As at the beginning of the year, Isaiah Thomas will try to use Team USA as a springboard to the NBA.
Called in reinforcement with Justin Anderson, to compensate for the packages of DaQuan Jeffries and Frank Mason III, the 32-year-old leader will therefore take part in the two meetings of the American selection, scheduled against Cuba (November 28) then against Mexico (November 29 ), as part of the 2023 World Cup qualifiers.
Under the orders of Jim Boylen, Isaiah Thomas will team up with “ex-NBAers” Jordan Bell (Santa Cruz Warriors), Brian Bowen II (Iowa Wolves), Josh Gray (Long Island Nets), Shaquille Harrison (Delaware Blue Coats) , BJ Johnson (Lakeland Magic), Orlando Johnson (free agent), Luke Kornet (Maine Celtics), Chasson Randle (free agent), Zavier Simpson (Oklahoma City Blue) and Emanuel Terry (Stockton Kings).
Note that in February, against the Bahamas and Mexico (21 minutes per game, in two starts), “IT” had compiled 14.0 points, 2.0 rebounds and 2.5 assists on average with Team USA (at 44% on shots, 50% 3-pointers and 67% free throws). He had allowed his country to win two quiet victories, during this qualifying window at the AmericaCup 2022.
This month, the American selection will first do an internship in Houston, from November 20 to 25, before flying to Mexico, to play its first two qualifying matches. The United States are in Group D, along with Puerto Rico, and they will have to finish in the top three of their group to advance to the second phase of these qualifiers.
