By AFPMore by this AuthorSHENZHEN, CHINAA United States team packed with NBA stars will begin its bid for an unprecedented third Basketball World Cup title in a row with a clash against debutants the Czech Republic. Team USA, who have named the likes of LeBron James, Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry in their 2019-2020 roster, will be strong favourites to retain their crown at the August 31-September 15 showpiece in China. Former NBA and Team USA star Kobe Bryant, now a World Cup ambassador, told the draw ceremony: "The USA has some really stiff competition. Serbia, beaten by the USA in the final in Madrid in 2014, are in Group D with the Philippines, Italy and Angola. There is an added incentive for teams at this World Cup, with seven spots at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics up for grabs.

Source: The Star March 16, 2019 14:03 UTC