The Pelicans will be well represented at the World Cup. Brandon Ingram (UNITED STATES), Jonas Valanciunas (Lithuania) and Dyson Daniels (Australia) will all three defend the colors of their respective nations. To the delight of their NBA training.
” It’s a great opportunity for our players to compete at the highest level for their respective countries, and to connect with our season, which starts just three weeks after the end of the competition. », enthuses the GM of the Pelicans, Trajan Langdon.
The three players should arrive at the “training camp” in good shape at the end of a competition where Lithuania, Australia and of course the United States are expected among the strong nations, and therefore likely to go far.
A boon in terms of physical preparation but also in terms of experience for them, who evolve in a different register than in a club. Top scorer in the NBA training when Zion Williamson (or himself) is not injured, Brandon Ingram is experimenting with the role of lieutenant today.
Different and useful experiences
Since the beginning of the preparation of Team USA, the All-Star player is more in withdrawal compared to Anthony Edwards. “ Brandon is comfortable (at NOLA) and is a leader, but you have to experience something else. He plays with guys he’s never played with, so you have to feel a bit uncomfortable and take on a leadership role with guys you don’t know. It is an important factor for its development “Judges the leader of the Pels.
Where Jonas Valanciunas, used to international campaigns with his country, will be one of his team’s main strengths as he is relegated as the 4th or 5th attacking option at club level. Trajan Langdon sees in him clearly a leader » of this Baltic formation: « He loves playing for his national team and on that kind of scene. He’s really looking forward to it. »
As for Dyson Daniels, he should have the same type of experience as during his rookie season with Willie Green: trying to grab minutes and store up as much experience as possible. ” Learn from these veteran players (Australian) who have participated in competitions and won medals at different levels of international competitions will be very useful to him “, thus predicts the leader.
He ends: We look forward to our players living this experience and passing it on to us when training camp begins. »
