Okinawa, Japan, Aug. 26 (Xinhua) -- 14 points, nine rebounds and eight assists are the answers handed over by 20-year-old Australian rising star Josh Giddy in his debut at the 2023 Basketball World Cup.
On August 25, Josh Giddy passed the ball during the game. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Zhang Xiaoyu
On the evening of the 25th, Australia's match against Finland was Giddi's first basketball World Cup main game, and he played well in the 25 minutes he played, scoring, grabbing rebounds, assisting, and his all-round and sophisticated performance made it impossible to see that this was his debut. As a result of his tandem, the Australian team scored double-doubles to win 98-72 over Finland.
After the game, Australian coach Gurgian kept praising the youngster: "The addition of Giddi has given us a deeper squad and the fact that youngsters like him and Green can step up in the game is the key to our win. But Giddy modestly said that a good team is the key to winning, "We are lucky that the team has enough squad depth. I have good parts and deficiencies. We need to prepare seriously for the next game against Germany. ”
Lakers player Russell Westbrook (left) fights with Thunder's Josh Giddy during a game on February 7, 2023. Xinhua News Agency (photo by Zhao Hanrong)
Born into a basketball family, Giddy was expected to make his mark in the Australian Under-18 basketball tournament, signing with the Adelaide 36ers of the Australian National Basketball League in 2020 and winning the league's Rookie of the Year in his second year with the team.
Giddy announced his participation in the NBA Draft in 2021 and was selected by the Oklahoma City City Thunder with the sixth pick in the first round. Giddy grew in his two seasons with the Thunder, averaging 16.6 points, 7.9 rebounds and 6.2 assists last season. His all-round ability on the pitch and his calm style of play show his great potential. As a core point guard with the ball, whether he organizes offense or actively participates in defense, Giddy can steadily contribute to the team.
On August 25, Josh Giddy celebrates the score. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Zhang Xiaoyu
When a reporter told Giddy that he became the first player to score a "10+5+5" figure on his debut at the Basketball World Cup (World Championship) after LeBron James in 2006, Giddy said he was more focused on the game, "It's great to be able to compare with legends, but it's all the result of team effort, the important thing is that we win the game." This is the happiest thing for me. ”
Thorough and selfless, as manager Gurgian said in an interview, he believes Giddy will be the leader of the Australian team for the next decade. And Giddy's shining journey may begin with this World Cup.
Source: Xinhua News Agency