Lakers guard Austin Reaves has been one of the standouts for Team USA in their warm up games for the upcoming FIBA Basketball World Cup that will take place in Japan, Philippines and Indonesia.
Filipino people are some of the biggest basketball and NBA fans in the world.
Reaves was asked what he’s heard about Filipino basketball fans.
“I’ve heard that they’re big Laker fans which I love, obviously,” Reaves answered. “But they’re huge basketball fans all in all.”
The Philippines national basketball team will be bolstered by the inclusion of rising star Kai Sotto on their team.
He was cleared to play after experiencing lower back spasms during the NBA’s Summer League.
Utah player Jordan Clarkson has also been named in the extended roster for the Philippines.
As for Reaves, he has made quite the impression during Team USA’s preparations, especially on head coach Steve Kerr.
“He fits in wherever we put him; that’s the beauty of Austin,” Steve Kerr said after only a few practice sessions with the team. “He’s a connector. He’s a hell of a basketball player. He’s physical, shoots and passes it. Just so poised out there all the time. He’s a guy who enhances any lineup that he plays with.”
25-year-old Reaves is a fan of Kerr’s as well and says he brings “a lot of high IQ to the game and a sense of that kind of championship DNA…”.
In their latest exhibition game against Spain, Reaves recorded 11 points, one rebound and two assists.
Check out who Team USA and the Philippines are playing in the FIBA World Cup below.
USA Group Play Schedule
Aug 26: United States vs. New Zealand (8:40 a.m. ET)
Aug 28: Greece vs. United States (8:40 a.m. ET)
Aug 30: United States vs. Jordan (4:40 a.m. ET)
Gilas Pilipinas Group Play Schedule
Aug 25: Dominican Republic vs. Philippines (20:00 local time (GMT+8)
Aug 27: Philippines vs. Angola (20:00 local time (GMT+8)
Aug 29: Philippines vs. Italy (20:00 local time (GMT+8)