"They beat you with a pass, they are very crafty, they run the sets," he went on to say. "They are not as athletic as us, but they find a way to keep the ball moving, keep the ball popping, and keep the defense rotating. That's what makes them so good and hard to guard. It's fun playing against them, but it's challenging at times."
The Bahamas will face another European team, Poland, on Wednesday in the second and final group-stage game in Valencia, Spain.
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