Brandon Ingram commits to Team USA for FIBA Basketball World Cup

NEW ORLEANS -- New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram is set to represent the United States in international competition for the first time in his career, joining Team USA for this summer's FIBA Basketball World Cup in the Philippines, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.

Ingram, who has spent seven seasons in the NBA, will be joining a Team USA roster that also reportedly includes Memphis Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson, Jr., among others. The final 12-man roster is yet to be confirmed.

The upcoming World Cup championship games are scheduled to begin on August 25 in Manila. Team USA's training camp is set to start on August 3, with an exhibition game against Puerto Rico slated for August 4.

The announcement of Ingram's participation comes following a season marred by injury for the forward. Despite appearing in only 45 games - his lowest tally since entering the league - Ingram managed to post career-high averages of 24.7 points and 5.8 assists per game, in addition to 5.5 rebounds per contest.

The Pelicans were ousted from the NBA Play-In Tournament by the Oklahoma City Thunder, concluding a challenging season for the team. However, Ingram's commitment to Team USA is a promising sign of his recovery from the toe and ankle injuries that limited his play during the regular season.

Team USA finished in 7th place at the 2019 World Cup, with the Spanish National Team emerging as champions. This summer's competition will offer a chance for redemption, as the squad aims to return to the top of the international basketball scene.

Brandon Ingram, hailing from Kinston, North Carolina, continues to make his hometown proud as he elevates his game on the world stage.