The USA Men’s Basketball Team just finished and defeated their Australian counterpart in their second Olympics Exhibition Game played this morning. Score was 98-92. With the win, USA is down two games and has three more to go.

The USA is the USA, right? Expectations are higher for the Team than any other. However, the Aussies came prepared to overturn those expectations; they were a lot better than I thought and kept USA on their toes all quarters.

It was a good game overall and USA will play Serbia and Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday. Watch the game live on FS1 (Fox Sports). Check your local listings. Will be a great game to watch.

NBA Players in International Competitions

Let’s seize the opportunity to look at some current and former NBA Players in International Competitions which includes the ongoing Olympics:

African Players

1. Precious Achiuwa (Nigeria): Achiuwa has played for Nigeria in FIBA AfroBasket and other international tournaments;
2. Joel Embiid (Cameroon): Embiid has played for Cameroon in FIBA AfroBasket and other international competitions. This year, however, Embiid is donning the USA jersey;
3. Hakeem Olajuwon (Nigeria/USA): Although he later played for the USA, Olajuwon represented Nigeria early in his career and has been influential in promoting basketball in Africa;
4. Pascal Siakam (Cameroon): Siakam has represented Cameroon in FIBA AfroBasket and other tournaments;

Asian Players

1. Rui Hachimura (Japan): Hachimura has played for Japan in FIBA Asia Cup and other international competitions;
2. Hamed Haddadi (Iran): Haddadi has been a significant figure for Iranian basketball, leading the team in multiple FIBA Asia Championships and the Olympics;
3. Yao Ming (China): Yao Ming was the face of Chinese basketball for years, leading China in several Olympics and World Championships;
4. Zhou Qi (China): Zhou Qi has represented China in FIBA Asia Cup and other tournaments;
5. Yuta Watanabe (Japan): Watanabe has represented Japan in FIBA Asia Cup and other international competitions;
6. Satnam Singh (India): Singh, although not currently in the NBA, became the first Indian-born player drafted into the NBA and has represented India in international tournaments.

European Players

1. Álex Abrines (Spain): Abrines has played for Spain in EuroBasket tournaments and other international events;
2. Giannis Antetokounmpo (Greece): Giannis is participating in this year’s Olympics for the first time, representing Greece. But he has played for the Greek national team in various other international competitions, showcasing his dedication to his home country.
3. Kostas Antetokounmpo (Greece): Kostas, Giannis’ younger brother and former Lakers’ star has represented Greece at various Euro leagues. Though presently doubtful if he will be on the Paris Olympics team, due to a knee injury, Kostas has participated in the team’s exhibition games;
4. Nicolás Batum (France): Batum has represented France in multiple Olympics and EuroBasket tournaments;
5. Luka Dončić (Slovenia): Luka has represented Slovenia in numerous tournaments, including leading them to a historic fourth-place finish in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
6. Goran Dragić (Slovenia): Dragić has been a standout player for Slovenia. He was the MVP of EuroBasket 2017, where he led Slovenia to its first-ever European championship. He also lead the team to success in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics;
7. Danilo Gallinari (Italy): Gallinari has represented Italy in multiple EuroBasket tournaments and has been a key player for their national team;
8. Pau and Marc Gasol (Spain): Both brothers have been instrumental in Spain’s international success, winning multiple medals in the Olympics, FIBA World Cup, and EuroBasket;
9. Rudy Gobert (France): Gobert has represented France in multiple EuroBasket tournaments and has been a cornerstone of their national team;
10. Serge Ibaka (Spain): Ibaka, originally from the Republic of Congo, has represented Spain in international competitions, including winning the EuroBasket in 2011 and a silver medal at the 2012 London Olympics;
11. Nikola Jokić (Serbia): The 2022-23 NBA MVP has been a key player for Serbia, competing in EuroBasket tournaments and the FIBA World Cup;
12. Dirk Nowitzki (Germany): Nowitzki had a distinguished international career, leading Germany to a silver medal at the 2005 EuroBasket and competing in multiple Olympics and World Championships;
13. Tony Parker (France): Parker played a key role in France’s success, including winning EuroBasket gold in 2013 and a bronze medal at the 2014 FIBA World Cup;
14. Kristaps Porziņģis (Latvia): Porziņģis has played for Latvia in EuroBasket competitions and other international tournaments;
15. Jonas Valančiūnas (Lithuania): Valančiūnas has played for Lithuania in EuroBasket tournaments and other international competitions.

Oceanian Players

1. Andrew Bogut (Australia): Bogut has been a key player for the Australian national team, contributing to their strong performances in international tournaments;
2. Dante Exum (Australia): Exum has represented Australia in various international competitions, showcasing his talents on the global stage;
3. Joe Ingles (Australia): Ingles has been a key player for Australia in multiple international tournaments;
4. Patty Mills (Australia): Mills has been a standout for Australia, leading them to a bronze medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and competing in multiple World Cups and Olympics;
5. Ben Simmons (Australia): Simmons has represented Australia in various international competitions, including the Olympics and FIBA World Cup.

North American Players

1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Canada) “led Canada to its first-ever FIBA World Cup medal in September 2023, earning bronze with a win over the United States;”
2. Jamal Murray (Canada): Murray has represented Canada in various international competitions and is part of the country’s promising new generation of basketball talent;
3. Steve Nash (Canada): Nash played for Canada in the 2000 Sydney Olympics, leading them to the quarterfinals.

South American Players

1. Facundo Campazzo (Argentina): Campazzo has been a vital player for Argentina, contributing to their success in various international competitions;
2. Gabriel Deck (Argentina): Deck has represented Argentina in various international tournaments, showcasing his skills on the global stage;
3. Manu Ginóbili (Argentina): Ginóbili was a key player for Argentina, leading them to a gold medal at the 2004 Athens Olympics and a bronze medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics;
4. Luis Scola (Argentina): Scola has had a long international career, helping Argentina win multiple medals, including the gold at the 2004 Olympics and silver at the 2002 FIBA World Cup.

These players contribute not only to their NBA teams but also to the success and visibility of their national teams in international competitions. Their participation highlights the global reach of basketball and the diversity of talent that enriches the sport at both the NBA and international levels, including inspiring many young athletes in their home countries.