Until this point, Team USA has been getting ready for the FIBA World Cup by playing against other Americans. Tonight, Greg Popovich and the young assortment of talent that makes up the American squad take on international competition for the first time. That’s right, Donovan Mitchell and former Jazz point guard Ricky Rubio will face each other for the first time not in Jazz and Suns jerseys, but in U.S. and Spanish kit. The team is on the young side, and they’ve looked a little disjointed in their previous exhibitions, although they won handily in the Blue vs. White game. It will be interesting to see how they respond to the challenge of facing an experienced Spanish team.

The Rosters:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_men%27s_national_basketball_team

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spain_men%27s_national_basketball_team

What to Watch For:

Photo by Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images

A Utah Jazz reunion

Most SLC Dunkers will undoubtedly be watching Donovan Mitchell and former Jazz hearthrob Ricky Rubio. The two seem to be on excellent terms, as you can see Ricky rocking a pair of Donovan’s Issue #1s on the court:

Other Spanish NBA talent:

RVR Photos-USA TODAY Sports

One interesting note about team USA is the center position. Mason Plumlee, Myles Turner, and Brook Lopez are all fine basketball players, but they’re no Tim Duncan (who was a center, by the way). Toronto Raptors star Marc Gasol will match up just fine against all three. Juancho Hernangomez currently rides the Denver Nuggets’ bench. Victor Claver and Rudy Fernandez are NBA vets as well, but both currently play professionally in Spain.

Game Info:

When: Friday, August 16th, 2019. 8:00 MDT

Where: Honda Center, Anaheim, CA

TV: NBA TV, Twitch

Mandatory Highlight:

Ground Rules

Welcome to the SLC Dunk Game Thread.

Dunkers know how this thing works, but for you lurkers ready to make the jump to Dunker, we have a few guidelines. Remember to follow our community guidelines (no swearing, trolling, excessive use of Jerry Sloan’s name in vain, no personal attacks, no debates about Utah liquor laws, etc.). Remember to have fun. Anyone who dare blasphemes that Tim Duncan was a Power Forward (this means you, Pounding the Rock), Ben Simmons can hit threes, Gordon Hayward should not be booed, Exum Island isn’t a 5-Star resort, Donovan Mitchell is Monta Ellis 2.0, men should never cry or John Stockton is not the best point guard of all-time will receive an automatic ban. Just kidding. But seriously.