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Former President Obama greets USA Basketball Team
The USA Men's Basketball team defeated Canada in the exhibition opener ahead of the Paris Olympics.
WASHINGTON - The USA Men's Basketball team defeated Canada in the exhibition opener ahead of the Paris Olympics.
Team USA managed to pull away from Canada, with a final score of 86-72 in the first of five Olympic tune-ups. Playing in their 1st game together in preparation for the Paris Olympics.
"We got a long way to go," said LeBron James.
Former President Obama made a surprise appearance at USA Basketball’s 50th anniversary party on Tuesday night, where he was all smiles among the players heading to Paris to represent the United States in this year’s Olympics and more.
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JULY 10: Former U.S. President Barack Obama attends an exhibition game between Canada and the United States ahead of the Paris Olympic Games at T-Mobile Arena on July 10, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The United States defeated Canada 86-72. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JULY 08: Assistant coach Erik Spoelstra of the 2024 USA Basketball Men's National Team takes a selfie with (L-R) Bam Adebayo #13 and LeBron James #6 of the 2024 USA Basketball Men's National Team and Jaime Jaquez Jr. #42 of the 2024 USA Basketball Men's Select Team after a practice session scrimmage during the team's training camp at the Mendenhall Center at UNLV on July 08, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JULY 08: Jabari Smith Jr. #39 and Payton Pritchard #26 of the 2024 USA Basketball Men's Select Team, Jayson Tatum #10 of the 2024 USA Basketball Men's National Team and Trayce Jackson-Davis #47 of the 2024 USA Basketball Men's Select Team vie for a loose ball during a practice session scrimmage at the team's training camp at the Mendenhall Center at UNLV on July 08, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JULY 07: Anthony Davis #14 and LeBron James #6 of the 2024 USA Basketball Men's National Team talk at the end of a practice session during the team's training camp at the Mendenhall Center at UNLV on July 07, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JULY 08: Brandon Miller #17 of the 2024 USA Basketball Men's Select Team drives against Anthony Edwards #5 of the 2024 USA Basketball Men's National Team during a practice session scrimmage at the team's training camp at the Mendenhall Center at UNLV on July 08, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JULY 10: Basketball Hall of Fame member Spencer Haywood (L) talks with former U.S. President Barack Obama in the second half of an exhibition game between Canada and the United States ahead of the Paris Olympic Games at T-Mobile Arena on July 10, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The United States defeated Canada 86-72. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) Obama greeted the team in a now viral video that is making its rounds on the internet and being referenced as a reenactment of a well known skit featured on the sketch comedy show Key & Peele.
The former president delivered a 10-minute speech, where he kicked things off with charisma and a reminder that he is an avid basketball fan.
"It is true that I am the hooper in chief."
Obama also shared his strong belief that Team USA would bring back a gold medal.
"I’m pretty confident that they’re going to be bringing back the gold and representing us the way we should be represented around the world."
Obama was also sitting courtside for Team USA’s exhibition game against Canada. Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards led the team in points with 13 after going 6-of-10 from the field off the bench.
The team still has a few showcase games ahead of them before Olympic contests begin later this month. Their next game comes on July 15 against Australia in Abu Dhabi.