As Steve Kerr is busy with the Warriors, the American Federation always appoints an interim coach for the qualifying phases of international competitions, and for the Americas Cup. The first window of the AmeriCup qualifiers will take place at the end of February, and the United States has chosen Dave Joerger as coach.
Currently a consultant for the Cavaliers, the former coach of the Grizzlies and the Kings will be supported by Jerome Allen and Melvin Hunt, two regulars on the NBA benches.
“It is an honor to represent our country within the Federation,” reacted Dave Joerger. “I look forward to working with our staff and players as we begin the process of qualifying for the 2025 AmeriCup. This is an extraordinary but challenging opportunity to prepare our team for international competition. Coaching and playing for your country is a privilege, which is why we will do everything in our power to win these matches. »
Bronze in 2022
For this first stage, the United States will face Cuba twice, with a first meeting on February 22 at home, then a return match in Havana three days later.
The other two nations in the group are the Bahamas and Puerto Rico, and you will need to finish in the top three to advance to the final phase, which will take place in 2025.
If Dave Joerger speaks of a “difficult” task, it is because Team USA has not won this competition since 2017, and the squad, mainly made up of G-League players, finished 3rd in 2022.
