FIBA World Cup 2019: 3 Reasons why Team USA can win it all despite missing big players

#2 They're motivated

Kemba Walker at the USA National Team Training Session

The USA World Cup team has become somewhat of a laughing stock. The media is not taking this team seriously. With so many players withdrawing, people are underestimating this year's team. If this does not motivate them, I don't know what will.

While Team USA is young and inexperienced, they have a number of vets that will help guide them. Veterans like Kemba Walker, Brook Lopez, and Harrison Barnes will likely contribute to the team in different ways. Walker is a scoring machine and can step up at any time the team needs him. If the young players need a leader, Walker can take that role.

If Barnes and Lopez do not contribute much of offense, they can contribute in other areas such as mentorship. The addition of veterans gives a mostly young USA team balance. That way, Team USA does not have to rely on one or the other (veterans or young players). Instead, they can work together.

Team USA has its number of skeptics, but some people think they will use that as motivation. Marc Gasol, a member of Spain's FIBA team, recently spoke about USA after his team suffered a loss. USA beat Spain 90-81 in an exhibition game. According to Marc Stein of the New York Times, Gasol said the skeptics will motivate USA.

“I’m sure that it’s going to fuel them,” Gasol said.

Gasol also spoke highly of the team and the amount of talent the US generates every year.

“The amount of talent that the U.S. generates every year is unbelievable," Gasol mentioned.

He said that even with the players that dropped out, Team USA is exceptionally talented physically. He also said they are well-coached. Gasol finished by saying that putting this all together (their talent and coaching) makes for a good team.

Whether or not Team USA admits it publically, they are on a mission. They hear all the talk, criticism, and skepticism, and want to prove everyone wrong. If they play well, they can do just that.