Reaves, Cousins see Americans cruising to gold
NBA stars and former Team USA standouts Austin Reaves and DeMarcus Cousins, in town for two different gigs, are both confident the American squad will rule men’s basketball in the 2024 Paris Olympics.
“I really like their chances. Their talent is second to none—by far the most talented team,” said Reaves in a chat with reporters on Saturday noon at Shangri-La The Fort in Bonifacio Global City.
“I think they will be dominant,” offered Cousins, speaking to reporters later that day at Activate Sports PH in Mandaluyong.
Reaves is in Manila for a partnership with online streaming and betting brand Arena Plus, while Cousins is due for a stint with the Zamboanga Valientes in The Asian Tournament’s grand finalé slated for next week.
A member of the World Cup team that finished fourth last year here in Manila, Reaves feels that the current edition of Team USA will be unstoppable once it figures out how to play cohesively.
“If they’ll continue to play alongside each other the right way, build the chemistry, and trust one another, I don’t think anybody can beat them,” he said of the Steve Kerr-coached squad led by LeBron James, Steph Curry, and Kevin Durant which was assembled only last April and is eyeing a fifth straight Olympic title.
Cousins, an Olympic gold winner during the 2016 Summer Games held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, feels that it’s the team’s collective experience that will propel the Americans to the top prize.
“They have a really good, veteran team,” he said of the US squad, which boasts four NBA Most Valuable Players, seven champions, 11 All-Stars, and 10 Olympic gold medalists.
“I think they will be dominant and come out with the gold.”
Team USA next battles Puerto Rico early Sunday morning.
Reaves feels that a handful of European countries could also make a good run at the podium.
“Germany’s obviously a very good team, and France as well, with the size of (Victor) Wenbanyama and (Rudy) Gobert,” he said.
“But like I said, if USA is clicking on all cylinders, they’ll be tough to beat,” Reaves added.
