ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - Just two weeks after upsetting Team USA, 90-87, in an exhibition game (July 10), the Nigerian National Team will look to echo their stellar play on the Olympic stage.
Helping lead the charge is a familiar face, Tae Carter, a 2015 men's basketball alumni, who is an assistant/player development coach for Team Nigeria.
After stops in the NBA, including positions with the Dallas Mavericks, Orlando Magic, Memphis Grizzlies, and most recently the Indiana Pacers (2019-20), Carter joined Nigeria in February. He aids in the development of the entire team but mainly works with the post players.
Carter has seen the team's progress every day for the past six months through their daily commitment, which stems from their national pride. A big proponent of pride, Carter tries to entail that notion every day. "Have pride in what you do," said Carter. "It's for everything on the front [of the jersey], not the back. You have to take ownership and respect for what you are doing it for."
Nigeria's victory over Team USA shows the team's dedication to the process as only five years ago, Team USA beat Nigeria by 43 points in an exhibition. Now, Nigeria is the No. 1 ranked team in Africa.
"We really just tried to use that win and build off of that momentum. We are set on finishing on the podium," added Carter.
According to Carter, their performance over Team USA is exactly what the team is trying to achieve: to win a medal in Tokyo. "It was a wake-up call for a lot of people. For us, whether it's an exhibition or real game, we step on the floor ready to compete, and we are serious about making some noise and turning some heads."
Carter won't be with Nigerian in Tokyo, but that won't interfere too much as he remains in constant contact with the coaching staff and players. Nigeria's first game is Sunday at 4:20 AM vs. Australia. Carter will watch the game live, take notes, and communicate with the team from home. He is an early bird, so the 13 hour time difference won't bother him much either.
In addition to sending in notes, he'll be in contact with players through various messenger apps where they will talk over situations and plays.
Carter and Team Nigeria's schedule is below.
Group B (all times listed are eastern)
Pool Play
Sunday, July 25, 4:20 am vs. Australia
Tuesday, July 27, 9:00 pm vs. Germany
Saturday, July 31, 12:40 am vs. Italy
Sunday, Aug. 1, 9:00 pm vs. Japan
Elimination
Quarterfinals (TBD)
Monday, Aug. 2 - Tuesday, Aug. 3
Semifinals
Thursday, August 5
Medal games
Gold - Friday, August 6, 10:30 pm
Bronze- Saturday, August 7, 7:00 am
Check back as play begins for game updates. Follow us on Instagram (@eckerdtritons) and tag us in your pictures as you cheer in Tae and Team Nigeria.
Follow Team Nigeria on Instagram (@nigeriabasketball) or Twitter (@nigeriabasket)
