USA men's basketball team to play games against Germany and Greece in Abu Dhabi

The USA men's basketball team are set to play two exhibition games in Abu Dhabi this summer in the run-up to the 2023 FIBA World Cup.

It was announced on Wednesday that Team USA, Germany and Greece will play in a three-team series following an agreement between USA Basketball and the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi.

The Americans will play Greece on August 18 and Germany two days later; while Germany and Greece tip-off on August 19, all ahead of the FIBA World Cup, which begins the following week in Japan, Indonesia and the Philippines.

Team USA will be coached by nine-time NBA champion Steve Kerr, who won five titles as a player (three with Chicago Bulls and two San Antonio Spurs) and four as head coach (with Golden State Warriors).

“USA Basketball is thrilled to work with DCT Abu Dhabi to bring the USA Basketball Showcase to Abu Dhabi,” Jim Tooley, chief executive of USA Basketball, said after an agreement was signed in Berlin on Wednesday.

“This is the first time our Men’s National Team will play in the UAE and we’re excited to engage with fans from across the globe, while also offering our players and coaches memorable on and off-court experiences.

“We are grateful to the national federations of Greece and Germany for their participation as we prepare for the 2023 FIBA World Cup, arguably the toughest international tournament in basketball.”

Abu Dhabi hosted two NBA games between Milwaukee Bucks and Atlanta Hawks at Etihad Arena in October 2022 that marked the beginning of its multi-year partnership with the capital.

Saleh Al Geziry, director general of tourism at DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “It’s set to be an unforgettable summer in Abu Dhabi and it’s an honour to host the first USA Basketball Showcase in the