ESSEN, Germany, July 16 (Xinhua) -- The United States is set to compete at the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU World University Games as serious title potential contenders in basketball.

Both the women's and men's squads contain talent from the U.S. college basketball system -- featuring top level players, who are eager to make a strong statement in Essen and Hagen.

For the women's competition, Team USA will be represented by the Texas Tech University, which is playing the Big 12 Conference under the guidance of the seasoned coach Krista Gerlich. The Lady Raiders are a team known for its scoring ability and athleticism.

Offensive versatility comes from standout players Silentianna "Snudda" Collins and Jalynn Bristow. In the zone, the team will rely on Jada Malone and guest player Deyona Gaston, while Denae Fritz and Sidney Love are expected to provide defensive stability and long-range shooting.

Gerlich is well aware of what lies ahead, especially with the opening pool game against host nation Germany on July 18 at the Grugahalle in Essen, but it seems that's not something bothering for her.

"We think it's an incredible opportunity (versus Germany). There's no doubt that it's going to bring a lot of excitement for us as well, because we're taking it as a compliment," said Gerlich on Wednesday.

"You know they wanted to play somebody that maybe can get a big crowd and garner some excitement for the tournament.

"We have a lot of hostile crowds that we play in front of during the Big 12 Conference. And I think that's going to prepare us for what we're going to see on the (July) 18th. But we're excited about the opportunity. Anything that draws attention to women's basketball, I think, is incredible."

The U.S. women's team is aiming for its first FISU gold since 2015 and with the talent on hand, they have the reason to be confident of reaching the podium.

The U.S. men's team is being formed by players of the Baylor University -- one of the premier programs in American college basketball. Baylor is widely regarded as talent scouting ground for the NBA, as evidenced by this year's draft: VJ Edgecombe, one of the Bears' star players, was selected third overall by the Philadelphia 76ers.

For the World University Games, the Baylor Bears are bringing standout names to Germany. At the center of attention is Andre Iguodala II, son of the four-time NBA champion and 2012 Olympic gold medalist, Andre Iguodala. The young wing player has big shoes to fill and is recognized for his technical skills, athleticism, and his high-level basketball.

Also on the roster is Tounde Yessoufou -- a highly promising forward already projected as a potential first-round pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. With this combination of talent and future potential, the U.S. men's team, which finished as bronze medalists at Chengdu Universiade two years ago, is poised to make a major impact in the Games.

Men's team coach Scott Drew downplayed America's prospect to be the tournament's top contender on Wednesday.

"What the coach answers were more concerned with what we do right now. And until we get into scouting other teams, it's hard to really project, because I don't even know the rosters of the other teams yet so it could be anybody up there. We just hope it's us," said Drew.

"Anytime you represent your country, there's pressure. I think it gives us another opportunity to build a team bond. This is something that not everybody gets to do. In that sense, our team was chosen to do it. It's another opportunity for us to grow as a team." ■