Which Country does Mikel Bridges Play for?

Playing for the country is every athlete's dream. Representing the national side on the international level and competing for the silverware gives any athlete immense pride. Mikal Bridges is not an exception. The talented forward for the Brooklyn Nets is a rising star in the NBA. He is known for his tenacious defense and improving offensive game. While playing for his country, Mikel Bridges is expected to deliver similar performances on the hardwood.

While playing in the NBA for 2 teams in 6 seasons, Mikel Bridges is considered one of the top young talents in the league. National teams are always on the hunt for developed stars, who could close the gap between championship contenders and champion teams. Let us check on which team will Mikel Bridges represent in the upcoming FIBA event.

Country Mikel Bridges will play in the FIBA 2023 world cup

As a player born and raised in the United States, Bridges represents the country on the international stage as well. we will dive deep explore Mikal Bridges' nationality, his basketball career, and his association with Team USA.

Nationality and Background

Mikal Bridges was born on August 30, 1996, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States. As a result of his birth in the United States, he is an American citizen by birthright. Bridges' nationality reflects the diverse talent pool that the United States offers to the NBA and the global basketball community.

Early Years and College Success

Mikal Bridges had a basketball background as his father played collegiately at Alcorn State University, fostering Mikal's love for the game. In his early days, Bridges attended Great Valley High School. During his college years with the Wildcats, Bridges demonstrated consistent growth and development, both as an individual player and as a vital cog in Villanova’s success. He played for three seasons with the team winning 2 NCCA titles in the process.

As a junior in the 2017-2018 season, Bridges played a pivotal role in guiding Villanova to its second NCAA championship in three years. His versatility on both ends of the floor and clutch performances earned him numerous accolades, further cementing his status as one of the top prospects entering the NBA Draft.

NBA Career and Team USA Representation

After a successful college career, Mikel Bridges was drafted to NBA in the 2018 NBA draft. He was selected as the 10th overall pick by the Philadelphia 76ers. But later he was traded to Phoenix Suns which proved beneficial for Bridges’ gameplay.

Defensively intact Mikel Bridges has grown as an offensive star during his stay at the Suns. He even made it to the NBA finals once in his short career. After being traded to the Brooklyn Nets in the mid-2023 season, Bridges quickly became the face of the franchise and remained competitive on both ends of the floor.

The move at the development age proved very critical for Bridges’ performances. He had his career-best regular season with the Nets earning him a national team selection for the FIBA 2023 World Cup. Bridges' skill set and impact on both ends of the floor caught the attention of Team USA scouts. His defensive prowess and versatility made him an attractive candidate for the USA Basketball Men's National Team.

Mikal Bridges was invited to participate in the USA Basketball Men's National Team training camps and competitions. Ideally, these camps serve as a platform for the top American players to showcase their talents and potentially earn a spot on the national team roster for major international tournaments.

Born and raised in the United States, Bridges' nationality aligns with the country's rich basketball tradition and exceptional talent pool. NBA has always provided well-developed stars to the national side, who delivered many gold medals in their playing career. While Mikal Bridges had not yet participated in major international tournaments for Team USA his future in representing the United States on the global basketball stage remains bright.