Kyle Anderson’s international debut for China in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 hasn’t gone according to plan.
Anderson, also known by his Chinese name Li Kaier, who plays for the Minnesota Timberwolves in the NBA, has averaged just 10.3 points across Team Dragon’s three Group B games against Serbia, South Sudan, and Puerto Rico.
His inability to make a significant impact has contributed to China’s relegation to Group M, where they will face Angola tomorrow and the host nation, the Philippines, on Saturday.
“I think we just need to assess how we can improve our game and come out strong in the next match. We need time to prepare,” said Li, who managed nine points and three rebounds against Puerto Rico.
Despite suffering three significant losses, the Chinese team has shown glimpses of their potential. In the game against Puerto Rico, Li concluded a 16-7 run that narrowed Team Dragon’s deficit to 64-55 during the third quarter, following a 57-39 disadvantage earlier in the same period.
However, the 12 Magnificos counterattacked, and the Chinese encountered another challenging lesson – finishing the game with determination.
“That’s the tough part. It’s not easy to do. We gotta find a way to do it. We showed flashes of really playing well and there were some lapses, including myself, so you know we just gotta figure it out,” said the 29-year-old ‘point forward.’
“We’re not quitters. We don’t quit. We keep fighting and I don’t think anyone in this team is quitting.”
China’s only remaining silver lining is the opportunity to secure a spot in the 2024 Summer Olympics in France. The race is on to be the top team in Asia, and Team Dragon is aiming to secure their 10th appearance on the grand stage.
For China’s coach Sasha Djordjevic, who has consistently supported Li publicly, taking one game at a time is crucial for their program.
“It’s always ‘now’ that comes before what’s gonna happen and what we have in mind or what’s the work for one coach or work with the players. Now is very important, and tomorrow’s game is very, very important for us,” said Djordjevic.
“Tomorrow is very important, and we focus on Angola, and in the future, of course, we want to work for the best for the China basketball team.”
After facing the Black Antelopes tomorrow, Team Dragon will square off against the home side Gilas Pilipinas this Saturday. The match is bound to be intense as both teams compete for sporting and national pride.
Li is familiar with Gilas star Jordan Clarkson, as they both compete in the NBA, and he is eager for the challenge of upsetting the host nation.
“It’s gonna be an intense environment. They are a really good team. They got some good players over there, and with the crowd on their side, it’ll be a tough environment,” said the former UCLA star.
“I’ve been playing against Clarkson since college, so it’s always fun to go up against him. It’s always fun to compete. I just wanna get ready to go. We’re professionals, so I’m sure all of us will be ready to go.”
