Australian NBA draft pick Dante Exum has several goals at the basketball World Cup but meeting the expectations of others isn't one of them.
The tournament, starting this weekend, will give fans a closer look at the exciting 19-year-old who was selected by Utah Jazz as fifth pick in this year's NBA draft.
Like the rest of his Boomers teammates, Exum has his sights set on the nation's first World Cup medal in Spain while he's also hoping to force his way into coach Andrej Lemanis' starting side.
But Exum is not at all concerned about living up to external hype.
"I just go into each game knowing the game plan that Andrej's set and knowing what I can do," Exum said ahead of Australia's opening clash with Slovenia in Gran Canaria on Saturday (Sunday AM AEST).
"I'm not trying to live up to anyone's expectations.
"I'm just here to play my game and do all I can for the team to win."
Exum has been used sparingly by Lemanis in the Boomers' impressive build-up campaign, mostly coming off the bench as an impact player.
With Cleveland Cavaliers' Matthew Dellavedova and Besiktas' Ryan Broekhoff set to start in the guard positions that looks likely to continue, though Exum would like to apply some pressure for a starting berth.
"It's something that hasn't happened to me much before, coming off the bench," Exum said.
"But I've adjusted well to it and learning to get that second wind coming off the bench has been good for me.
"It kind of gives me an opportunity, once I come on, to take over and try and build on the pressure the starters have put on.
"I like either way (starting or coming off the bench) because nothing's given. I want to work for the position."
Lemanis believes Exum's pace and youth will be critical as Australia look to hit their opponents quickly on the counter.
The coach also backed the teenager to handle the inevitable scrutiny that came with being a first-round draft pick, revealing most of the pressure came from within.
"I think his expectations of himself are greater than anyone else's on him," Lemanis said.
"He's someone who cares about the game and cares about his performances which is good.
"We've been working with him ensuring that he doesn't let that weigh on him too much."
Australia will play five games over six days during the preliminary round, where they'll also meet Korea, Lithuania, Mexico and Angola.
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