Pelicans Brandon Ingram Says 'I Want To The Best Player On The Court'
New Orleans, LA - New Orleans Pelicans star forward Brandon Ingram is busy practicing for the upcoming FIBA World Cup tournament. Team USA has begun preparations during camp in Las Vegas, and many talented players are participating to represent their country in the games. Ingram wants to be the star amongst stars on this team.
"Personally, I want to be the best player on the floor every time I step on the floor. I know it's a process for me.......but over time you learn each day, and eventually it comes full circle", Ingram said during a recent interview.
The current roster includes Defensive Player of the Year Jaren Jackson Jr., All-Star Anthony Edwards, and Rookie of the Year Paolo Banchero. Ingram named an All-Star in 2020, averaged the most points of anyone on the roster last season. He also averaged a career-high in assists (5.8), showing an expansion in his offensive game to make players around him better.
Former teammate Devonte' Graham recently talked about just how good of a player Ingram is. Speaking with Theo Pinson on the Run Your Race Podcast, Graham praised B.I.'s ability on the offensive end. "B.I. is elite. He doesn't see nobody when he pulls up to shoot. His passing, he makes everybody better. Scoring, effortless."
Apr 9, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram (14) controls the ball as Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (1) defends during the second quarter at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
Team USA has not won the FIBA Cup since 2014. The team placed a distant seventh place in the last tournament held in 2019. They look to redeem themselves by getting back where they feel they rightfully deserve.
Similarly, Ingram feels a bit on a redemption track himself. Injuries have decreased his time on the court dramatically these past few seasons. He's missed 64 combined games the past two years and has not played more than 62 games in a year since his rookie season.
A strong showing on the world stage could propel Ingram for continued success when the Pelicans season starts in the fall. The FIBA World Cup starts Aug. 25 through the championship game on Sept. 10.
