Hours After Charles Barkley Took Some Pressure off Team USA, Shaquille O’Neal Takes the Opposite Turn For Anthony Edwards and Co

To defend the nation’s pride in the FIBA World Cup, Team USA has traveled to a different continent to compete. The twelve-man roster consisting of Anthony Edwards, amongst others, is considered the favorite for the tournament. With Charles Barkley recently attempting to take that pressure of winning off the team, Shaquille O’Neal has put it back on them.

The former Phoenix Suns star’s comments gave Team USA a sense of relief right before the start of the competition. Shaq wasted no time in raising the standards for the NBA stars.

Shaquille O’Neal eyes the gold

Soon after the announcement of the roster, American basketball fans raised their doubts about the team’s capability. The squad is made up of youngsters and lacks the presence of veteran star names. So, the inexperience in national colors for each of these 12 NBA players was a major source of concern for the fans.

Barkley recently lowered the expectations by allowing the team to fail on the big stage. ?They act like if we don?t win the gold medal it?s going to be the worst thing to ever happen to civilization,” the 60-year-old stated to calm the noise down. He then voiced support for the underrated teams to win the competition.

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Just a few hours later, Team USA won their first game in the 2023 World Cup against New Zealand 99-72. Following that, the Los Angeles Lakers legend put the demands back on the team. He shared an Instagram story displaying that Team USA won the joint most gold medals in the competition history alongside Yugoslavia. So, the 51-year-old expects nothing less this time around too.

Can Team USA take revenge?

This edition’s FIBA World Cup is more than just an international tournament for them. After a humiliating seventh-place finish in the 2019 World Cup, Team USA is out to prove themselves. With a star-studded coaching unit under the leadership of Steve Kerr, they have no chance other than going all the way.

Till now, following their exhibition matches, they have looked like a proper cohesive team. The hunger of the squad in front of the international competitors is applaudable. Their willingness was on full display in the tournament opener as they dominated each of the four quarters of the game.

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With a lot to lose and much to gain, Shaq was probably right to remind the team of the nation’s pedigree. Can this Team USA win the FIBA World Cup 2023? Let us know in the comments.