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I still remember sitting in front of the television with mixed emotions as Team USA prepared for the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup, wondering if this roster could possibly live up to the legacy of previous American squads. Having followed international basketball for over two decades, I've developed a keen sense for when teams are genuinely prepared for global competition, and frankly, this one had me worried from the start. The tournament in China would become one of the most challenging chapters in USA Basketball's modern history, revealing both the growing parity in international basketball and the consequences of assembling a team without the usual superstar power.

The journey began with what appeared to be solid performances in the group stage, though those of us who understand international basketball could see the cracks forming early. The Americans defeated the Czech Republic by a comfortable 21-point margin in their opener, but the game felt much closer than the final score suggested. Against Turkey in the second game, we witnessed what I consider one of the most dramatic finishes in recent FIBA history, with Team USA escaping in overtime 93-92 after Turkey missed four consecutive free throws that would have sealed their victory. That narrow escape revealed the vulnerability of this particular squad, lacking the dominant closers that previous American teams had in abundance. What struck me most during these early games was how opponents no longer seemed intimidated by the USA jersey the way they used to be – the aura of invincibility had clearly faded.

When the quarterfinal matchup against France arrived, I found myself genuinely concerned about the outcome, and unfortunately, my concerns proved justified. The 89-79 loss to France represented the first time a USA team with NBA players had been eliminated from major international competition, ending a 58-game winning streak that dated back to 2006. Watching Evan Fournier and Rudy Gobert dismantle the American defense was painful for someone who's cheered for Team USA through multiple Olympic gold medals. The statistics told a sobering story – the Americans shot just 29% from three-point range while France connected on 43% of their attempts from beyond the arc. The defensive breakdowns in critical moments frustrated me as a fan, particularly when the team surrendered an 11-point lead in the third quarter. What bothered me most wasn't just the loss itself, but how predictable it felt as the game progressed – the lack of a true floor general and reliable scoring options beyond Kemba Walker and Donovan Mitchell became increasingly apparent.

The consolation game against Serbia provided another harsh lesson, with Team USA falling behind by 25 points before mounting a comeback that ultimately fell short in a 94-89 defeat. This marked the first time since 2002 that an American team had lost consecutive games in international competition. The final classification victory over Poland to secure seventh place felt more like a formality than an achievement, though the players certainly competed with pride. Finishing seventh represented the worst performance by USA Basketball in a major international tournament since the 2002 World Championships, a sobering reality for a program accustomed to dominating the global stage.

Reflecting on this tournament brings to mind the recent comments from Philippine coach Tim Cone, who despite criticism stated he has no plans to slow down in fulfilling his role with Gilas Pilipinas and will do his best to make the team competitive. I admire that mindset tremendously, and it's exactly what USA Basketball needs moving forward. The 2019 experience, while disappointing, provided invaluable lessons about international basketball's evolution. Teams worldwide have improved dramatically, and simply sending NBA players abroad no longer guarantees victory. The game has globalized to an extent I never imagined when I first started following international basketball in the 1990s.

What I took away from this tournament is that success in international competition requires more than assembling talent – it demands continuity, commitment, and strategic roster construction that addresses the specific challenges of FIBA basketball. The absence of traditional big men hurt the Americans against teams with quality centers like Gobert, and the lack of international experience among most players proved significant. As much as it pained me to watch the struggles, I believe this humbling experience may ultimately benefit USA Basketball by forcing a reevaluation of how they approach these tournaments. The response in upcoming competitions will reveal whether the program learned the right lessons from this difficult journey in China.