The International Basketball Week in Abu Dhabi is set to witness a historic US Basketball Showcase as nine-time NBA champion Steve Kerr brings the US National Team to the UAE for the first time.
Born in Lebanon, with schooling experiences from Beirut and Cairo, Kerr has a deep connection to the Middle East. Having won five NBA Championships as a player and four more as a coach, he provides an unmatched insight into the sport’s global progression.
“It’s exhilarating to witness the advancement of basketball in the Middle East,” Kerr commented. “National teams from Egypt, Lebanon, and Jordan have shown tremendous growth, which holds personal significance for me due to my ties to the region.”
Six leading basketball nations are gathering in the UAE capital as part of their preparation for the forthcoming FIBA World Cup, slated from August 25 to September 10 across Indonesia, Japan, and the Philippines. This event further positions Abu Dhabi as a rising global sports hub.
The US Men’s National Team is scheduled to play against Germany and Greece on August 18 and 20. In addition, basketball enthusiasts will witness a warm-up match between Germany and Greece on August 19. Lebanon, Egypt, and Mexico are also among the teams competing this week.
As Team USA preps for the FIBA World Cup, Kerr highlighted the importance of these preparatory games. “We need these exhibition matches, especially in Abu Dhabi, leading into the World Cup. It will be a measure of our team’s progress. Greece and Germany are exceptional teams, and it’s thrilling to face them.”
Notably, Team USA will again meet Greece during Group C at the FIBA World Cup. Kerr believes playing Greece twice in close succession will be invaluable for both teams, giving them an opportunity to assess each other.
International Basketball Week kicks off on August 17 with Lebanon versus Egypt at the Etihad Arena. The following day will feature a double-header with the US facing Greece and Lebanon competing against Mexico. The week culminates with the US against Germany on August 20.
Tickets for these thrilling matches are now available on Etihadarena.ae and Ticketmaster.ae.