first friend
The United States men’s basketball team has touched down in Malaga, with coaching legend Steve Kerr guiding a squad that touched Spain’s Costa del Sol ahead of a weekend set of exhibitions. The program’s stop in Malaga features a marquee showcase at the Centenary Tournament at the José María Martín Carpena Sports Palace, where three of the city’s top clubs join forces for a tune-up ahead of the global gathering in August. The plan is simple: gather momentum, test rotations, and build chemistry against high-caliber regional foes as part of a broader preparation cycle for the FIBA World Cup slate.
For now, the Americans have settled into El Higuerón as their base of operations. The use of this venue marks more than a routine training camp; it signals a commitment to a compact, focused footprint that will host team practice, scouting sessions, and controlled exhibitions. The Malaga stop is not just a routine visit; it represents an historic moment since North American squads rarely spent time in Malaga in recent decades, adding a sense of occasion to the mission by Kerr and his players.
Move in Malaga!
#USBMNT The program is conducting its first practice sessions in Spain ahead of a pair of exhibitions this weekend, signaling an important stage in their global campaign.
August 12 vs | 15:30 Eastern Time | FS1 • August 13 vs | 15:30 Eastern Time | FOX
— USA Basketball (citation: official team communications)
Rather than chasing the biggest names in the NBA, the squad is embracing its current core and a group of emerging talents who could shape the team’s future. A young lineup features players who have shown potential to translate well to international rules and competition, including standouts who may become anchors in future cycles. The question remains: can this group master FIBA’s specific demands and convert talent into sustained success on the world stage? The early signs are mixed but encouraging, and the coaching staff will be keen to push the group toward greater cohesion and decision-making under pressure.
first friend
The Malaga visit comes on the heels of a convincing win in Las Vegas against Puerto Rico, a result that blurred realities by running up the scoreboard in the late stages. The contest extended into the third period, after which the U.S. squad delivered a decisive burst. Yet, the victory over Venezuela at the Centennial warm-up, coached by Sergio Scariolo, offered a more measured glimpse of how the team stacks up against European competition. The margin was not the sole takeaway; the tone and balance—between pace, defense, and shot selection—gave coaches a clearer sense of how the group could perform under FIBA conditions.
In Malaga, preparation remains the theme as the United States plots a pathway to the World Cup. Spain, guided by Unicaja’s Alberto Díaz on the local front, looms as a formidable adversary in the broader field, with Slovenia’s Luka Dončić providing another high-profile benchmark. The event serves as a practical stage for evaluating roles, testing lineups, and sharpening routines before heading into the World Cup arena. The atmosphere surrounding the Centenary Tournament underscores the league’s global reach and the cross-border exchange of talent that defines today’s international game.