Portis named to USA FIBA World Cup team
Updated: Aug 5
Bobby hopes to bring his trademark energy to Team USA.
The Milwaukee Bucks’ versatile forward Bobby Portis Jr. (Hall High School, '13, McDonald's All-American) has officially been named to the United States Men’s National Team that will compete in the 2023 FIBA World Cup in Manila next month. The 6-foot-10 forward figures to be a key cog in Team USA’s quest to bring home the gold medal, with his inside presence and timely outside sniping.
Portis will join Mikal Bridges, Anthony Edwards, Paolo Banchero, Brandon Ingram and other players on the 2023 USA Basketball Men's National Team. They'll compete in the Men's World Cup next month. The United States team opens training camp Aug. 3 in Las Vegas and will face Puerto Rico for an exhibition game before playing World Cup preparation games in Malaga, Spain, Aug. 11-13, and in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Aug. 18-20.
Portis played for the Hogs from 2013 to 2015 and was named SEC Player of the Year in 2015.
He was drafted by the Chicago Bulls in the first round that year and played for the Wizards and Knicks before signing with the Bucks in 2020.
Portis played all six games in the 2021 NBA Finals, helping Milwaukee bring home the team's first championship in 50 years. Portis has become beloved in the Badger State, with a band releasing a song about him.
Team USA starts play on Aug. 26 against New Zealand. The games will be carried on ESPN2 and ESPN+.
Giannis Antetokounmpo has often called Bobby Portis one of the best American big men in the NBA – and now Portis will have a Team USA jersey to cement his teammate’s claim.
The Journal Sentinel confirmed Portis will play for the United States in this summer’s FIBA World Cup tournament, which will feature 32 teams from around the world. It will be the first time Portis represents the United States as a professional in international competition.
As a high schooler Portis was part of the USA Basketball National Junior Select Team in 2013. That team played a “world” team during the Nike Hoop Summit in Portland.