Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards has opted out of representing Team USA in their upcoming major tournament. The 22-year-old was recently a member of the U.S. men’s basketball team that participated in the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, where they won all six games and secured the gold medal. They capped off their campaign with a 98-87 victory over France in the final at the Accor Arena last Saturday.
Anthony Edwards Refuses To Join Team USA In Next Tournament
Anthony Edwards, who recently earned his first Olympic gold medal, has confirmed he will not participate in the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup. The 22-year-old shooting guard, who played for Team USA in the 2024 Summer Olympics and helped them secure the gold medal, previously competed in the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup in the Philippines, where the U.S. finished fourth after losing the bronze medal game to Canada.
When asked by Joe Vardon of The Athletic about his interest in the 2027 World Cup, Edwards responded with a firm, “Hell nah.” This decision means he will not have the chance to complete both major international basketball tournaments, as the FIBA World Cup and the Summer Olympics are the primary stages for global competition.
The 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup is set to be held in Qatar from August 27 to September 12. The U.S. has struggled in recent editions, finishing seventh in the 2019 tournament in China under coach Gregg Popovich and last winning the World Cup in 2014 in Spain.
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