Duke basketball standout Brandon Ingram is not thrilled with his role on Team USA.
There have not been many obstacles for Team USA to overcome thus far at the FIBA World Cup but Duke basketball product Brandon Ingram is not thrilled with his role on the team.
Ingram had started in every game this summer, including exhibitions, before being moved to the second unit ahead of Wednesday’s game against Jordan.
The 6-foot-9 forward has averaged 4.7 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 3.3 assists during the three group stage games at the event and is only playing 16.8 minutes per contest.
“This is totally different than what I am used to,” Ingram told the media prior to the second game of the World Cup.
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“The team is winning right now, so I can’t be selfish thinking about myself. But it’s a little frustrating right now for me, and I’m just trying to figure out ways I can be effective.”
Brandon Ingram has only attempted 15 shots but his seven point showing against Jordan was his largest scoring output of the tournament.
The former Duke one-and-done posted 24.7 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 5.8 assists this season with the New Orleans Pelicans and has averaged at least 22.7 points per game in each of his last four seasons.
USA Basketball head coach thinks things will turn for Duke basketball star
While things do not look great for Brandon Ingram now, the American’s still hope to have a lot of basketball left in the tournament and head coach Steve Kerr thinks the All-Star will breakout of his slump soon.
“Nothing has really gone his way,” Kerr said.
“He hasn’t had a lot of opportunities, but I think that’ll change. I think his time is coming. He’s just gotta stay with it.”
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The United States won the First Round group stage and now moves on to the Second Round group stage where it will play Montenegro and Lithuania with a chance to advance to the knockout round.
Tipoff between the USA and Montenegro is slated for Friday, September 1 at 4:40 a.m. ET.